Milford, CT, USA, November 15, 2023 — American paintings drove strong results in Shannon’s Fall Fine Art auction held October 26th. The 153-lot sale was nearly 90 percent sold and grossed $3 million. Fresh-to-the-market consignments attracted interest from across the country and internationally.
The top lot in the sale was a 64-inch by 51-inch painting by American Impressionist Frederick Carl Frieseke. Consigned by the Art Institute of Chicago, this life-size painting depicted a Lady Trying on a Hat. Painted in soft pastel tones, reminiscent of French Impressionism, the painting was one of the artist’s masterpieces from the early 20th century.
Frieseke spent every summer after 1905 in Giverny, France, where he became known for his Impressionist palette and his portraits of women. Although influenced by Renoir and Monet, Frieseke developed his own unique style that echoed Post-Impressionist masters as well. This impressive canvas exceeded its high estimate, selling for $450,000 to a private Florida collection.
Shannon’s never fails to offer the highest quality 19th century American paintings and the Fall sale was no exception. The auction included a rare painting by Thomas Cole, a founder of the Hudson River School. The 10-inch by 15-inch painting of Mount Chocorua in the White Mountains sold at the high estimate of $150,000 to a private collector. The small, jewel-like painting had soft pink light glowing from behind the mountain and rich details in the foreground.
The full results of the sale can be viewed on shannons.com. All of the reported prices include the buyer’s premium. Shannon’s accepts consignments year-round. They will host an online auction in January followed by a Spring auction with a full-color catalog. To inquire about a possible consignment or to sign up for their mailing list, please visit www.shannons.com.
