University of Michigan library wins important portrait at Hindman

Portrait of African American actor and activist Ira Aldridge as the character Mungo in the play ‘The Padlock,’ $21,250
Portrait of African American actor and activist Ira Aldridge as the character Mungo in the play ‘The Padlock,’ $21,250

CINCINNATI – Andrew Clemens sand bottles and maritime art emerged as top performers in Hindman’s September 14-15 American Furniture, Folk & Decorative Arts auction. Historic sculptures and portraiture also achieved strong prices, including a significant depiction of the groundbreaking actor and abolitionist Ira Aldridge. Henry Merwin Shrady’s sculpture Washington at Valley Forge was another highlight capturing an important moment in the history of the nation, as was a Carolina Colored Republicans Club stoneware cooler. Overall, the sale totaled more than $2 million, well above what was anticipated.

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