The Auction
A few days ago I had an interesting experience. In the morning paper a 4″ x 4″ notice advertised that some of Bernie Madoff’s belongings would be auctioned that night. He had been convicted of a Ponzi scheme and had separated a lot of folks from their money.
I arrived at the appointed time and place to find lithographs of works of many of the Impressionists as well as Chagall and Dali and two originals by Norman Rockwell and one by Camille Pissarro among many beautiful pieces of jewelry, Rolex watches and other high end items. The Persian rugs were gorgeous. According to the auctioneer’s statement of value, most items sold for 10-15% of the value, except for the Rolex watches, which went for about 40-50% of his stated value.
It was such a treat to see the artwork. The lithographs were wonderful, but I shall always remember the originals of Rockwell and that sweet plein air landscape painting of Pissarro.