While sifting through a large box lot of art dropped off at the Larchmont, NY gallery by what is known in the trade as a “picker,” Nelia Moore, Art Specialist/Auctioneer at Clarke Auction spotted a beautifully executed but very dirty painting on panel of a woman in a veil. After dusting it off and studying the painting she spotted the Prendergast Paris signature on the lower right of the panel.

The quality and style of the small oil lead both Mr. Clarke, auction owner, and Ms. Moore to believe they had made a very important discovery, especially relevant in a time of economic gloom.  Though both Clarke and Moore have sharp eyes and instincts for fine art, the painting was sent to the Prendergast catalog raisonné expert, Nancy Mowll Mathews, of the Williams College Museum of Art in Massachusetts. The museum experts concluded that this delicate panel painting was of the hand of Prendergast. It was given the title Woman in a Veil and assigned No. 11a in the catalogue raisonné.

The painting is to be auctioned at Clarke Auction Gallery at 2372 Boston Post Road, Larchmont, NY on Sunday, October 23rd with a presale estimate of $40,000 to $60,000. The piece will be sold in as found condition to the highest bidder. Auction start time is 2 PM.

Auction previews: Friday and Saturday October 21st and 22nd from noon to 6 PM and day-of-sale from 10 AM to 2 PM sale start. Private viewing by appointment is available. For more information please visit www.ClarkeNY.com or call (914) 833-8336.

Clarke Auction of Larchmont, Westchester's Premier Auction, conducts monthly catalogued sales featuring distinctive fine and decorative arts, antiques, exceptional furniture, oriental rugs, sterling silver and mid-century modern. For further information, please contact us at (914)833-8336 or info@ClarkeNY.com.