Edward Hicks (1790 – 1849), Peaceable Kingdom, executed in 1849, oil on canvas, 24 3/32 x 30 5/8 inches. © Christie’s Images Ltd. 2006.

NEW YORK.- Christie’s sale of Important American Furniture, Folk Art, Silver, Prints & Decoys today totaled $19,963,560 and was 74% sold by lot, 93% sold by value. The sale was led by Edward Hicks’s last Peaceable Kingdom, which realized $6,176,000 - setting a world record not only for the artist, but for American Folk Art as well. A world auction record was set for Ammi Phillips with Portrait of a Young Girl and her Cat, as well as for an American waterfowl decoy with an exceptional merganser hen which realized $856,000.

Property from the Alvin E. Friedman-Kien Foundation totaled $2,238,960 and was 82% sold by lot, 91% by value. The top lot of the sale was a very rare and important Canada goose decoy which sold for $553,600. Christie’s Americana sales this week totaled $23,922,400.

“It was a great day for American Folk Art, said Margot Rosenberg, Head of Sales, Christie’s American Furniture, Decorative Arts & Folk Art. “Edward Hicks led the charge with three incredible works. His last Peaceable Kingdom set the record not only for the artist, but for American Folk Art as well. This was followed closely behind with his Penn’s Treaty and a record for this series. Christie’s in association with Guyette & Schmidt, Inc. set a world record for a decoy at auction with an exceptional merganser hen which fetched $856,000. And we were honored to offer the collection of the Alvin E. Friendman-Kien Foundation. The amazing prices reinforced his discerning eye and extraordinary aesthetic.” (courtesy www.artdaily.org)