Old Masters auction makes £3 million - 09/07/2010

Bonham's hosted the Old Masters Painting sale on July 7th in London and enjoyed a packed salesroom and multiple telephone bids.

The highlight of the sale was the portrait of General James Wolfe – a soldier from Kent who conquered Canada in the 18th century, which sold for £400,000.

It was bought by a Canadian buyer. The subject of the work was involved in the British assault of Quebec and was mortally wounded.

His victory won him posthumous fame and the portrait is attributed to the circle of Joseph Highmore.

Andrew Mckenzie, head of Old Masters Paintings at Bonhams, said: "We were absolutely delighted with the results today and it was particularly exciting to handle a portrait of such historical importance.

"Rarely does one have the opportunity to sell a major portrait of such a momentous historical figure."

The top-selling lot was A still life of tulips, a crown imperial, snowdrops, lilies, irises, roses and other flowers in a glass vase with a lizard, butterflies, a dragonfly and other insects by Jan Van Kessel the Elder.

It sold for £800,000. Van Kessel was a 17th century Flemish painter of still-lifes.

Posted by Oliver Greaves