It was a record-breaking day in the auction world last month when Freeman’s collected nearly $4.8 million for the painting above left — about eight times more than anyone had expected. White Interior by Carl Moll, owned by the same family for a century, helped Freeman’s bring in more than $6.4 million for its most recent fine arts sale. Debrah Dunner, the auction company’s rep in Potomac, says most clients don’t surprise her with a potentially multimillion-dollar item — but many are pleased to learn the value of what they do have. Dunner’s recent consignments include a Sol LeWitt painting, and she’s currently searching for works by D.C. artist Sam Gilliam. Clients are seeing high returns not only for modern and contemporary art, but also for jewelry, vintage handbags and furniture by designers like Knoll, Eames, Noguchi, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and George Nakashima. “It’s a really great time to buy or sell,” Dunner says. “And watching auctions live on the Freeman’s website is such a fun way to shop.” For example, the wood Nakashima dining table shown here is expected to fetch as much as $5,000 in an upcoming auction — but you also might be able to snag this Saarinen marble coffee table for just $800. For a look at Freeman’s upcoming auctions, click here. Curious about the value of your own collections? Email ddunner@freemansauction.com or call (301) 738-0347.
