Christie’s Important Americana Totals $4,535,244

A large and varied sale of Important Americana, ranging from folk portraits to fine furniture, to silver, Chinese Porcelain and more, attracted enthusiastic bidding from private clients and institutions alike, totalling $4,535,244, 107% of the low estimate. The top lot was an early 19th Century American School Portrait of Two Girls that achieved $945,000, or 19 times its low estimate with competition from bidders across the United States and beyond.

Other highlights include Gilbert Stuart’s portrait of George Washington, painted from life in 1796; a Chippendale Figured Maple Child’s Slant-Front Desk, attributed to John Chipman of Salem, Massachusetts; a classical ebonized mahogany and ormolu-mounted “Lighthouse” Timepiece Clock; and a silver and mixed-metal Tiffany Water Pitcher, circa 1879.

“Today’s sale was evidence of the continuing strength of this market. We brought together an important group of pieces in a wide range of categories, and the excellent results we saw were a testament to the quality of works offered and robust competition from collectors. We were especially pleased to see vigorous bidding from institutions across the United States, which are clearly interested in expanding their Americana holdings.”

Cara Zimmerman, Head of Americana and Outsider Art

Christies

editor

Christie’s, the world's leading art business, had auction sales in the first half of 2019 that totalled £2.2 billion / $2.8 billion. Christie’s is a name and place that speaks of extraordinary art, unparalleled service and international expertise. Christie’s offers around 350 auctions annually in over 80 categories, including all areas of fine and decorative arts, jewellery, photographs, collectables, wine, and more. Prices range from $200 to over $100 million. Christie's also has a long and successful history conducting private sales for its clients in all categories, with emphasis on Post-War & Contemporary, Impressionist & Modern, Old Masters and Jewellery.