The Stately Home of Brooke Astor

Brooke Astor’s property revealed a woman who was well-travelled and had a keen eye for English and French pieces from both the 18th and early-19th centuries, as well as Chinese lacquer furniture primarily dating to the Qing dynasty. The beloved philanthropist and legendary figure in New York society also had a penchant for both Old Master drawings – including works by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, Canaletto and Nicolas Lancret – and Chinese export reverse-painted glass pieces. I must have looked at the Sotheby’s catalogue at least half a dozen times before I was able to choose a few items which I thought would be quite fitting for a “modern” interior.

“Brooke Astor’s enthusiasm for every detail about the furnishing and decorating of her rooms is charmingly effective. No one can equal her gaiety of spirit, her joyous laughter, and her keen wit.” Albert Hadley, famed decorator who designed rooms for both Holly Hill and the Astors’ Park Avenue apartment

Portrait of Brooke Astor by Sir Cecil Beaton, signed Beaton lower right, watercolor over pencil on paper

A pair of Louis XV/XVI transitional style carved beechwood
Bergères en gondole, 20th Century. For a completely different look, I would have these chairs upholstered in a Shagreen – pebble surface cowhide (see below).

A pair of Chinese carved celadon-glazed brushpots from the Kangxi period (1662-1722)
The muted celadon is spot on for a modern look.

The Dog Show by Vicente Viudes, signed Vicente Viudes lower right (signed again and inscribed Madrid). Mrs. Astor surrounded herself with objects she loved, and her gardens reflected her life and passions. Although the dogs were the center piece for this painting, the outdoors reference was a singular reminder. BTW: A multitude of her beloved dogs will form a significant choice in the September auction.

A view of the famed library at Mrs. Astor’s duplex Manhattan apartment

Rare and important pair of Japanese export black and gilt lacquer covered jars circa 1680-1700

An English or Dutch chinoiserie painted and embossed leather eight-panel screen mid 18th century

The September auction will include property from the Holly Hill, Westchester mansion. The estate was designed in 1927 by architect Paul William Delano. According to Sotheby’s “The sale will include fine and decorative art from Mrs. Astor’s Park Avenue apartment in New York City and her Westchester County estate, Holly Hill, as well as a selection of jewelry from her personal collection. About 900 items in the sale will be on exhibition in Sotheby’s York Avenue galleries beginning 17 September.”

To inquire further about these art and design objects, please contact us.