Past Auction

Property from the Estate of Mrs. Henry Ford II

Mon, Jan 25, 2021 at 10am EST |
New York
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1958-59 Abstract by Olivier Debre Achieves $214,200 -- A U.S. Auction Record for the Artist!

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  • Auction of Property from the Estate of Mrs. Henry Ford II on Monday, January 25, 2021 at 10am
  • 1958-59 Abstract by Olivier Debre Achieves $214,200 -- A U.S. Auction Record for the Artist!
  • Furniture, Decorations, Artwork, Books, Gentlemen's Accessories and Fashion Jewelry from the Lavish Ford Mansion in Palm Beach, Florida

NEW YORK, NY -- Doyle held the successful auction of property from the Estate of Mrs. Henry Ford II on January 25, 2021 to a global audience of buyers. This landmark auction showcased elegant furniture, decorations, artwork, books, gentlemen's accessories and more from the lavish Ford mansion in Palm Beach, Florida. Much of the property came from the Ford's former home in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, which was decorated by Mario Buatta, who together with David Easton, also decorated Serenity, the Palm Beach residence.

Amid competitive international bidding, the sale totaled a exceptional $1,123,857, more than tripling the pre-sale estimate of $242,480-371,820, with a remarkable 96% sold by lot and 100% by value.

Olivier Debre -- A U.S. Auction Record

Highlighting the sale was Olivier Debre's Personnage Fonce (Bleu - Bleu Noir) that achieved a stunning $214,200, setting a new U.S. Auction Record for any work by Debre and the second highest overall price.

Renowned Parisian artist Olivier Debre (1920-1999) began his career at the Academie des Beaux Arts, studying for a degree in architecture. During Debre’s first exhibition of paintings in 1941, Pablo Picasso visited the showing and implored the young artist to pursue abstract art, which Debre would do to great success across a career spanning more than five decades.

Created in 1958-59, Personnage Fonce (Bleu - Bleu Noir) is a stellar example of Debre’s large-scale color field abstractions, showing influences from the prevailing American Abstract Expressionist movement, yet achieving his own signature approach to form and color.

Henry Ford II

The eldest grandson of Ford founder Henry Ford, Henry Ford II devoted his life to the Ford Motor Company as President, CEO and Chairman. His father, Edsel Ford, was the namesake of the infamous brand manufactured by Ford from 1958-1960, and now a highly prized treasure among collectors.

The January 25 auction offered a glimpse into the rarefied world of one America's most legendary families of industry, commerce and society.

Consignments are currently being accepted

To have your property evaluated for possible consignment in the next auction, please contact:

Todd Sell
212-427-4141, ext 269
[email protected]

Media Contact

Louis LeB. Webre
SVP, Marketing & Media
212-427-4141, ext 232
[email protected]

  • Property from the Estate of Mrs. Henry Ford II

A Selection of Auction Highlights

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