Dianne Feinstein Collection Sells for Record-Breaking $1.85 Million at Auction
# Dianne Feinstein Estate Auction Raises $1.85 Million, Highlighting Art and Historic Pieces
An exclusive auction of art, jewelry, photographs, and personal memorabilia from the late Dianne Feinstein, former United States Senator and political icon, raised an impressive $1.85 million on October 8, 2023. Hosted by **Bonhams** in Los Angeles, the sale titled “Legacy of a Stateswoman: The Personal Collection of Senator Dianne Feinstein” far exceeded initial expectations, doubling the auction house’s predictions. The auction showcased an intimate glimpse into Feinstein’s life, bringing both art enthusiasts and political admirers from across California and beyond.
## The Legacy of Dianne Feinstein
Dianne Feinstein’s impact on American politics spanned over decades. Feinstein’s career began in local San Francisco politics, where she first rose to prominence following the tragic assassinations of Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk in 1978. She stepped in as mayor and later became one of California’s longest-serving senators, first elected in 1992. While her political legacy is complex—ranging from pushing for tougher national security laws to wavering support for progressive causes—her influence on California’s political landscape has been undeniable.
Feinstein passed away in September 2023, marking an end to a fascinating and often contentious career. Yet, it is not just her political accomplishments that have captured public attention in her passing, but also her private collection of art and personal items that reflect her opulent taste and connections to the worlds of art and history.
## Record-Breaking Sale and Its Significance
The **auction** garnered one of the highest numbers of registrations for a U.S. sale according to Bonhams, especially attracting Feinstein’s home state Californians. Bonhams’ Deputy Chairman of Trusts and Estates, Victoria R. Gray, remarked that this was a testament to “the profound influence Senator Feinstein had in her home state of California.”
### Outstanding Highlights from the Auction
Several key items from the auction fetched dramatically higher sums than anticipated, including:
– **William Alexander Coulter’s painting** “Ships Sailing in the San Francisco Bay with Fort Point in the Distance” (1907) was among the highest sellers, raking in an impressive $229,100, *three times* its original estimated value. This piece was reportedly a gift to Feinstein from a San Francisco institution, offering a slice of both local and historical art culture.
– **Jewelry**: A 4.14-carat platinum and diamond ring stole the spotlight in the jewelry category, selling for $108,450. Likewise, a gold and *diamond California Poppy brooch*, expected to fetch no more than $800, surprised attendees by going for **$19,200**. Both pieces emphasized Feinstein’s affinity for fine jewelry and her connections to California’s state symbols.
– **Historic Photographs**: One of the auction’s more personal moments was the sale of a photograph of Feinstein alongside President Joe Biden, taken in 2016. In the picture, a note scrawled by Biden read: “Diane— In all my years in public life I’ve never met anyone with whom I would rather work.” This heartfelt moment in political history sold for **$1,024**.
– **Feinstein’s Own Artwork**: Another unexpected gem from the collection was a **pencil drawing** titled **“Orchids 2001”**, an original work by Feinstein herself. Known among colleagues for gifting personal drawings of birds and flowers, Feinstein’s art piece sold for $4,864—highlighting a lesser-known side of the senator’s artistic practice.
### Sen. Feinstein’s Wealth and Personal Collection
At the time of her death, Dianne Feinstein was one of the wealthiest U.S. lawmakers, with a fortune estimated at **$69.4 million**, largely attributed to her investments in real estate and other ventures courtesy of her wealthy late husband, investment banker Richard Blum. Over her lifetime, Feinstein accumulated an impressive collection of valuable works of art, historic photographs, exquisite jewelry, and her own art pieces, reflecting her many roles as a public servant, artist, and admirer of fine objects.
### The Emotional Element and Public Appeal
What set this auction apart was the emotional connection many Californians and others had with Feinstein. While some auctions focus purely on the intrinsic value of the items, Feinstein’s auction carried the weight of her rich political and public life. People weren’t just bidding on art and fine jewelry; they were investing in historical artifacts deeply tied to American political history and the legacy of a senator who left a lasting mark on the nation.
Her personal collection also painted a more intimate portrait of Feinstein as someone who appreciated art and craftsmanship, introducing a form of connection with her public persona that transcended politics.