17/09/2001

Christie’s South Kensington began the auction season on the 6th of September with their sale of 19th paintings recording a sale total of 70% (total value hammered $ 694,690, € 775,190) and 20th century British paintings at 66% (total value hammered $ 343,930, € 383,750). There was little excitement however with only Portrait of Elizabeth Chomeley from the circle of Sir Peter Lely being of note, doubling its estimate and hammering at $ 10,260 (€ 11,450). The 20th century British sale saw good sales for Philip Alexius de Lazlo with his portrait of Lady Rachel Cavendish selling for $ 25,660 (€ 28,630) against an estimate of $ 7,280-10,190 (€ 9,750-13,000) and Beryl Cook’s comic Rialto Bridge, Venice making $ 16,250 (€ 18,130) twice its estimate. The day before saw Christie’s in Amsterdam recording much stronger sales in their auction of Old Master and 19th century paintings. The Amsterdam two day sale recorded a sale total of 72% (total value hammered $ 892,000, € 995,389). Strong Old Master sellers included a follower of Frans van Mieris, Woman at a feigned stone window selling for $ 13,690, (€ 15,275) (estimate $ 2,000-2,800, € 2,300-3,200) and a view of the River Ij, Amsterdam by Abraham Storck selling for $ 9,480, (€ 10,575) (estimate $ 2,400-3,200, € 2,800-3,600). In the 19th century section, a big surprise was seen for a sketchbook by Willem Tholen which sold for $ 9,480 (€ 10,575) against an estimate of $ 1,600-2,400 (€ 1,900-2,700) whilst Hermanus Kokkoek’s Summer sold twice its estimate for $ 11,580 (€ 12,925). (Andrew Moore)