Among the highlights of recent auction results were the sale of a pair of National Park posters, a signed sketch of a dress worn by Grace Kelly and a portolan (nautical) chart of the Mediterranean.
Bonhams
Two National Park Posters
Sold for: $1,408
Two National Park posters, both framed color lithographs, sold for over $1,000. One, from 1935, features Bryce Canyon National Park. The other, from 1934, “National Park Year,” reads: “Visit Your Far West National Parks, U.S.A. – Canada.” Their overall condition was classified as good to fair.
The Potomack Company
“Pueblo Woman” by Catharine Carter Critcher
Estimate: $30,000–$50,000
Sold for: $105,000
This signed, undated, oil-on-canvas portrait by American artist Catharine Carter Critcher (1868-1964) sold for over twice its estimated value. A native of Westmoreland County, Virginia, Critcher became the only elected woman member of the Taos Society of Artists in 1924. She was also a longtime member of the Arts Club of Washington.
Doyle
Signed Sketch of Dress Worn by Grace Kelly in “To Catch a Thief”
Estimate: $5,000–$8,000
Sold for: $12,800
This original sketch depicts a dress worn by actress Grace Kelly in the 1955 Paramount Pictures film “To Catch a Thief.” The sketch, done in gouache, pencil and ink with added white, is signed “Edith Head,” Paramount’s legendary costume designer, with “for Grace Kelly” in ink at lower left. There are also pencil notes that read: “#8, test? Add cape?”
Freemans | Hindman
Oliva, Joan: Portolan Chart of the Mediterranean
Estimate: $20,000–$30,000
Sold for: $152,400
This rare nautical chart of the Mediterranean is one of only four extant works by cartographer Joan Oliva, and the only one from this time period still privately owned. On vellum, the manuscript is illuminated with red, blue, green and sepia inks. An inscription in the upper left-hand corner reads: “Joannes Oliva fecit in Civitate Marsilier ano domini 1615.”
Christie’s
Ruby and Diamond Ring
Estimate: $20,000–$30,000
Sold for: $37,800
On this platinum ring, U.S. size 6 ¼, a 5.17-carat cushion mixed-cut ruby is framed by approximately 66 round and two tapered pentagon-shaped diamonds with a total weight of 1.25 to 1.50 carats.
