Mrs. Paul Mellons property brought in an exceptional $218.1
Million to total the series of sales at Sothebys Auction House. The
three-day interiors auction finished the series more than doubling
the expectations to achieve $14.3 million. Mrs. Mellons discerning
eye was seen through the fine art, furniture, porcelain, silver,
glassware, and decorations offered from her residences.
Among the most highly anticipated sales from a legendary family
collection the total sales more than doubled its $100 million
presale estimate. An outstanding 98.1% of Mrs. Mellons lots were
sold. All proceeds of the auction will go to maintain and fund the
Oak Spring Garden Library, benefiting the Gerard B. Lambert
Foundation founded by Mrs. Mellon in memory of her father.
The first auction held on November 10 was from the Collection of
Mrs. Mellon, Masterworks, and achieved $158.7 million. This auction
was led by two paintings both by Mark Rothko:
Untitled from 1970 achieved an outstanding $39,925,000 doubling
its presale estimate of $15/20 million. Untitled (Yellow, Orange,
Yellow, Light Orange) from 1955, surpassed its presale estimate of
$20/30 million bringing in $36,565,000. Both of these pieces
exceeding expectations and were part of Mellons collections for
more than four decades.
Jewelry and Objects of Vertu from Mrs. Mellons collection were
on auction for two days including the Magnificent and Rare Fancy
Vivid Blue Diamond. This blue diamond set a new record price for
both any blue diamond and price-per-carat selling for $32.6
million.
More Information: Sotheby’s