I first became aware of Huguette Clark while reading her obituary in the New York Times. It had me quite intrigued to say the least. The life she had, with all the money left to her, as well as homes, seemed very sad. After the obituary was posted in 2011, so much has been talked about this heiress. I had the chance to view her jewels auction at Christie's, one of the world's best auction houses, and it was mind blowing. You can check out my post HERE from that auction. I missed the auction of her paintings, but am glad to be viewing this Clark Family Treasures tomorrow in the city. Here is some information on the auction:
DICKENS, CHARLES (1812-1870). DAVID COPPERFIELD. LONDON: BRADBURY AND EVANS, MAY 1849-NOVEMBER 1850
ESTIMATE $20,000 TO $30,000 US DOLLARS
New York – Christie's is honored to announce early highlights and international tour dates for the upcoming sales of property from the Clark Family Collection. As one of the nation’s wealthiest men at the turn of the 20th century, William Andrews (W.A.) Clark’s (1839-1925) name is synonymous with American aspiration, having built a successful personal empire in multiple industries, most notably copper mining. His vast wealth allowed him to pursue a lifelong passion for art and culture that he shared with his wife and daughters, who expanded the family collection over the decades. In Senator W.A. Clark Anna and W.A. Clark total, over 400 items, including fine art, musical instruments, Gilded Age furnishings, decorative arts, and rare books collected by two generations of the Clark family will be offered for sale at Christie’s this spring, opening a new chapter in the story of one of the cornerstone dynasties of the Industrial Age in America.
A FRENCH ORMOLU-MOUNTED TULIPWOOD, SATINE, SYCAMORE, FRUITWOOD MARQUETRY AND PARQUETRY DRESSING TABLE
ATTRIBUTED TO MAISON KRIEGER, PARIS, LATE 19TH CENTURY
ESTIMATE $30,000 TO $50,000 US DOLLARS
Four masterworks by Claude Monet and Pierre-Auguste Renoir will be presented in the Evening Sale of Impressionist & Modern Art at Christie’s New York on May 6, followed by a dedicated sale titled An American Dynasty: The Clark Family Treasures on June 18. Highlights of the collection will be shared with the public through a series of preview exhibitions around the globe in the coming weeks, beginning with an unveiling of the Impressionist and Modern works at Christie’s London that runs through February 4, 2014. The total collection is expected to realize in excess of $50 million.
A Claude Monet painting of water lilies sold for 24 million in May of this year, falling a bit short of the estimate of 25 to 35 million dollars. The 1907 painting, titled "Nympheas," was sold at a Christie's auction to an unidentified private buyer from Asia.
NICOLO GAGLIANO
A CHILD'S VIOLIN, NAPLES, CIRCA 1752
ESTIMATE $20,000 TO $40,000 US DOLLARS
This auction should be just amazing. I am such a huge fan of the Gilded Age, and her story is one that is very interesting, yet sad. To think she was so alone, with all the monetary items she needed, is just very somber. So many wonder if she was in her right mind, and if the folks who she was dealing with such as her lawyer and accountant were directing her moves. There are 2 current books on the subject, which are now in my Nook to be read (time is something I need more of) Empty Mansions and The Phantom of Fifth Avenue, which I think should be very good reads. I am a fan of Barnes and Noble myself, do not earn anything if you purchase these via the links, just like to have them around a bit longer. To think one of her homes was empty for 60 years, a french chateau, which recently sold for 14 million, is just unreal. I hope this lady is finally at peace, with her parents and her older sister who died at the young age of 16 from meningitis, and maybe evening smiling.
Please be sure to follow me on Instagram for some photos of the preview tomorrow and I will be doing a post on my viewing as well. Such a fascinating story. For someone who really didn't care for history in school, I have quite a fondness for it as an adult. I think when I can actually see and touch items that were made in 1752, it makes it more real. I think if they made a movie of Ms. Clark's life, it would hold many folks interest, mine for sure!
My photo of Hugette M Clark from the jewel auction at Christie's
Today's Words of Wisdom: ”What is the chief end of man?–to get rich. In what way?–dishonestly if we can; honestly if we must.” – Mark Twain-1871
The term ‘Gilded Age’ was coined by Mark Twain and Charles Dudley Warner in their 1873 book, The Gilded Age: A Tale of Today. The name refers to the process of gilding an object with a superficial layer of gold and is meant to make fun of ostentatious display while playing on the term golden age.
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