Dallas Auction Gallery's Fall Fine Art Sale exceeded expectations with a sell-through rate of 93%. Achieving 25% over the high estimate for all sold lots, it was a record breaking sale for the auction house. A top lot was Gilbert Stuart’s “Portrait of George Washington”, oil on canvas, 1798, from the Collection of Sam Wyly, which fetched $1.025 million (presale estimate $150,000 to $250,000).

Collector Sam Wyly’s passion for American History was evident throughout the sale with a wide range of portraits, historical letters and documents, textiles and paintings by American artists. Two important paintings by Western artist Frank Tenney Johnson attracted interest from the beginning and sold strong in the room at a combined $345,000. 

Likewise, a grouping of five unique Picasso ceramic pieces all soared above their ranges to achieve premium prices for a combined $829,000. Multi-platform Internet bidding from 30 countries, more than 100 clients phone bidding, and a robust gathering on the gallery floor created a rousing sales atmosphere for the 119-lot sale, netting more than $5 million. 

            “We were honored to offer a wealth of important artwork and historical memorabilia from the collection of Sam Wyly again this fall. Numerous significant works of art with outstanding provenance and fresh to the market appeal well exceeded their estimates and expectations. American Art led the prices realized with phenomenal results across the board. Complemented by the bounty of other wonderful consignments, it was an exciting evening marked by several memorable moments of competitive bidding on numerous platforms to an international audience."

                                                                        Brendan Kennedy, Director of Fine Arts

High marks also go to these notable lots:

Thomas Hart Benton, "A Social History of Missouri: Mural Study for the Jefferson City Capitol Building”, tempera and pencil on board, 1935.

Presale Estimate: 200,000.00 - 300,000.00 Sold For: $485,000.00

Thomas Hart Benton, "Cotton Loading" gouache on paper, 1945.

Presale Estimate: 70,000.00 - 90,000.00 Sold for: $425,000.00

Jean Béraud, "Le jour d'emprunt (Loan Day)" oil on canvas.

Presale Estimate: 150,000.00 - 250,000.00 Sold For: $305,000

Frank Tenney Johnson, "Don, the Horse Wrangler", oil on canvas, 1935.

Presale Estimate: 70,000.00 - 90,000.00 Sold for: $245,000

Andrew Wyeth, "Maine Door", watercolor on paper, 1970.

Presale Estimate: 40,000.00 - 60,000.00 sold for: $173,000

Pablo Picasso, "Plat picador et toreador", glazed terra cotta rectangular plate, 1953.

Presale Estimate: 40,000.00 - 60,000.00 sold for: $173,000

Pablo Picasso, "Vase deux anses grand oiseau", ceramic, 1949.

Presale Estimate: 250,000.00 - 350,000.00 $395,000 

Pablo Picasso, "Plat taureau a l'oiseau" ceramic, 1951.

Presale Estimate: 30,000.00 - 50,000.00 Sold for: $173,000

“Dallas Auction Gallery’s Fall Fine Art Finale was a perfect representation of our gallery’s culture: a wonderful gathering of great artworks and motivated buyers in a friendly atmosphere. We are honored that DAG was chosen to bring theses exemplary works to market.

                                                                - Scott Shuford, President, DAG