O'Toole-Ewald Art Associates Inc. (OTE) team of experts attended the Merton Simpson Collection's Auction at Quinn's Auction Galleries in Virginia last Saturday. Even without the big draw of the day – the million plus Benin bronze plaque (temporarily withdrawn), the first of the Merton Simpson African Art auctions brought an involved crowd and sales of nearly half a million. A series of beautifully gilded pieces included an 18 inch chair that zipped from 600-800 to $7,000, while three Boli animal figures that should have brought high figures, all passed. May have had to do with the level of sophistication. There’s more to come of the Simpson sales in the future.

By Dr. Elin Lake-Ewald. Ph.D, FRICS, ASA. & President O'Toole-Ewald Art Associates Inc. (OTE)