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Sotheby's failed to sell one of two Gilbert Stuart Washington portraits at auction today, and while one did go to an anonymous buyer, it can only be hoped the more famous Washington portrait will remain with the New York Public Library. Perhaps library president Paul LeClerc comes to his senses and not attempt to sell off the library's most treasured portrait again. Sometimes buyers just don't believe the hype; other times, controversy actually stops bidders. In this case, it is not exactly clear why the portrait that Alexander Hamilton once owned sold, while the other more famous one did not. But at $8.1 million (Sotheby's had predicted $10 million to $15 million)—a record price for an American portrait at auction—one has to wonder.
Tags:
george washington, gilbert stuart, public library
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Posted on 11/30/2005
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