Gaetano Chierici's (Italian, 1838?-1920) "The Mask," a Nineteenth Century scene characteristically rich in the "picture seller" style of the artist, was the top lot at Barridoff Galleries' international fine art auction on October 28, achieving $117,500, including premium.

Signed and dated "Chierici Gaetano [sic] 1871" lower left, the 31-by-41-inch oil on canvas, property of the Georgetown, Maine, estate of William F. Herman, had been purchased by the consignor's great grandmother in Italy around 1874 and had never since been for sale privately or at auction. A copy of a letter written in Italian by the artist in which he refers to the painting's purchase accompanied the lot.

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Source: http://www.antiquesandthearts.com/