NEW YORK.- The July 17-18 auction of the estate of María Félix: La Doña at Christie’s New York totaled $7,299,640, far surpassing the pre-sale estimate, and setting six artist records. Fans of La Doña paid tribute to the international movie star, art collector and humanitarian over the course of the two-day sale, as auctioneers fielded lively bids from an international audience, with active bidding in the room, on the phone, and a strong presence from online buyers.

François Curiel, Chairman of Christie’s Europe, said “The María Félix magic ran through the salesroom for two entire days, as her extravagant and exhilarating collection was being wooed and coveted by collectors worldwide. She was a genuine star, a legend pur sang, and although she finished her acting career in the 1960s, the spectacular and spirited international response to this sale made clear that she had lost none of her beguiling appeal. She also was one of the great personalities of the 20th century and as a close friend of hers, I was deeply honored and touched to be an auctioneer during this memorable sale.”

Portraits of La Doña dominated the top lots, and the demand for Leonora Carrington was feverish with four of her works selling in the top ten lots. A world auction record was set for Carrington’s Sueño de Sirenas, a folding triptych depicting María as three mermaids, which fetched $609,600. Antoine Tzapoff’s, Amazona, also set a world auction record at $66,000, in his portrait of María riding a rhino. Artist records were also achieved for Stanislas Lepri, Chavez Marion, Tao Izzo, and Bridget Tichenor.

Diego Rivera’s Estudio de María Félix (Madre), a charcoal portrait of María holding a baby in her arms, was the third highest lot at $352,000. The portrait was commissioned by the film producer of Río Escondido, and María hung the exquisite drawing in her Mexico City bedroom.

High prices were also realized for European furniture, porcelain, couture clothes, and jewelry. An exceptional price was paid for a brown suede embroidered Hermès sleeveless long vest coat, which totaled $19,200, exceeding its low estimate by 12 times. A set of gold bangel bracelets set with diamonds spelling “Doña Doñita,” “Bonita María,” and “Puma Pumita,” also smashed expectations and sold for $48,000, more than 8 times its pre-sale low estimate, owing tribute to the fashion maven who once earned the title, “One of the World’s Best Dressed Women.”