Our last auction block of the year includes a Matisse painting, Tahitian pearl necklace, cabinet plates, a photograph by Ruth Orkin and nine loose diamonds that sold for well over their estimated price.
Doyle
Set of Two Meissen Gilt-Decorated Reticulated Procelain Pate-Sur-Pate Cabinet Plates
Estimate: $800-$1,200
Sold for: $10,080
These late 19th century/early 20th century plates are decorated with a scene showing a young Cupid whispering to a young girl (or perhaps a young Psyche, the Greek goddess of the soul). There is also a young girl with a spool of thread in white slip or enamel. The depiction is against a vibrant cobalt blue colored background. The plates’ diameter is 9 1/8 inches.
Christie’s
Grand Paysage aux Arbres by Henri Matisse
Estimate : $300,000-$500,000
Sold for : $693,000
This property from a member of the Matisse family was auctioned in early November. It sold for over $100,000 more than the original estimated price. The work is confirmed as authentic by Georges Matisse.
Bonhams
Tahitian Pearl Necklace
Sold for: $6,400
From one of Bonhams’ Fine Jewelry Collections, this necklace is composed of 31 cultured pearls ranging in size from 12 to 15 mm. It is accented with an 18k white gold and full-cut diamond boule clasp. The necklace length is 17 ¾ inches.
Hindman
“American Girl in Florence, Italy, 1951” by Ruth Orkin
Estimate: $10,000-$15,000
Sold for: $18,900
This piece by photographer Ruth Orkin (1921-1985) is a gelatin silver print, mounted on board and printed in the early 1980s. It is accompanied by a letter of authentication, signed by Estate Executor Mary Engel.
Weschler’s
Nine Loose Round Brilliant-Cut Diamonds
Estimate: $100-$200
Sold for: $1,500
The diamonds are good quality, well-matched stones. Weschler’s Auctions reports their average color as H-K and clarity as VS-SI1. The diamonds were part of Weschler’s “Metro Online” auction from late November.
