: - A Martin Johnson Heade still life of tropical plums was
actively bid to a selling price of $195,500 at Waterhouse
Gallery's auction this past Saturday, September 20.
Bidding opened at $40,000 and flickered between telephone bidders
and a bidder in the saleroom before selling to a determined New
York buyer in the room.
The picture, said to be one of only two views of tropical fruit
by Heade, was accompanied by a letter of authentication from
painting authority Theodore E. Stebbins, Jr, of the Museum of
Fine Arts, Boston. Stebbins curated the Heade show in Boston
several years ago and is the author of the definitive work on
Heade.
The painting, which had never been publicly offered before,
measured 10 by 15 inches. The buyer said she plans to enjoy the
picture at home but added that it is for sale.
A complete review will appear in a future issue.
