Estate Auctions Inc., which obtained the pencil on paper study of John Hamilton Mortimer’s painting “St. Paul Preaching to the Britons” through an estate liquidation, received 27 bids for the original piece. Initially the drawing’s framing made it almost impossible to verify its legitimacy. After obtaining the necessary research and opinions of professionals, however, Norb Novocin, the owner of estate Auctions Inc., said the winning bidder for the circa 1808 drawing would get a “one-of-kind treasure.”

 

Turner, an English painter whose full name was Joseph Mallord William Turner and who lived from 1775 to 1851, was known for making sketches of paintings he viewed at museums, galleries and private homes. He became a member of the Royal Academy in 1802, which is the year that appears in the watermark on the 6 1/2" x 4 1/2" sketch.

 

Congrats to lucky bidder.