100 Years of Collecting in America: The Story of Sotheby Parke Bernet

The history of fine art auctions in America is an indelible record of public opinion in the realm of aesthetics and taste. In every auction, the work of art that has the greatest appeal commands the highest price, and a reading of the roster of objects and artists most frequently selected gives a clear and fascinating picture of the evolution of fashion and taste in America.
The history of Sotheby Parke Bernet and its predecessor firms in America gives us a quick synopsis ot where we were and how we have changed and how much we enjoyed ourselves in the process. Looking at the many illustrations of works of art sold over the course of a century, we are mesmerized by the range of objects that have passed through their auction rooms.