MILFORD, Conn. - s4story -- American Impressionism led strong results at Shannon's Spring Auction on May 2nd. The 205-lot sale grossed $2.5 million and was over 80 percent sold. Notable prices were achieved for women artists, works on paper, Contemporary art and American Impressionism. All prices quoted include the buyer's premium.

The top lot in the auction was a Portrait of Caroline Allport from 1897 by William Merritt Chase. The work depicted an adorable young girl with a pink bow. Inscribed on the reverse was a sweet poem about Jumbo the elephant described as "Our favorite song, Caroline and Mr. Chase." The lot was accompanied by a letter from the artist describing details pertaining to the commission.  The portrait sold for $118,750 to a private collection.

Following the success of the cover lot from Shannon's Fall sale, a $450,000 Frieseke titled Lady Trying on a Hat from 1909, Shannon's again offered another exceptional painting by the artist. In the Spring auction, Dressing sold for $112,500. The painting depicted a woman tying her shoe and illustrated the influence of French Impressionism.

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Both American Impressionist highlights were consigned from private collections and sold to private collectors. The Chase came from a notable Michigan collection that consigned 17 works to the auction and the Frieseke led the offerings from an important collection in North Carolina with 23 works in the auction.

"We are thrilled that we were able to source most of our consignments from private collectors with whom we have had long established relationships," said Sandra Germain, Shannon's owner, adding, "We are also seeing greater buyer confidence with a record number of new bidders."

Paintings by women artists were prominently featured in the auction, with strong prices achieved in multiple genres. In Contemporary Art, a 1967 abstract painting by Alice Baber sold for $100,000, a minimalist drawing by Agnes Martin sold for $81,250 and a work on paper by Lynne Mapp Drexler from 1962 sold for $48,260.

For the full results and more information about the May 2nd auction, visit www.shannons.com or follow them on social media. Shannon's will host a summer online auction on June 13^th, followed by another fine art auction on October 25th. Consignments are invited year-round.