The lot which stole the show was the $1,773,492 sale of seven outstanding sketches made by French artist Jean-Francois de Troy. They were commissioned and produced for the Gobelins tapestry manufactory in 1736, and have since been part of a Parisian collection.
 Jean-Francois de Troy's epic works sold for $1,773,492 |
Also selling for more than $1m was Simon de Myle's amazing painting of Noah's Ark on Mount Ararat, which cruised past its estimate of $431,000-574,000 to eventually sell for $1,574,000.
Quite incredibly, it is the only work de Myle signed, and so is the sole piece which is known to have definitely been produced by him. He created it in 1570, and it is dominated by typical Flemish techniques, along with a smattering of classic Italian influences.
It exceptional quality and unique provenance mean it was always likely to sell higher than its modest estimate and spark a battle between bidders.
Clearly the arts market is in fine fettle at the moment, as many other works sold for many times their estimate, which will have delighted investors.
 This work, of a young girl drinking wine, surpassed its estimate easily |
For example, Cornelis Pietersz Bega's work, young girl having a glass of wine, smashed its guide price of between $43,000-57,400 to sell for $395,418, almost eight times higher than that estimate.
In total the sale successfully brought in $10.9m, proving that there is still a strong passion among collectors and fine art investors for Old Master paintings.
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