Bonhams to Auction Barbara Walters Collection in New York

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Barbara Walters’ art, jewellery, furniture, and other effects will go under the hammer at Bonhams in New York on 6 November.

Walters (1929–2022) was the first American woman to anchor a network news show. She went on to interview royalty, political leaders, and celebrities including Courtney Love, Monica Lewinsky, and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

While her interviews were often hard-hitting, the paintings in the sale, titled The Estate of Barbara Walters: American Icon, are more pretty than provoking.

Several depict idyllic public scenes, such as John Whorf’s Swan Boat, Boston Public Gardens (ca. 1955) for an estimated U.S. $10,000–15,000 and Paul Cornoyer’s Washington Square, New York (ca. 1900) for $60,000–80,000.

Walters’ favourite painting, Childe Hassam’s Flower Girls (Peonies) (1888–1889) ($1–1.5 million) is one of several portraits in the auction.

Others include Frank W. Benson’s Firelight (1893) for $400,000–600,000 and Egyptian Woman (Coin Necklace) (1891) by John Singer Sargent, which carries an estimate of $1.2–1.8 million.

Walters’ daughter, Jacqueline Danforth, said, ‘our home was always filled with interesting and beautiful reminders of her incredible, diverse life.’

‘I know she would find comfort that these pieces she cherished so much will be enjoyed and cared for,’ she said. —[O]

Main image: Paul Cornoyer, Washington Square, New York (ca. 1900). Oil on canvas, 46 x 61.6 cm. Courtesy Bonham's.