NEW YORK.-The work Mother and Two Children, oil on canvas, 1906 by Mary Cassatt sold for $4,272,000 at Christie's Important American Paintings, Drawings and Sculpture auctionin New York. This is world auction record for an oil painting by Mary Cassatt. Eric Widing, Senior Vice President, Specialist Head of Department, American Paintings commented: “We are delighted with the spectacular prices achieved by our top lots in today’s sale, including a new auction record for a Mary Cassatt oil painting and for any work by the American modernist John Marin. Great art attracted spirited competition, with every category from the 19th century to contemporary realism reaching new heights. The market remains buoyant and we look forward to a strong Spring season here at Christie’s New York.”

The American modernist market has been gaining considerable strength in recent seasons. With the rapid growth in the postwar and contemporary market, collectors who traditionally have bought in this category are showing increased interest in American modernism, an essential precursor to the international post-war art movements. Christie’s auction offers such buyers an excellent opportunity to further develop their own collections in this field.