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Miller’s Crossing

News and notes from the November sales romp: Buyers have cash and determination, but are still picky; Picasso had a rough night; and Matisse was mixed. But Kandinsky cleared $21 million and an unsigned Monet waterlilies sold for $65.5 million. (And yes, those Les Lalannes tables everyone is going wild for did just fine.)

Sydell Miller collection Picasso Matisse sotheby’s
All 25 Miller lots sold—a feat known as a “white glove sale” in the trade. Photo: Michael Bowles/Getty Images for Sotheby's
Marion Maneker
November 20, 2024

Sotheby’s must have been pleased by the crowds that turned up on Sunday for the auction preview of artworks belonging to the late Palm Beach grande dame Sydell Miller, expected to make $200 million. Yes, there was a big eye-catching Monet to chase, not to mention a Matisse and three Lalanne tables. But the self-made beauty mogul’s taste was idiosyncratic—or, at least, not on theme with what most collectors are pursuing these days.