Los Angeles – Over 200 lots of prints, posters, and other historical treasures from the extensive collection of Eddi Van Auken will be presented at Bonhams from March 31 – April 9. With a never-ending curiosity about all aspects of history and provenance, Van Auken spent decades passionately researching and acquiring only the rarest, most extraordinary, and unique works for her collection. The highlight of the collection is a standout selection of Old Masters prints including an exceptional trio of etchings by Albrecht Dürer (1471-1528) and a striking engraving of Adam and Eve by Rembrandt Harmensz van Rijn (1606-1669).

Of the three works offered by Dürer in the sale, Nemesis, c. 1501, his second-largest engraving, stands among his greatest allegorical works, estimated at $60,000 – 90,000. Fine impressions of this work are held in major institutions, including the British Museum in London, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, and the Albertina in Vienna. The collection also features Dürer's Adam and Eve, 1504, one of his most celebrated engravings which is considered a masterpiece of technical precision and intellectual depth. Rich in symbolic meaning, the composition embodies duality and division: the Tree of Knowledge physically separates the figures, with Eve associated with temptation and Adam grasping the Tree of Life. It is estimated at $50,000 – 70,000.

Also on offer is Rembrandt's interpretation of The Fall of Man from 1638, a striking counterpoint to Dürer's engraving of Adam and Eve. Rembrandt's Adam and Eve presents a more grounded, almost satirical vision of the biblical narrative in contrast to Dürer's idealization of the first man and woman. Resembling an ordinary, slightly disheveled Dutch couple, the print is full of humor and complexity depicting the couple as imperfect with their expressions conveying hesitation and mischief rather than the typical solemnity. A testament to Rembrandt's mastery of etching and narrative depth, Adam and Eve is housed in major collections, including the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, the British Museum in London, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. It is estimated at $70,000 – 90,000.

An additional highlight of the collection is an interesting group of intricate silver Art Nouveau walking canes, most of which feature depictions of mythical creatures or whimsical animals. This includes an early 20th century Tiffany & Co. sterling silver cane with a satyress as well as over 50 additional canes from the late 19th and early 20th century with a range of depictions from a group of nyriads, sea nymphs from Greek Mythology to engravings of foxes and hounds.