We often boast that we are a major regional auction house that can compete with the big NYC houses. Last month, we
once again proved it, not only with the Edvard Munch piece we wrote about, but with an Ogden Pleissner painting as well. Both met or surpassed NYC auction house records. Provenance (proof of history and authorship) played a part in both.
The “big boys” told us we could not achieve more than $7,000 for the Munch, but it brought in $30,000. The Pleissner? Several NYC “players” literally called to tell us our estimate of $80,000-$100,000 was “insane.” But seeing famous NYC auction house results in that price range, we were confident and we succeeded.
In the case of the Pleissner, the consignor’s grandfather was PICTURED in the watercolor shooting his shotgun! And
the Tampa consignor had letters from the artist himself to the consignor’s grandfather discussing aspects of the painting and talking about going hunting with him! Rock-solid provenance coupled with our status in the art world enabled us to reach the same prices the big houses achieve in half the time and with a lower commission cost – less hassle, no shipping and no big city games.
An Ogden Pleissner Painting Sells High At Auction
Ogden Pleissner watercolor, 1961, “Clove Valley.” The sitter/shooter depicted in the painting was a well known
Madison Avenue executive in the 1960s.
If you have important art, you owe it to yourself to give us a shout. We will buy for cash or consign to our auction house. (We also do consulting work.)
We are Tampa Bay’s oldest and most successful online auctioneers.
Stop by and see why we have been voted — five years in a row — as
“Best of The Best” in Tampa Bay! Three former Sothebyscom
associates and three art historians on staff. We will buy for cash
or consign to auction any of your rare, valuable artwork, antiques,
coins or collectibles. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
