Presidents’ signatures, Bell’s telephone patent docs in spotlight at Quinn’s, Feb. 20

Patriotic needlework, possibly of silk thread, depicting American Flags outlined in silver thread and eagle with ‘E Pluribus Unum’ pennant. Possibly made for 1836 Presidential election. Framed size: 25¼ x 23¾ in. Estimate $800-$1,200

FALLS CHURCH, Va. – This year marks the 150th anniversary of Alexander Graham Bell’s most famous invention: the telephone. While scientific history is mired in controversy over who actually devised the first electronic speech-transmitting device, with a number of contenders in the fray, it was Bell who received the US patent for the telephone, on March 7, 1876. In recognition of Bell’s world-changing invention, Quinn’s has included several significant early documents and other ephemera pertaining to the telephone patent dispute in its February 20 Presidential Autograph and Americana Auction. Bid absentee or live online through LiveAuctioneers.

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Chagall, Dali, van der Rohe boosted prices realized at Nadeau’s Jan. 28 sale

Marc Chagall, ‘Daphnis et Grathon,’ $8,400. Image courtesy of Nadeau’s Auction Gallery
Marc Chagall, ‘Daphnis et Grathon,’ $8,400
Marc Chagall, ‘Daphnis et Grathon,’ $8,400. Courtesy Nadeau’s Auction Gallery

WINDSOR, Conn. – Nadeau’s Auction Gallery‘s Midcentury, Modern Art & Contemporary Sale, held on January 28, totaled $484,740. This midwinter event featured nearly 600 lots, had a 93% sell through rate, and produced strong results across all categories.

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Geoffrey Beene’s fashionable world on show at Capsule, Feb.16

Geoffrey Beene mannequins, set of two, one clad in a plush pink crushed velvet fabric with floral motifs, the other covered in a floral and fruit pattern fabric, estimated at $1,200-$1,800
Geoffrey Beene mannequins, set of two, one clad in a plush pink crushed velvet fabric with floral motifs, the other covered in a floral and fruit pattern fabric, estimated at $1,200-$1,800
Geoffrey Beene mannequins, set of two, one clad in a plush pink crushed velvet fabric with floral motifs, the other covered in a floral and fruit pattern fabric, together estimated at $1,200-$1,800

NEW YORK – On Thursday, February 16, Capsule Auctions presents Fashion, Art, and Design, featuring property from the estate of legendary American fashion designer Geoffrey Beene (1924-2004). Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers. Proceeds from the sale of the 40 lots of fashion illustrations and 20 lots of bespoke mannequins will benefit the Geoffrey Beene Foundation’s mission to support critical philanthropic causes, most notably the revolutionary cancer research efforts being facilitated through the Geoffrey Beene Cancer Research Center at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

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Glittering chandeliers and quirky seating offered by Jasper52, Feb. 15

1970s Empire brass and glass chandelier, estimated at $8,000-$10,000
1970s Empire brass and glass chandelier, estimated at $8,000-$10,000
1970s Empire brass and glass chandelier, estimated at $8,000-$10,000

NEW YORK – On Wednesday, February 15, starting at 11 am Eastern time, Jasper52 will present a sale titled Furniture, Home Decor, and More!, a 250-lot auction of furnishings, fittings and decorative arts that will enliven and enrich any interior. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.

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Met gifted with monumental Salviati oil-on-marble portrait

Portrait of Bindo Altoviti by Francesco Salviati, rendered on marble during the 16th century. The Met announced the receipt of the painting as a gift from the trust of Assadour “Aso” O. Tavitian. Image courtesy of the Metropolitan Museum of Art
Portrait of Bindo Altoviti by Francesco Salviati, rendered on marble during the 16th century. The Met announced the receipt of the painting as a gift from the trust of Assadour “Aso” O. Tavitian. Image courtesy of the Metropolitan Museum of Art
Portrait of Bindo Altoviti by Francesco Salviati, rendered on marble during the 16th century. The Met announced the receipt of the painting as a gift from the trust of Assadour “Aso” O. Tavitian. Image courtesy of the Metropolitan Museum of Art

NEW YORK — The Metropolitan Museum of Art has received a gift of an exceptional oil painting by celebrated Italian artist Francesco Salviati (1510–1563). Executed on a one-inch thick marble slab, the arresting portrait depicts Bindo Altoviti (1491–1557), a powerful Florentine banker and one of the most significant political opponents to the Medici rulers. The monumental work is the first painting on marble acquired by the Met. It is a gift from the trust of Assadour “Aso” O. Tavitian.

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