Boris O’Klein, Dirty Dogs of Paris Original Signed Etchings Framed
Purchase Price: $.60
List Price: Up to $250/piece
Sold Price: n/a - kept for personal collection
Potential Profit: $499.40
Actual Profit: n/a
The Thrill of Discovery: Unearthing Hidden Treasures in Auction Lots
Sometimes, the most extraordinary treasures are found in the most unexpected places. This is a story of one such serendipitous discovery that unfolded from an online auction lot, highlighting the sheer excitement and wonder that keeps antique enthusiasts and collectors coming back for more.
A Timed Auction Gamble
Our adventure begins with a timed online auction - a platform where every second counts and each bid is a step into the unknown. Drawn by a collection of vintage cameras and binoculars, we placed our bid, hopeful yet unaware of the hidden gem that lay within.
Upon winning the lot and bringing it home, the real journey began. Sifting through the miscellany of theatre programs and bills, two modest poster tubes emerged. These unassuming containers held within them a remarkable piece of art history: two authentic 1960s lithographs by Boris O'Klein, famously known for his "Dirty Dogs of Paris" series.
Boris O'Klein: The Artist and His Work
Boris O'Klein, a Franco-Russian artist, is celebrated for his unique blend of humor and artistry. His "Dirty Dogs of Paris" series, created in the mid-20th century, became an iconic symbol of Parisian life and humor. These whimsical and slightly risqué pieces depict dogs in various human-like scenarios on the streets of Paris, each scene bursting with character and a cheeky sense of mischief.
O'Klein's work is more than just humorous sketches; it's a playful commentary on the social dynamics of its time. The series captures a Paris that is both timeless and evocative, a city known for its love of art, romance, and a little bit of rebellion. The "Dirty Dogs of Paris" are not just art; they are storytelling through illustration, a snapshot of a Parisian era that continues to captivate.
To the delight of collectors, each lithograph bears O'Klein's signature, a stamp of authenticity, and a connection to the artist's own hand. These pieces are not just valuable because of their monetary worth - appraised at around $350 each - but for their rarity and the joy they bring to those who appreciate the quirky side of art history.
A Personal Treasure
While many finds are resold or traded, these lithographs found a permanent home in our personal collection. Framed and displayed, they serve as a constant reminder of the thrill of discovery and the stories that antiques carry with them. Each glance at these "Dirty Dogs" is a trip back to a whimsical, bygone Paris, and a nod to the artist who brought them to life.
This experience underscores the allure of antique hunting and the thrill of auctions. It's not just about the items you expect to find; it's about the surprises, the hidden gems that you unearth along the way. The excitement lies in the unpredictability, in the prospect of uncovering a piece of history that was once treasured, lost, and now found again.
The discovery of Boris O'Klein's lithographs in an unexpected auction lot is a testament to the magic of the antique world. It's a realm where history, art, and culture converge, where each item has a story to tell, and where the thrill of discovery is always just a bid away. For collectors and enthusiasts alike, it's these moments of surprise and delight that fuel the passion for the hunt, reminding us that sometimes the most valuable treasures are hidden in plain sight, waiting to be rediscovered and cherished once more.
