Neal Auction in New Orleans, Louisiana, has witnessed intense bidding and exceptional results for the first quarter of 2021. Its president, Michelle LeBlanc Leckert reports: “Since the pandemic, our auctions have seen more registered bidders and more online activity than in any previous year. Results for objects in all price ranges have been extraordinary.”
Neal Auction hosted three auctions this past quarter. The February 5, 6, & 7 Winter Estates Auction, featuring property from the Estate of renowned author and journalist Julia Evans Reed, achieved nearly $2.9 million against a presale estimate of $1.5 to $2.3 million. Highlights from the sale included a William Dunlap (American/Mississippi, b. 1944) painting titled “Mississippi - Father of Waters - History of Mud,” which soared above its $12,000 to $18,000 estimate to achieve $42,700, breaking all previous records for a work by the artist sold at auction.
An 1888 oil titled “October Morning” by Jasper Francis Cropsey (American/New York, 1823-1900), also performed admirably, selling for $39,040 against a $10,000 to $15,000 estimate. The most surprising lot of the sale, however, was a George III inlaid mahogany breakfront bookcase dated to the early 19th century that was estimated at $4,000 to $6,000 and later realized $38,400.
Neal Auction’s March 4 Unreserved @Neal, featuring property from the Mobile Museum of Art, is worth a mention. Carrying a presale estimate of $63,000 to $110,000, Unreserved @Neal achieved $175,000. The auction’s star lot was a 1998 gelatin silver print by Sally Mann (American/Virginia, b. 1951). Estimated at $200 to $300, the untitled work from the artist’s Deep South series saw intense competition, selling for $9,344.
On March 11, Neal Auction held an auction devoted solely to the works of celebrated American artist Hunt Slonem (American/Louisiana, b. 1951). The auction was a tremendous success, achieving $898,000 against a presale estimate of $408,000 to $591,000. The Hunt Slonem Auction featured 72 lots, including works from the artist’s most popular and iconic series—birds, bunnies and portraits. Birds were the highlight of the sale with “Finches Teche,” taking the vanguard. “Brimming with movement and life,” the 2009 oil flew past its $7,000 to $10,000 estimate to achieve $39,040.
An oil and diamond dust painting titled “Cartier,” was the star of the bunny category, achieving $30,500 against a $12,000 to $18,000 estimate.
In terms of portraiture, this portrait realized the highest sale price; carrying a $2,500 to $3,500 estimate, “Abe L.” realized $15,360. According to Neal Auction’s Director of Fine Art, Marney Robinson, “Slonem’s agile paintbrush adds vivacity to his often solemn and sober subjects, imbibing their existing gravitas with life and levity until they are born anew, glazed in the splendid palette and character of his ebullient world."
All of Neal Auction’s 2021 auctions thus far have been virtual with telephone, absentee and online bidding only. The sale results for each lot include Neal Auction’s buyer’s premium. Neal Auction’s buyer’s premium is 25% of the hammer price on each lot when paying by credit card, or 22% of the hammer price when paying by cash, check or wire transfer. The buyer’s premium for online buyers is 28% of the hammer price.
As these sales prove, you never know when something you consign may sell for exponentially more than expected. Consign your artworks with Neal Auction Company today here.
