American Antiques Smash Records at Christie’s Totaling $9.3M – Joshua Johnson’s Art Sets World Record

George Washington by Gilbert Stuart (1755 – 1828) | Christie’s

BY JEREMY BROWN

Christie’s annual auction of Important Americana in New York has exceeded all expectations, totaling an impressive $9,294,784. This figure marks a significant milestone, more than doubling last year’s total, and surpassing the low estimate by a striking 122%. With 80% of lots sold, the auction showcased the robust demand for Americana collectibles. Notably, over 25% of buyers and bidders were new to the category at Christie’s, indicating a growing interest in this niche market.

The auction, held across two live sessions on January 18 and 19, 2024, witnessed fervent bidding and achieved remarkable prices across various categories, including fine portraits, folk art, silver, Chinese export porcelain, and more. Among the standout lots were two pieces that exemplified the diversity of Americana.

Mrs. Martha Dorsey and Mary Ann Dorsey by Joshua Johnson (1763 – 1824) | Christie’s

A rare lifetime depiction of George Washington by Gilbert Stuart, one of the first President’s most renowned portraitists, fetched an impressive $2,833,000. Additionally, an intimate portrait of Mrs. Martha Dorsey and Mary Ann Dorsey by Joshua Johnson, the first known Black American professional portraitist, set a new world auction record, selling for $1,134,000.

Reflecting on the success of the sale, Americana Specialist at Christie’s, Julia Jones, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “Americana is thriving.” Jones highlighted the achievement of setting a world record for the Joshua Johnson portrait and attaining remarkable prices for other significant pieces, including Gilbert Stuart’s portrayal of George Washington and the pocket pistols owned by Alexander Hamilton, which were sold to benefit The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s acquisition fund.

Among the additional highlights of the auction were several pieces related to the Founding Fathers. These included Thomas Sully and Jane Cooper Sully’s portrait of Benjamin Franklin, descended directly from Franklin’s family, which sold for $176,400. A portrait of George Washington by Rembrandt Peale fetched $529,200, while a pair of pocket pistols belonging to Alexander Hamilton garnered $819,000.

George Washington by Rembrandt Peale (1778 – 1860) | Christie’s

The sale also saw strong interest in folk art, with notable results for works such as Ammi Phillips’ portrait of Ruth Palmer, which achieved $201,600, and Ralph Earl’s pair of portraits of Thomas and Anna Tucker from 1790, which sold for $163,800. Additionally, a carved and painted trade figure of a Racetrack Tout from the 1880s fetched $163,800.

Among the decorative arts, standout pieces included a group of 40 items from the Estate of Marvin Davidson, led by a rare pair of dragon-carp tureens, covers, and stands, which sold for $40,320. The Deshler side chair, crafted by master Philadelphia carver John Pollard, brought $126,000, while a Massachusetts bombé chest-of-drawers achieved $163,800. An early New York silver tankard bearing the mark of Benjamin Wynkoop exceeded expectations, selling for $151,200, more than three times its low estimate.

Pair of pocket pistols belonging to Alexander Hamilton | Christie’s

Overall, Christie’s Important Americana sale demonstrated the continued allure and significance of Americana collectibles in the market, attracting both seasoned collectors and newcomers alike. With record-breaking prices and strong demand across various categories, the auction reaffirmed the enduring appeal of American cultural heritage.

Pocket pistols belonging to Alexander Hamilton | Christie’s

Founded in 1766, Christie’s is a world-leading art and luxury business with a physical presence in 46 countries throughout the Americas, Europe, Middle East, and Asia Pacific, and flagship international sales hubs  in New York, London, Hong Kong, Paris and Geneva. Renowned and trusted for our expert live and online-only auctions, as well as bespoke Private Sales, Christie’s unparalleled network of specialists offers our clients a full portfolio of  global services, including art appraisal, art financing, international real estate and education.

Christie’s  auctions span more than  80 art and luxury categories, at price points ranging from $500 to over $100 million. Christie’s has sold 7 of the 10 most important single-owner collections in history, achieved the world record price for an artwork at auction, launched the first  fully on-chain auction platform dedicated to exceptional NFT art and manages an investment fund to support innovative startups in the art market. Christie’s is also committed to advancing  responsible culture  throughout its business and communities worldwide.

BY JEREMY BROWN

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