CAMBRIDGE, MASS. — CRN could do no wrong at its October 24 sale. A circa 1800 portrait of the artist’s half-sister, Sophia, by John Brewster Jr (1766-1854) easily topped the day. The portrait, possibly painted after Sophia’s death at the age of 5 in 1800, is well-known, having been shown in exhibitions of the artist’s work at museums including the American Folk Art Museum and the Fenimore Art Museum. Estimated at $80,000, the first bid was $100,000 and it realized $219,600. American furniture was in fine condition and brought very strong prices with a Pennsylvania Queen Anne walnut footstool, estimated at $3,000, finishing at $85,400 to Connecticut dealer David Schorsch. A rare Aaron Willard tall case clock with a rocking ship movement earned $41,480 and numerous other pieces did well. The sale included an assortment of Chinese export porcelain, scrimshaw, other American paintings, weathervanes and much more.

A full report will follow.