Press Release
A polished aluminum kinetic sculpture by Lin Emery (American/La., 1926-2021); a vibrant oil on canvas painting by Nicola Simbari (Italian, 1927-2012); and a pair of rare Meissen “Schneeballen” covered baluster vases are just a few of the expected top lots in Crescent City Auction Gallery’s Summer Estates Auction slated for July 18-19, live and online.
The sale consists of 617 lots, pulled from prominent estates and collections throughout the South. Featured will be property from the estate of Joseph (Joe) Berrigan III (1955-2025), the esteemed Royal Street, New Orleans antiquarian dealer who passed away in May at age 69; the private collection of a local New Orleans antiquarian; and other fine items from local luminaries.
The untitled (possible Fold Study) polished aluminum kinetic sculpture by Lin Emery carries a pre-sale estimate of $10,000-$20,000, making it the odds-on favorite to be the auction’s top lot. Ms. Emery was an American visual artist based in New Orleans best known for her large-scale wind-powered kinetic sculptures and public artworks inspired by the forces of nature. The larger “Fold” sculpture was in the 2013-2014 New Orleans Museum of Art exhibition. Her work can be seen in numerous institutions around the world, including the New Orleans Museum of Art Sculpture Garden.
The oil on canvas painting by Nicola Simbari, titled Sunflowers (1965), is expected to finish at $3,000-$6,000. Simbari is considered by many to be Italy’s most important modern artist. Using stunning colors and favoring brilliant tones, he painted with a palette knife and achieved great depth with this technique. His paintings can be found in museums and collections worldwide.
For more information regarding Crescent City Auction Gallery and the two-day Summer Estates Auction planned for Friday and Saturday, July 18th and 19th, beginning at 10am Central Time both days, please visit www.crescentcityauctiongallery.com. Updates are posted frequently.









