This month’s auctions brought luxe jewelry to the fore as well as paintings from Matisse and Maik.
The Potomack Company
A Panoramic View of Pilgrims Visiting Holy Sites at the Shivalik Hills Near Sirmaur
Estimate: $50,000-$70,000
Sold for: $114,000
This opaque watercolor on paper is heightened with gold and silver. Verso dated by inscription to 1824 and the Verso gallery label reads: “Doris Wiener Gallery; verso dated: 1881 (Vikrama Samvat Era) in Devanagari.
Bonhams
An 18K White Gold and Diamond Ring
Sold for: $239,775, inc. premium
This marquise-shaped diamond weighing 6.09 carats is accented by two rows of round diamonds with additional round diamonds along the shanks of the ring, all weighing about 4.3 carats. The ring was part of the “California Jewels” auction, and was held in philanthropist Peggy Cravens’ collection. Cravens was a stylish arts maven who donated much of her time and money to arts organizations. Her collection boasts the likes of Tiffany, Gucci, Cartier and Chanel.
Doyle
Pair of Antique Silver, Gold and Diamond Earrings
Estimate: $8,000-$12,000
Sold for: $20,160
A pair of antique silver, gold and diamond earrings sold for almost twice the estimate. They were from the estate of Laura Osinoff, executive director for the National Institute for the Psychotherapies.
Christie’s
Estimate : $80,000-$120,000
Sold for : $138,600
This Henri Matisse (1869-1954) self-portrait drawn in 1927 with pen and India ink on paper is stamped with Matisse’s initials in the upper left corner.
Hindman
Henri Hecht Maik “Cheetah,” 1978
Estimate: $1,000-$1,500
Sold for: $22,680
Part of a Palm Beach Fine Art auction, this Henri Hecht Maik (1922-1993) sold for around 15 times its estimate. The colorful oil on canvas is a bright and interesting painting from the artist whose work is variously described as familiar and strange, childlike and sophisticated, and quiet and vocal with color.
