Two children, a dog, and a cat; what could be better? A 43" x 40" oil on canvas folk art portrait by Ammi Phillips (1788-1865) of Theron Simpson Ludington (1850-1922) and his older sister Virginia Ludington (1846-1865), circa 1852, sold for $782,500 (includes buyer's premium) at Christie's in New York City on January 22, 2010.
Rare Double Portrait by Ammi Phillips (1788-1865)
The lead highlight of the Americana Week sales is an exceedingly rare, full-length double portrait of Theron Simpson Ludington (1850-1922) and His Older Sister Virginia Ludington (1846-1865) by the prominent 19th century American portrait artist Ammi Phillips (pictured page one, center; estimate: $300,000-500,000).
Unknown among Phillips works until earlier this year, this dynamic, even humorous portrait of two young siblings has been passed down through generations of the Ludington family of Goshen, CT until the present day. Phillips was commissioned sometime around 1852 to paint the family’s members, which included formal portraits of the children’s parents, Theron Daniel Ludington (1826-1900) and Eleanor Bailey Ludington (1826-1863), also to be offered in the sale (estimate: $12,000-18,000).
The full-length double portrait of the children is unusual for its departure from the conventional poses Phillips typically employed in his formal single portraits. Here instead, in a moment of playfulness and insight into the sibling’s relationship, the artist depicted the younger boy leaning away from his older sister to hug the shaggy dog by his side, while a small grey cat bites at a single strawberry that has fallen from the bunch in Virginia’s hand. While hundreds of single portraits by Phillips survive today, only a small number of full-length double portraits of this type are known to exist – a measure of rarity that is sure to attract collectors.
The buyer was Atlanta, Georgia, dealer Deanne Levison. I remember when she worked at Israel Sack in New York. Christie's photo,
listing information. The good things always command high prices. This would be lovely above my fireplace.
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Author J.D. Salinger, who wrote the iconic "Catcher in the Rye," has died at age 91. The author's son, actor Matt Salinger, through Salinger's literary agent, said Salinger died at his home in New Hampshire of natural causes. "His body is gone but the family hopes that he is still with those he loves, whether they are religious or historical figures, personal friends or fictional characters." R.I.P. He had lived for decades in self-imposed isolation in a small, remote house in Cornish, N.H. Read more.
I wish I could say the double rainbow was the one I saw late yesterday afternoon just before dusk instead of the second one. I've had the first phogo saved to my computer for ages. The second one is mine. My cottage really is at the end of the rainbow, isn't it? Any rainbow sighting is always exciting, especially after two solid days of rain.
Many of Audrey Hepburn's most famous outfits including the coat, knitted top, and little black dress above will be going under the hammer to raise money for The Audrey Hepburn Children's Fund. Kerry Taylor Auctions will be holding the sale on December 8th in London. Browse the catalog ~ scroll down to the end of the page. Audrey's items are on pages 15, 16, and 17; items #283-331. Why not treat yourself to an early Christmas present and help a worthy cause at the same time?
