May 8, 2026 11:00 EST
The Rabb Goldberg Collection, Boston, Massachusetts
1042
Alexander Calder (1898-1976)
The Rabb Goldberg Collection, Boston, Massachusetts
BUTTERFLYHand-woven wool Aubusson tapestry, circa 1970, with artist's woven signature lower right and the Ateliers Pinton, Felletin, France woven monogram lower left and with their label on the reverse, also with woven number 4/6 on the reverse.
55 3/4 x 83 5/8 inches; 141.6 x 212.4 cm
Sold for $152,900
Estimated at $40,000 - $60,000
Includes Buyer's Premium
The Rabb Goldberg Collection, Boston, Massachusetts
BUTTERFLYHand-woven wool Aubusson tapestry, circa 1970, with artist's woven signature lower right and the Ateliers Pinton, Felletin, France woven monogram lower left and with their label on the reverse, also with woven number 4/6 on the reverse.
55 3/4 x 83 5/8 inches; 141.6 x 212.4 cm
Very minor surface soiling, otherwise in good condition.
Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client, is an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact and our Organization shall have no responsibility for any error or omission. Please contact the specialist department to request further information or additional images that may be available.
Auction: The Rabb Goldberg Collection, Boston, Massachusetts, May 8, 2026
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Successful Auction of The Rabb Goldberg Collection of Boston, Massachusetts Surpassed Expectations
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Competition at the May 8, 2026 Sale Drove an Alexander Calder Tapestry Soaring to $152,900
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The Collection Showcased Fine Art, Furniture and Decorative Arts Spanning Three Centuries
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Held in Doyle Boston at The Vendome in Boston's Back Bay
BOSTON, MA -- Doyle’s May 8, 2026 auction of The Rabb Goldberg Collection from Boston, Massachusetts drew strong competitive bidding, driving the final sale total well above expectations. This remarkable collection, built over decades and generations, was consigned by a distinguished Boston family known for its longstanding professional and philanthropic contributions to the area. Showcased was an impressive range of fine art, furniture and decorative arts spanning three centuries. The auction took place at Doyle Boston’s gallery in The Vendome, located at 290 Dartmouth Street, and livestreamed on Doyle.com.
Alexander Calder Tapestry
Highlighting the sale was Alexander Calder’s vibrant Aubusson tapestry, Butterfly, that soared to $152,900 more than doubling its $40,000-60,000 estimate. Hand-woven circa 1970 by the famed Ateliers Pinton in Felletin, France, the tapestry was numbered 4/6 and measured 55 3/4 by 83 5/8 inches. Butterfly captured the bold palette, rhythmic abstraction and playful energy that define Calder’s distinctive tapestry designs, works that remain highly prized for their fusion of modern art and traditional French weaving techniques.
The auction also saw strong results for artwork by Samuel Bak, Moshe Castel, Robert Courtright, David Hockney and Tadashi Sato, among others.
Decorative Arts
The wide range of decorative arts featured an American mahogany and gilt gesso banjo clock or patent timepiece by Aaron Willard of Boston, circa 1800, that more than doubled its $4,000-6,000 estimate, realizing an impressive $12,160. A late 19th century English Mason's Ironstone "Green Mandarin" or "Chinoiserie" pattern dinner service, numbering 37 pieces, sold for a stunning $9,600, many times its $1,500-2,000 estimate.
The Rabb (Rabinovitz) and Goldberg families, best known for founding and operating the New England-based supermarket chain Stop & Shop, created an enduring legacy through their philanthropic and entrepreneurial ties to several of Greater Boston’s most prestigious institutions. Read More
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