Notable results from Shapiro Auctions’ May 16 sale in New York City included works by French and Belgian masters. Camille Pissarro’s (French, 1830-1903) “Travailleurs des champs, Pontoise,” 1880, depicting workers in the field, sold for $905,000 at the top of its presale estimate. It was sold to a private European buyer, according to auction house principal Gene Shapiro. Last acquired in a Christie’s sale in May 2008, the gouache and pastel on paper laid down on a secondary paper support measures 97/8  by 121/8 inches and is signed and dated lower right “C. Pissarro 80.”  The work will be included in the catalogue critique of Camille Pissarro’s pastels and gouaches being prepared by Joachim Pissarro and Claire Durand-Ruel Snollaerts under the sponsorship of the Wildenstein Institute.

“Le Cirque,” 1926, by Anto Carte (Belgian, 1886-1954) finished at $395,000, exceeding its $200/225,000 presale estimate and also going to a European private buyer. The oil on canvas measuring 47¼ by 62½ inches, signed and dated lower left,  had been acquired by its most recent owner at a Sotheby’s auction in Paris in July 2008. “It was a great sale,” said Shapiro. “I am very pleased that we reached a global audience and put quality pieces into the hands of the right buyers.” A full report on the sale follows later.