Cabinet of Morbid Curiosities

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The Richard Harris Collection

On offer is a fine collection of macabre-themed artworks, as well as Renaissance prints, contemporary art, vernacular photography, contemporary photojournalism, medical and anatomical materials, and historical ephemera from wars of the last three centuries.

A preview reception for the auction will be held at Potter & Potter Auctions' gallery on Saturday, September 28th from 1:00-4:00PM. Contact Potter & Potter Auctions to rsvp. [email protected]

This Oct 2nd auction will be held live at Potter & Potter's gallery, located at 5001 W. Belmont Avenue in Chicago. It will also be live streamed on the company's website, which can be found at www.potterauctions.com. Phone and absentee bids are welcome.

According to Aron Packer, Director & Specialist, Fine & Outsider Art for Potter & Potter Auctions, "This auction is very exciting as I knew the late antiques print dealer Richard Harris (1938-2023) as a collector and patron of the arts when he was gathering his vast collection of material surrounding this broad subject. This collection ranges from Renaissance prints to contemporary art and vernacular photography to contemporary photojournalism, and also features war related art, Folk Art, ethnographica, and anatomy and medical subjects. While it is clearly a macabre offering, it rings true as a positive group of works that have plenty of humorous aspects and also compels us to examine our eventual ends."

Potter & Potter, founded in 2007, is a Chicago area auction house specializing in paper Americana, vintage advertising, rare books, playing cards, gambling memorabilia, posters, fine prints, vintage toys, and magicana - antiques and collectibles related to magic and magicians. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Highlights from this death-themed event include:

Lot #54, Luis Jimenez's (American, 1940 - 2006) Self-Portrait, is estimated at $1,000-2,000. This multi plate soft-ground etching on Arches cover white paper was produced in 1996 and is primarily rendered in black, grey, and brown hues. It is signed, dated, and numbered from an edition of 50 produced. It is framed and under Plexiglass and measures 60 x 45 3/4" overall.

Lot #144, Arma-Christi-Kreuz, Niederbayern (Arma Christi Cross, Lower Bavaria). (German, 19th century). A carved and painted wood and paper assemblage is estimated at $1,000-2,000. This exceptional, early example of religious folk art measures 32 1/2 x 15 x 6 1/4". Its well rendered details include a traditional Jesus Christ on a crucifix, praying angels or saints, a rooster, two palm trees, a clock, other figures, and various every day, turn of last century household and religious items.

Lot #205, a History Painting of the Battle of Antietam, is estimated at $400-600. This 20th century American oil on canvas work is neither signed or dated. It is laid to foam core and framed, measuring 22 x 28" overall. This Civil War battle took place on September 17, 1862 and remains the bloodiest day in American history, with a tally of 22,727 dead, wounded, or missing on both sides.