John Brewster Jr art brings six times its estimate in New York

Christie's Interiors auction in New York offered everything the discerning collector could possibly need to decorate their home, last week (June 24-25).

Divided into three sections - fine arts, furnishings and decorative objects - the sale netted a total of $1,825,644, with 94% sold by lot and 91% sold by value.

Starring among the fine art pieces was a portrait of a boy holding a book attributed to the American artist, John Brewster Jr (1766-1854).


A portrait of a boy holding a book, attributed to the American artist,
John Brewster Jr

Brewster was a prolific itinerant painter who produced charming portraits of well-off American subjects. He also happened to be deaf, and his disability enhanced the visual qualities of his works.

Measuring 25 x 21 inches, the oil on canvas far exceeded its $8,000-12,000 estimate, commanding a final price of $60,000.

Elsewhere, among a variety of unique furnishings on offer was a stainless steel cabinet, possibly by Jansen, circa 1970.


A stainless steel cabinet, possibly by Jansen, circa 1970

Measuring 26½ inches high, 43½ inches wide and 20½ inches deep, the classic piece of retro-futurist art deco sold for way above its $3,000 pre-sale value, eventually bringing $18,750.

Finally, top lot among the auctions decorative objects was this pair of Chinese blue and white porcelain candlestands from the 18th-19th century.

Measuring 8¾ inches high, each restored and offered without reserve, the candles auctioned with a pre-sale value of $1,500. They eventually sold for $27,500.


A pair of Chinese 18th-19th century blue and white porcelain candlestands

"We are happy to report strong results across multiple categories today, with fine art, porcelain, silver, and decorative objects all yielding top prices, said Ginette Lospinoso, Head of Interiors at Christie's New York.

"Buyers snapped up every item of silver, glass, ceramics, and Chinese export porcelain offered, with many prices soaring well beyond their estimates.

"Online bidding in this sale was particularly active, with nearly half of all lots sold to or directly underbid by clients using our online bidding platform," she said.

 

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