2 Hirshhorn Museum works by Eakins auctioned in NY

2 Thomas Eakins works from the Hirshhorn Museum sell at NYC auction for combined $461,000

Two Thomas Eakins paintings put up for auction in New York City by Washington's Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden have been sold for a combined $461,000.

Christie's auction house says a study for "William Rush and his Model" sold Wednesday for $122,500, slightly more than its presale estimate. A portrait of Robert C. Ogden sold for $338,500, below its estimate.

A third painting by the 19th-century American realist artist failed to find a buyer. The study for "Portrait of Mrs. Charles L. Leonard" had been estimated to bring up to $150,000.

The Washington, D.C., museum decided to sell the three works to raise money for its acquisition fund. The works haven't been exhibited at the museum since 1977.

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On the Net:

Christie's: http://www.christies.com

Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden: http://www.hirshhorn.si.edu