Past Timed Auction

Special Collections: The Estates of W.R. Appleby and Elinor Appleby

Soft close begins Thu, Nov 19, 2020 at 10am EST

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Early 17th Century Brussels Miniature Tapestry Panel Achieves $21,875!

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Auction of Special Collections: The Estates of WR Appleby and Elinor Appleby
Featuring Furniture, Decorations and Asian Works of Art from the Estates of W.R. Appleby and Elinor Appleby
Longtime Donors to the Asian Department at The Metropolitan Museum of Art

NEW YORK, NY -- Doyle's popular new auction category of Special Collections continued on November 19, 2020 with the successful sale of property from the Estates of WR and Elinor Appleby, longtime donors to the Asian Department at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Highlighting the collection was an early 17th century Brussels miniature tapestry panel that soared past its estimate of $2,500-3,500 to achieve a stunning $21,875. Measuring 28 inches by 26 3/4 inches, the panel depicted the Triumph of Bacchus.

This collection of early English and Continental furniture and objects art is the culmination of my parents' many years of collecting while living in London. Decorating their home with their favorite objects gave them great pleasure. My mother admired the workmanship and simple elegance of the shapes and beauty that the creator crafted into functional objects for everyday use. Each item spoke to them of its history from centuries earlier. I especially admired the carving of the statue of a saint and the elegance of the Welsh dresser that my family and I later enjoyed in our home.

I have fond memories of accompanying my mother to the Victoria and Albert Museum, comparing the quality and beauty of the objects in the museum with those we saw in the auction galleries. I especially enjoyed the thrill and excitement of the live auctions, which was the source of most of her acquisitions.

-- Peter Appleby

Property from the elegant Upper East Side home of WR Appleby and Elinor Appleby comprised lots 100 - 294 in the November 19 sale. View Lots