An unsigned American folk portrait in pastel believed to have been executed by itinerant New Jersey artist Micah Williams attracted a great deal of attention at Dennis Auction Service on Saturday, April 3.

Selling at $103,500, the circa 1820 pastel, measuring 191/2 by 231/3 inches, had been found lying face-down in the attic of a local estate with family history dating back to the 1600s.

“We had 11 phone bidders from Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Chicago and New England,” stated auctioneer Frank Dennis.

Bidding on the lot opened at $10,00 and moved in $1,000 advances to $15,000 where Dennis asked for $20,000. He got it immediately and the action remained on the floor all the way up to $70,000, at which point the telephones took over, with a New England dealer winning the lot. Quoted price includes premium.

A bronze garden sculpture, “Pan in Myth” by Antoine Bourdelle, also did well with it selling at $69,000.

A complete review will appear in a future issue.