George Washington's pastel makes $317,500

January 9 2025

Image of George Washington's pastel makes $317,500

Picture: maineantiquedigest.com

Posted by Adam Busiakiewicz:

I'm very late to this rather fascinating story (spotted via @MaryMWalsh) that a unattributed pastel of St John the Evangelist realised $317,500 at the The Potomack Company auctioneers in Alexandria, Virginia, last October. This enormous sum is explained by the fact that the artwork had documented provenance back to its original owners George and Martha Washington and had descended with members of the family. Even if we forget that the estimate was $250,000 - $500,000, this is still quite a price! Click on the link to read more.

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