19th Century European Art - Sotheby's New York, 5 May 2011
Sotheby’s New York auction of 19th Century European Art on 5 May 2011–timed to coincide with the May sales ofImpressionist & Modern Art–is distinguished by important and rare works, as well as a number of major discoveries. Taken altogether, the auction celebrates the diverse artistic traditions that preceded and coincided with French Impressionism. The works will be on exhibition in Sotheby’s York Avenue galleries beginning 29 April.
Following the record-shattering price of $35,922,500 achieved at Sotheby’s New York in November 2010 by Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema’s The Finding of Moses, the May 2011 auction will be led by another masterpiece by the artist. In The Meeting of Antony and Cleopatra: 41 B.C., Alma-Tadema draws inspiration from Shakespeare’s play in depicting the memory of Antony’s first encounter with Cleopatra (pictured top, est. $3/5 million). Beautifully rendered in the artist’s distinctive style, the image took on an iconic status soon after its completion in 1883 and has since served as inspiration for theatrical and filmed versions of the famed story.
