September 26, 2012

Brooke Astor’s Estate

According to Sotheby’s, their auction of the contents of tireless philanthropist Brooke Astor’s two homes brought in over US$18.8 million.

The auction offered 901 objects in total, including European and Asian furnishings, Old Masters works, Qing Dynasty paintings, jewelry, over 100 dog paintings, and even the uniforms of Astor’s domestic staff. 

Highlights of the sale included a bronze Tibetan statue which, estimated at US$3,500, sold for US$134,500, and a Bulgari diamond necklace featuring 13 emerald drops, which sold for US$686,500.

Proceeds will go to Astor’s favorite institutions and charities, including the New York Public Library and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.