The Estate of Diane A. Nixon

09/02/2026 Jewelry, General, Old Master Paintings, Asian Works of Art

DOYLE is honored to auction property from the Estate of collector and philanthropist Diane A. Nixon in select upcoming sales this Fall, beginning with Asian Works of Art on September 16-17.

Diane “Dee” A. Nixon was a lifelong New Yorker, an indefatigable traveler, and a generous supporter of the arts and cultural institutions on both sides of the Atlantic. The daughter of New York attorney John Frederick Nixon and Nan Jo Nixon of Buford, Georgia, she grew up between Manhattan and the family home at Skytop in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains. International travel was an important part of her childhood, fostering an enduring curiosity about the world and a passion for its people, cultures, languages, and art.

Above (l-r): A Rare Pair of Swedish-Market Chinese Export Slip-Decorated and Enameled Porcelain Plates, Qianlong Period. Lot 211. / A Chinese Enameled Porcelain 'Lotus' Water Dropper, Thirty-Fourth Year of the Guangxu Period. Lot 256. / A Chinese Carved Amber Snuff Bottle with a Zitan Box, Qing Dynasty. Lot 2. / Asian Works of Art. Sept 16-17.

Dee attended The Spence School in New York before graduating from Miss Porter’s School in Farmington, CT. At Smith College, she majored in Italian and spent her junior year in Florence. The experience was transformative, deepening her love of Italy and her lifelong interest in art, history, and culture. She remained especially devoted to Europe, returning frequently to London, Paris, and other cities throughout her life.

After college, Dee’s early career took her into fashion and international travel. In the late 1950s, she modeled at Elizabeth Arden and appeared in a Town & Country feature on collegiate women. She briefly served as a muse for Italian designer Emilio Pucci and, in the early 1960s, joined Alitalia airline in New York. Her fluency in Italian and natural ease with people eventually led her to what became a remarkably successful career in travel.

Above (l-r): Federico Zuccaro (Italian, circa 1540-1609), The Coronation of the Virgin. / Jean-Baptiste Monnoyer (French, 1636-1609), Lillies, Narcissus, Tulips, Hydrangeas, and Other Flowers in a Wicker Basket on a Ledge. / Attributed to Federico Barocci, A double-sided drawing: The Madonna Reading to the Christ Child Seated on her Lap and The Torso of a Bearded Nude Man Turned toward the Right / Old Master Paintings & Drawings. Oct 14.

Beginning in the mid-1960s, Dee worked for Bellinger Davis, a distinguished New York travel agency specializing in highly personalized and often elaborate journeys, later joining Protravel International following its acquisition of the firm. For nearly fifty years, she brought extraordinary energy, precision, and firsthand knowledge to arranging travel for individuals, families, and institutions. Her clients relied on her meticulous attention to detail and enthusiasm for discovering the world. She traveled extensively herself, with Western Europe a particular favorite, but was continually curious about new destinations and cultures. She visited every continent except Antarctica, to her lasting regret that she never saw the penguins.

Dee’s passion for art naturally accompanied her travels. A familiar presence at museums, galleries, exhibitions, opera, ballet, and concerts, she developed close friendships with curators, collectors, and artists, becoming part of an international community united by a shared appreciation for art and culture. Her generosity extended to many of the institutions that had enriched her own life. She served as a trustee of the Morgan Library and Museum and supported the National Gallery of Art, Smith College Museum of Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Frick Collection, and other American institutions. Across the Atlantic, she supported the British Museum, the Courtauld, the Royal Academy of Arts, and the Rijksmuseum, among others.

Above (l-r): American Sterling Silver Punch Bowl, Bailey Banks & Biddle, early 20th century. American Silver. Nov 4. / Gorham Sterling Silver Tea and Coffee Service, Providence, Rhode Island, 1916. Boston Collects. Sept 25. / Continental Silver Centerpiece, late 19th/early 20th century. English & Continental Silver. Oct 14.

Her philanthropy extended well beyond the visual arts. With her mother, Dee established the Deeds Foundation in the 1980s, supporting the fine and performing arts, education, scientific and medical research, and organizations serving those in need. Her generosity reached her three alma maters as well as cultural and charitable institutions in the United States and abroad. She was also an active board member of the American Federation for Aging Research for more than two decades, helping advance its mission to support research into the biology of aging.

Whether traveling across continents, exploring a museum, or welcoming friends into her New York home, Dee approached life with remarkable energy, curiosity, and generosity. Her remarkable collection reflects that enduring curiosity and her discerning eye, offering a lasting glimpse of the life she so enthusiastically embraced.

Above (l-r): Colombian Emerald and Diamond Ring, 2.35 carats. circa 1915. Important Jewelry. Oct 22. / David Webb Gold, Platinum and Diamond Bracelet. Important Jewelry. Oct 22. / Van Cleef & Arpels Pair of Gold Earclips, France. Lot 178. Fine Jewelry. Sept 29.

Upcoming Auctions

Property from the Estate of Diane A. Nixon will be offered in select sales throughout the Fall season.