The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1859-12-23
Sale OF Bsrbee's Statue OF the "Fisher
FRI.


Barbee,s exouste statue, the "Fsher Girl pro-
somced by all who have seen Of tho finest works
or art that has been executed by modern sculptor and
fully equal TO the work by Powers Of the Greek
Slave was sold a. auction, at 121s O'Clock yesterday
afternoon, the Merchants Exchange, by Henry Leeds
Co. The announcement Of the sale called forth q
large assembly prior TO the hour appointed for the sale to
take place. The statue placed pedestal in tho
centre Of the ronda of the Exchange where everybody
tina. desired the decacy and exqus.eness Of the
work A few minutes before hafpast twelve the auc-
toneer got upon table, and after waiting in silence
few minutes, until the time arrived for the SALE he pro.
ceeded.
He said-Now we viii proceed TO the sale of this
quse and magnificent statue of the "Fsher Girl cut
m Florence by native artist of Virginia, w. r. Barbee,
Esq. 1t is probably the finest work in the Uuion, no.
excepting the "Greek Slave" by Powers This statue
has been exhibited in various parts Of Europe, and
ceiyed the highest encomiums of praise from the art
journals there-every one, without exception aestng
70 its high character and execution The sculptor with
view have disposed OF in his native country brought
here, that might remain to his own credit and honor
want you, gentlemen, therefore, to give good,
liberal and prompt bid. pledge my word, in point OF
merit not second to the Greek slave,n which sold
for 600 or The "Coquette which was sold in st. Louis
for similar amount Now, gentlemen, be liberal and
give bid srs ,S little hesitation took place.
VoicE-one thousand dollars (by Mr. Van Week, Of
Broad s.reet).
AucmoNExR-One thousand dollarsl He said he wanted
distinctly understood that every bid taken must be bona
fde and the sale made without He continued
81 000 81 000 81 900, 81 900, 81 0O0-$ $50, will you
give i Only ST. 900 have, will you give the S250s Why
gentlemen i is valued at $4,000. Only 81 ,o0o will you
20 the 81 $50?
A vocE (Mr Alley son Of Samuel Aney)-sl,ooo.
AUcToNKKR-$l 200 / am bidl 81 200, 81 200, 81 2OO
81 200 zoo Why, gentlemen. II took the artist three
years :. cut ~ This Is poor encouragement for native
VOICE (Mr. Peter Rice)-$l 800
AucrloNEER-$l 300, $500, 81 30o 81 1901 Gentle
men, am surprised at the smalness OF your bids sup
posed would have been started at 50 SOL am offered
81 800.
Mr. Peter Rice and Mr. N Hendricks were the only
bidders until il reached 81 500, when Mr. Rice ceased
bidding.
The auctioneer stated that copies of Powers "Greek
Slave were sold in London short time ago for So 900
and the work they selling original and equal
as good was a shame on the honor and dignity Of
New York the great commercial emporium, to allow the
work to be sacrificed.
The bidding then commenced again very slowly and ap
peared to be entirely between Mr.. Hendricks and Mr..
Henry Derby, until it reached 81 $780, when was knock
ever, claimed to have bid 81 800 in time and being Sec
ended by all the bysanders contiguous to him. Mr. Leeds
the auCtoneer put to vote whether he should
cept the bid and again start 800 unanimously
bidding contest again renewed between Mr. Hendricks
and Mr. Derby by 500 and SIS bids until reached 750
81 which price sold To Mr. Derby who acted as the
agent of the Cosmopolitan Art Association The sale last
The statue valued by Mr. Barbee at IS OO0 II will
be placed exhibition at the Dusseldorf Gallery and
afterwards drawn for by lottery.n
The sale was attended by about three hundred persons
among whom were merchants artists connoisseurs, &C.
There never has been such excitement regard the
sale OF work Of art since the sale OF Powers celebrated
~Greek Slave" The work richly worth double the
amount brought and may be considered as virtually