This new feature picks out a lot in a New York auction house that piqued my curiosity.  This is purely a personal observation and not endorsed by any auction house.  New York auction houses have selling exhibitions that are free and open to the public.  If you are traveling here or live in the city, check the websites of Sotheby’s, Christies, Bonhams and others to visit a free art show.  Each of them last just a few days.

Today I highlight PORTRAIT OF MONSIGNOR CRISTOFORO SEGNI (D. 1661), MAGGIORDOMO TO POPE INNOCENT X, Lot #48 of Sotheby’s Old Masters Evening Sale selling February 1.  It is estimated to sell for between $3 Million and $4 Million dollars (if you want it get your bid in now).

It is a very important painting with an amazing history and means a lot in the fine arts world.  The reason I like it is that it reminds me of John Cleese.  Look at it, isn’t it true?  John Cleese is getting up there in years but it can’t really be him as it was painted in the 16th Century, right?  Of course if John Cleese did sit for the picture it explains his excellent performance in Monty Python and the Holy Grail.  He was really there!

As always you can find more at http://www.walterthinnes.com and on Twitter @walterthinnes

TOMORROW: More about one of my scripts!