
Description
The Susie Tompkins Buell collection of women's portraits was a long time in the making. She started collecting these in the mid 70s and amassed them over the course of many years at flea markets. She had a personal heart connection with each one. Her very favorite was one she bought in England and it got stolen out of her office at Esprit. It was a woman smoking a cigarette.
She would be looking for fabrics and she was drawn to the portraits that in her mind were just characters that inspired her. They were all hung in her Esprit office at the San Francisco Embarcadero and reflected her passionate dedication to women. And to be reminded about all the different phases of life and different diversity in women.
Says Susie "Life goes on and it is important to let things go and let them find a new life."
Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Very good
Dimensions:
Height: 12.75 in.
Width: 11 in.
Depth: 2 in.
Category: Paintings
Materials: Oil Paint
Shipping:Domestic: Flat-rate of $39.00 to anywhere within the contiguous U.S. International: No International Shipping for this auction. Combined shipping: Please ask about combined shipping for multiple lots before bidding. Location: This item ships from San Francisco, CA
Your purchase is protected:
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Chairish Auctions specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Chairish Auctions within 5 days of receiving the item.
She would be looking for fabrics and she was drawn to the portraits that in her mind were just characters that inspired her. They were all hung in her Esprit office at the San Francisco Embarcadero and reflected her passionate dedication to women. And to be reminded about all the different phases of life and different diversity in women.
Says Susie "Life goes on and it is important to let things go and let them find a new life."
Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Very good
Dimensions:
Height: 12.75 in.
Width: 11 in.
Depth: 2 in.
Category: Paintings
Materials: Oil Paint
Shipping:
Your purchase is protected:
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Chairish Auctions specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Chairish Auctions within 5 days of receiving the item.
Condition
Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; Very good
Buyer's Premium
20%
Circa 1940s French Portrait Oil Painting of a Woman with Calla Lilies, Framed
Estimate $290-$860
Starting Price
$200
LiveAuctioneers Purchase Protection
Vetted auction houses
Secure, online bidding
Returns guaranteed for misrepresented listings
Dedicated support when you need it
Heritage & Home: Antiques & Design Classics 2
May 15, 2026 7:00 PM EDTNew York, NY, United States
TOP





























![Yvette Sikorsky Woman w/Feather in Hat Portrait: European [20th century] framed oil painting on board. It is signed by the artist in the lower right corner. Small 3/4" paint scratch in lower left corner. Measures approximately 26.75 X 19.25" - with](https://p1.liveauctioneers.com/4221/416204/231782782_1_x.jpg?height=181&quality=70&sharpen=true&version=1778528183&width=181)


