The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1906-04-22
FAMOUS ART AucTIoNEER.
Late Thomas Hoade Woods of Chris
ties In London.

London.-The death of Thomas Hoade
Woods, who retired three years ago from
the firm of Christie. Manson & Woods
the we'll known art auctioneers, has
called forth some interesting reminiscent
ces of the salesroom. At the time of his
retirement he had beena associated with
the firm for ffty-seven years, and for
more than forty years he was doubtless
the best known auctioneer OF pictures in
the world
Probably it would not be correct to say
that in his time the firm was known more
widely. yet In certain respects it was
perhaps better known. Its authority stood
higher.
AS his largest single deal, Mr.. Woods
remembered selling the Marlborough col
lection of antique gems for G36,75o. An
other notable sale, by private contract
was that of Raphaers "Graces" for the
Earl of Dudley's representatives.
The "Graces" had cost Lord Ward,
Lord Dudley's father, G500. Mr.. Woods
sold the little picture for G26,250. In pro-
portion to size this may be the highest
price on record for the picture measured
seven inches square, The buyer was the
Due d'Aumale, and the picture is now at
Chantilly
, One of Ruben's pictures of the same
subject. 1.-THE Three Graces,' was sold to
sum, G25,O00. and Fra Angeicos Last
Judgment was bought by the Berlin Ma
tional Gallery for 9$l0,500 This was an
other of the Dudley pictures. 1t had cost
Lord Dudley 9156 at the French sale.
Some famous dispersals over which the
old auctioneer presided were those of the
Hamilton Palace collection, in 1882 for a
total of 93s7, 582; the elliot collection. 1872,
e164,536: the Albert Grant, 1877, e106. 1852 /;
tho T11i11nx- 1900 P100 mn. 6a
1892. s1os,oo0 the Manley Hall, 1875,
9101 ISL
Mr.. Woods was in the habit OF attend
ing TO his business rather than OF writing
or talking about it. but some interesting
comments made by him have been pre-
served by the author of "Redford's Art
Sales Though made as long ago as
1885, they arc true of today
Despite fluctuations, two great move
ments have been in force since the Straw
berry Hill and Besnal sales. The best
things have gone on Increasing enormous
ly in value; the moderate have suffered
considerable depression; the inferior have
become almost valueless.
For instance. great disappointment is
often felt at the poor prices realized by
the majority Of the Italian pictures ac-
cumulated In country houses. Yet the
reason is plain. Buyers know much more
about ART IMAM Iuey ulu MY years dSo,
and the Italian pictures bought by noble
men and gentlemen on the grand tour
as they call 1.-THE Virgins, saints and
martyrs. with great names attached to
them--cannot find a purchaser.
ut is hard to make any one believe,
what / know to be a fact. that some
twenty-five years ago a peer Just dead of
fered a duke $4,000 for Carlo Dolci and
was refused. To us now this seems I'M
possible, so greatly has the later Italian
art deprecated.
when this has happened to pictures
OF undeubted authenticity. is 1t to be
l wondered at that school pictures, copies
and limitations hardly tempt people to
carry them away? And OF this rubbish
many country houses are full, with Sir
Joshuas, Gainsboroughs and Romneys OF
great value Or admirable Dutch pictures
to leaven the mass"
For the instruction of buyers, one re-
mark which Mr.. Woods piade publicly at
Christies ought to be displayed prom
inently In all places where pictures are
sold:
II care more about pictures than | do
about signatures
There Is reason to suppose that most
buyers of old pictures feel differently.
Another comment is of some interest as
relating to a picture which is now hang
ing in Christies rooms, forming part of
the r. n. Denny collection. to be dis
persed q few days hence. This is Rom
mars Mrs. Oliver 1t figured in the