ELLE DECOR A-List designer Ken Fulk has joined forces with Sotheby’s for its second chapter of Visions of America auction series, a week-long event comprising seven live and online auctions showcasing over 500 works this week in New York.
Fulk has curated an edit of 21 works that span more than 400 years of history. Each item highlights the cultural and artistic legacy of America, showcasing the heights of American craftsmanship. «As someone who shops for a living, I’m constantly on the lookout for things that resonate with me—objects that speak to a larger narrative, whether it’s through beauty, history, or the emotions they evoke,» Fulk tells ELLE DECOR. «I don’t typically shop with a specific project in mind, but rather with a sense of curiosity and a love for things that truly captivate me.» That same instinct, he says, guided his curation for this collection.
The collection includes 10 paintings, including a 19th-century oil on canvas depiction of hummingbirds, and gold and purple orchids by Martin Johnson Heade that’s likely to bring in between $1.2 and $1.8 million.
There’s an Eanger Irving Couse painting of an indian chief starting at $80,000. «Like so many artists and writers drawn to the American West at the turn of the 19th century, Couse wanted to capture something real that felt in danger of disappearance,» he explains. «As much as I embrace change and innovation, I recognize the importance of protecting our stories and our history.»
There’s also a portrait by Micah Williams of a woman in a blue dress, which Fulk says is his favorite item. «She looks like she is passing judgement while also holding a very special secret of her own,» he says. «It’s less about the provenance but simply the fact that she just makes me smile.»
A portrait byt Micah Williams titled «Lady in a Blue Dress»
Of course, Fulk wouldn’t gather a selection of items defining American craftsmanship without bringing in furniture. He’s chosen a brown-painted “Nantucket” low Windsor armchair from the late 1700s. There’s also a rare 1820 Federal polychrome corner cupboard that appears to retain its original painted surface, estimated to sell for $25,000 to $35,000. «It’s modern yet primitive, perfectly functional and yet a true showstopper,» Fulk remarks.
But the collection’s crowning gems are the various pieces of silver serverware, created by American silversmith Paul Revere II, the son of the Boston folk hero made famous for his midnight ride during the American Revolution. This teapot, on the block with a low estimate of $150,000 was made in the neoclassical style (its sister piece, a tea urn, is currently in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art). There’s also a silver coffee pot, a punch bowl, and a helmet form creamer.
«Each artifact tells a story, not just about its creator or era, but about how we, as a society, can celebrate the fact that we are constantly in dialogue with the past to inform our future,» Fulk explains. «Walking into a space filled with such objects is an experience that goes beyond mere visual enjoyment; it enriches the atmosphere and invites reflection.»
A series of silver serverware created by American silversmith Paul Revere II (the son of that Revere) will be on the block with a low estimate of $150,000.
“Ken Fulk brings a unique perspective that blends history with modern sensibilities. His curation reflects his deep appreciation for Americana, storytelling, and innovation,” says Erik Gronning, Sotheby’s head of Americana. “By combining historical significance with contemporary relevance, Fulk demonstrates that American art is a dynamic, forward-thinking narrative.”
It’s been a busy year for Fulk, who opened a brick-and-mortar store in Los Angeles last November. It’s yet another extension of his legendary design eye, as seen in his countless interior projects including a cinematically magical hacienda, a weathered Provincetown Victorian cottage made new again, and a bubblegum pink Bay area retreat.
This week-long event, the second annual edition of Visions of America, features auctions, exhibitions, and immersive experiences for the public to enjoy. “This year’s sales invite reflection on how American art continues to shape global trends and inspire creativity, fostering a renewed sense of pride in America’s contributions to the world of art and design,” Gronning adds.
Rachel Silva is the associate digital editor at ELLE DECOR, where she covers all things design, architecture, and lifestyle. She also oversees the publication’s feature article coverage, and is, at any moment, knee-deep in an investigation on everything from the best spa gifts to the best faux florals on the internet right now. She has more than 16 years of experience in editorial, working as a photo assignment editor at Time and acting as the president of Women in Media in NYC. She went to Columbia Journalism School, and her work has been nominated for awards from ASME, the Society of Publication Designers, and World Press Photo.
