American Art had strong results on 19 January 2023. In total, the two sales achieved $8,899,254. From Peale to Peto: American Masters from the Pollack Collection achieved a total of $2,701,944, with 94% sold by lot, and 156% by low estimate. 19th Century American Art achieved a total of $6,197,310, with 92% sold by lot and 123% by low estimate.
Charles Peale Polk’s George Washington led From Peale to Peto with a price realized of $630,000. Other highlights of this sale were also by the Peale family: Raphaelle Peale, Sarah Miriam Peale, and James Peale. Raphaelle Peale’s Currants and Biscuits sold for $352,800, Sarah Miriam Peale’s Watermelon for $277,200, and James Peale’s Fruits of Autumn for $189,000.
The 19th Century American Art sale had the top lot of the two American art sales: Martin Johnson Heade’s Fighting Hummingbirds with Pink Orchid. The painting had a price realized of $945,000. Another notable work is A Thrilling Moment by John George Brown, which realized $819,000, more than four times its low estimate. Frederic Remington’s Broncho Buster sold for $478,800, Winslow Homer’s Fallen Tree with Minks for $277,200, and James McNeill Whistler’s Howth Head, Near Dublin for $239,400.
Tylee Abbott, Head of American Art, Christie’s said: “We were thrilled to see two sales of rare and important works, fresh to the market, and carrying thoughtful estimates, produce such strong results. There was intense interest throughout the day, with many longstanding collectors taking part, as well as institutions, and an influx of new collectors many of whom participated via the Internet. Christie’s is proud to have achieved a number of record prices including, a record for the first professional woman artist in America, Sarah Miriam Peale; a record for Titian Ramsey Peale; and a record for John George Brown’s masterpiece, ‘A Thrilling Moment.’”
Image: MARTIN JOHNSON HEADE (1819-1904) Fighting Hummingbirds with Pink Orchid
