Hugh Douglas Hamilton's Portrait of Arthur Hill, 2nd Marquess of Downshire (1753-1801) made £337,250. (Click on image to enlarge)
The sale of Lyons Demesne: Works of Art from the Collection of the late Dr. Tony Ryan made £3,352,200 at Christie’s in London on July 14. The top lot was Hugh Douglas Hamilton, R.H.A. (Dublin 1740-1808), Portrait of Arthur Hill, 2nd Marquess of Downshire (1753-1801). The small full length portrait in a landscape made £337,250. The auction was sold 90% by value and 83% by lot.
Amelia Elborne, Specialist, Christie’s London and Christine Ryall, Director, Christie’s Ireland commented: “This excellent result is a tribute to Dr Ryan’s eclectic taste and enthusiasm for both Irish and European works of art. In spite of the current economic situation in Ireland, the depth of demand for Irish works by both international and Irish buyers remains strong. We are particularly pleased with the result for the Hugh Douglas Hamilton which attracted fierce competition in the room, on the telephone and on Christie’s LiveTM”.
(See posts on antiquesandartireland.com for April 14 and July 7)