Tony Bennett may have left his heart in San Francisco, but his artistic eye loved the Big Apple.
The late superstar’s Central Park watercolors and sketches of the Empire State and Chrysler buildings are among a trove of items expected to sell by the thousands at an April 18-19 auction.
Beverly Hills-based Julien’s Auctions will host the sale — “Tony Bennett: A Life Well Lived” — online and live at the Ertegun Jazz Hall of Fame at Lincoln Center.
on blue paper. The dramatic design depicts an American flag.
As an artist, “Bennett’s impressionistic oils and watercolors often depict natural settings such as Central Park, which his studio overlooks,” noted The Post in 2011.
The Queens native, born Anthony Dominick Benedetto, gives Central Park its close-up in a 12×15-inch watercolor from 2000 whose pre-sale value was $800, but bidding is already at $1,250.
A 12 x 9 gray paper drawing of the majestic Empire State Building sells for $800.
The “Rags to Riches” singer also drew the stunning Art Deco-style Chrysler Building on blue paper. The dramatic design depicts an American flag.
Bidding on the 12 x 9 can reach $700.
Bennett drew or painted every day and exhibited his work in numerous galleries around the world.
He was chosen as the official artist for the 2001 Kentucky Derby and was commissioned by the United Nations to create two paintings, including one for its 50th anniversary.
The highest pre-sale value ($20,000 to $30,000) in the memorabilia mountain is a heartfelt note of appreciation from Martin Luther King Jr. for Bennett’s performance at the 1965 civil rights march, from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama.
“From Sinatra to DiMaggio to his Central Park landscapes, this auction represents all the people and places Tony Bennett loved most in his life and his hometown of New York,” said David Goodman, CEO of Julien’s. “New York was his muse which inspired his music and art, especially for his works, many of which were created from his studio,” he added.
The legendary pop, jazz and big band singer, who won 20 Grammy Awards, died July 21 after a seven-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
He was 96 years old.
“It’s amazing to have the opportunity to see all of these items in a collection like this, which represent Tony’s remarkable life, but also embody a part of our shared American history,” said Danny Bennett, the son of Tony and longtime director, in a press release announcing the sale. “Beyond his musical legacy, which is unparalleled and will continue to remain relevant, his life of positive engagement has impacted many people and events. He did everything with such artistry, compassion and integrity, which is a testament to the extraordinary person he was every day.
New York Post
