E-mail updates
Follow on Twitter
Subscribe to RSS
Sotheby's
A Chinese gilt-bronze lion clock stand from the Qianlong period (1736-1795) being auctioned from the estate of Brooke Astor.
The first day of an auction of the contents of philanthropist Brooke Astor's two homes brought in $8.7 million, Sotheby's said.
Sotheby's is offering the contents of both homes, 901 objects in all, including European and Asian furnishings, Old Masters, Qing Dynasty paintings, tea sets, silverware, jewelry, a porcelain menagerie, over 100 dog paintings — and even the uniforms of her domestic staff.
The two-day auction continues Tuesday.
Proceeds will go to institutions and charities, including the New York Public Library and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, under a settlement negotiated by the state Attorney General's office.
The collection had expected to fetch just $6 million to $9 million.
The auction comes after a nasty family feud involving her only son, Anthony Marshall. The five-year dispute ended in March with a settlement that freed $100 million for her charities and cut by more than half the amount going to Marshall, who was convicted of taking advantage of his mother's dementia, partly by engineering changes to her will. He has appealed.
The dispute had threatened to deplete the entire estate.
Astor spent her life putting the fortune that her third husband, Vincent Astor, left to use where it would do the most to alleviate human misery. Her efforts won her a Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, in 1998.
Astor died in 2007 at age 105.
More money and business news:
Leave a Comment:
Was it bought by a American or other foreign national?
More importantly, does this mean that Tony Marshall bought his way out of serving time for his felonies?
I need to marry a rich woman - the Lotto angle isn't working out as planned.
Didn't know who this is But after looking it up I guess I know why I didn't know her. We were not in the same circle of friends. Just another story about a person with a lot of money. And no I'm not jealous but when there is so much poverty in this world i get so sick of hearing about these rich people
the astor family were immigrants and brought a lot of money to the US, which they earned, then donated to charity. one of the astors died on the titanic, even though he was first class. his pregnant wife survived. many of them served the US in the government. i think you should be a bit more respectful. if youve ever left your house, most likely youve been on a street or in a city which was named after them.
Well, if you're so tired about hearing about the rich why don't you spend the time you normally apply to berating them here and go and help the poor be not so poor.
I don't know why people think the solution to making the poor less poor is to make the rich poor. It just doesn't make sense. Sure, it works by back-of-the-envelope style thinking but we've been pitching money at some of these poor families for generations and they're still poor.
From Gramconnie - "Just another story about a person with a lot of money."
Seriously??? You obviously know nothing about Brooke Astor. She directed multi millions to help the poor and other institutions. Stop following and listening to the 99% bs and learn something about people and history.
I guess you never saw Titanic or read about the passengers? John J. Astor was the richest guy on the ship I think. I can't walk around NYC without seeing the Astor name at least a dozen times. The family did a lot for charity. I'm not rich but have several friends that are and they do a lot for charity. They're not all obnoxious.
Through your comments, you have impressed upon me that not only are you blind and ignorant to history and culture, but that you are an Obama supporter. The Obama family can't hold a candle to what Brooke Astor did in her life time. People like her are a thing of the past. But, really go read a few books and then pass judgement. What's wrong with being rich anyway? Or is it that the only reason it's wrong is because your not?
What comments ? Who's blind and ignorant, besides you,and how does any of this have anything to do with our president you idiot ! By the sound of the echoes coming from your empty head I'd say your one of those stupid Romney backers ..that say a lot about your intelligence , or lack of it ..
UGH?
Roxyrules has successfully cancelled out all attempts at sounding intelligent by the mention of Obama and family. What does one have to do with the other? Boggles the mind, I tell ya. :o
The comments posted by gramconnie have everything to do with the President. Isn't he the one who has planted seeds of envy and division? You must not crawl out of that basement much. Such moles we have today. Yes, I do support Romeny and proud to say so.
"The Obama family" Only took 7 posts 2 get here.
♪♫Welcome back, my friends
2 the show that never ends.
We're so glad U could attend.
Come inside. come inside.♪♫
gramconnie: Clearly you did not read the article. Brooke Astor spent much of her life as a philanthropist, donating untold millions to help people in need. She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her efforts on behalf of those less fortunate. So before you shoot your mouth off, learn a little bit about the subject on which you're blathering. You claim you're sick of knowing about "these rich people" when there is so much poverty in the world. Like I said, before you blather on, READ the article, then try and LEARN something about the person in it! You clearly didn't do either this time around.
"You claim you're sick of knowing about "these rich people" when there is so much poverty in the world."
Yet she clicked on the story. lol
Me thinks she came here just 2 b!tch.
4 those who R not jealous, google Sotheby's auctions.
There is an e-catalog 2 view.
rockmebritney, The Astor Family were immingrants like all of us in regards to our families coming here at some point, but the Astor family has been in the US since the 1700s.
@roxyrules
Obama did something no one else could or would do. He made insurance pay for pre-existing conditions on health insurance and pay for children in college till they are in their 20s. That is a monstrous accomplishment that no money can compare to. It may take years for most people to see this but it is a land mark legislation.
You should really educate yourself. As Vincent Astor was the heir to his father John Jacob Astor's estate after he perished on the Titanic. At the time the Astors owned a large number of builidings in Manhatten, which had become run down. Vincent set out to change the image of his family and sold off the run down buildings, and used the money to construct large housing complexes in the Bronx.
His wife carried on his legacy by giving to others, and giving back to the community. He was a wealthy man who did not believe in hoarding his wealth, or by making it through the misery of others. But to share it with those less fortunate than he.
Wealthy people of today should take a chapter from Vincent Astor and his wife. Perhaps then will they learn it isn't about how much you make or earn, but what you do with your wealth that makes you admirable.
Vincent Astor and his wife should be commended for their work as Philantropist, and not be put down for being wealthy.
Not only was the story about the largess of the Astor family, it was also about a spoiled son thinking he deserved all of it. The point was made that what he was doing was in danger of depleting the estate and its ability to provide much needed help for charities and institutions it supports.
Royrules; I still don't see how this connects to Obama. But since you went there, he's not trying to deplete the rich, he just wants them to pay their fair share. Romney hasn't and others are worse. And Romney's big contributions are mandated by his church, not because he so generous.
I'm hardly rich as far as money is concerned. However, I'm rich in the love I have for my husband and children. As we raised our 2 girls not once did we talk about what some perceive as "unfair" and we didn't tell our girls to grow up, stay in our basement and on our health care until your 26, or let the government provide for your needs just because others are monetarily better off than you. I'll never be persuaded that it's "fair" to distribute others money, even though the government does it every day.
Life is not fair and the world needs ditch diggers too!
The Astor family are a shining example of just how generous one can be when it is not forced upon them.
Roxyrules, Stick to the topic. We don't CARE what you do or did, who you're voting for, etc. You seem to think everyone here wants a rundown of your life and your political affiliation (in another post you made). They don't. In addition, you seem to play both sides of the street. And that quote from "Caddyshack." Really? "Caddyshack!"
@Roxyrules....if your 26 year old becomes ill and his/her job doesnt cover the needed expenses..you be the first choking on your words while attempting to get them on your plan to care for them. Well that is if you, yourself have health insurance or go to the e.r. like everyone else who cant afford insurance, and that majority is the young people who "cant afford" insurance at the stage in their life! I proudly carry my 19 yr-old and will continue to not because he's worthless but because its necessary!
Besides how can you appluad the Astors for their goodwill then condemn parents for their goodwill to their children..your confused!!
I love rich people! They provide jobs!
Rich or poor you can't take it with you. Sooner or later someone else is going to get your stuff.
So true maddog. Not only that but others will be going through every single one of your private matters that remain materially. Neither will any family member or stranger ever know or understand the small (or large) individual possessions we have or what significance they held to us (unless they are told). I've unfortunately witnessed more than once ordinarily civilized wonderful people morph into someone I don't know temporarily (thankfully) over the possessions of someone deceased. Its sad and sick. Enjoying life while we're here is whats important. I understand the Astor's were great philanthropists their wealth wasn't merely taxed they willingly shared it without obligation while living.
dementia is gods way of letting family reap the rewards
gordeto: This had nothing to do with dementia. You sound like you may be suffering form it, however.
I WISH I WAS ONE OF HER CHARITIES, I COULD USE A $100,000
I agree with "rockmebritney". The family had money and made money, but over the years they contributed millions to worthwhile causes that helped. They were generous in their giving. It is too bad the family feud over money is the object of any media comments. No one wants to waste money that could be put to good use and certainly that is not what Mrs. Astor would have wanted. On the flip side, the collections they amassed are pieces of art that will never be reproduced again in any country and are worthy of enjoying if only in photos of the beauty of these masterpieces. Art at its finest.
So to those who can't respect the charitable contributions of others or the charitable remarks of others-go to Yahoo or Google-your diatribe is neither wanted or appreciated by the rest of us on MSN.
She was like two friends of mine: both want to live well and die poor; both give away millions year to year to the poor, to the boys and girls clubs, to Katrina victims, to scholarships for students, to every kind of disadvantaged person. Many of the 1% are kind and generous people; these two like anonymity. Not everyone who is wealthy is a crumb-bum.
A curious statement in the article, "Astor spent her life putting the fortune that her third husband, Vincent Astor, left to use where it would do the most to alleviate human misery."
So, in memory of Mrs. Astor, who did wonders in donating millions to multiple charities, you leave her personal items and collection to the New York Library, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art?
Alright, maybe someone can explain to me how those contributions “alleviate human misery.”
I do not have a list of all the charities she did donate to to alleviate human misery. I do believe donating to the New York Library and Metropolitan Museum was the chosen organizations for her more personal property holdings. Feed the mind with knowledge (the library) and the soul with inspiration (art) to better humanity.
I believe much of the early family fortune was earned during the early fur trade in America. Little did they know that the "fur would fly" after Mrs. Astor passed. I really understand how the contributions are going to alleviate human misery. I'll never be able to even see the items-much to my own relief.
It is nice to see that some of the wealthy are so generous. There are so many of them that think only of themselves. I knew who Brooke Astor was, she was always known for her genorosity. I have seen more than a few who were like her. Many were what we would call filthy rich. They had so much money they did not know what to do with it. Thankfully many have gone the way of the Astor family and shared it. Think of the Du ponts, Carnegies, and Mellons and how much they have given.
I think if you really researched it that you would find a sizable portion of the wealthy are in fact generous and give much to various charities and organizations.
The Astors history of having the most because they could. Most of the family fortune was massed through the usual means, but the earlier generations were money snobs. As in the Vanderbuilts, Mellons, Carnegie..when at the height of their cash flow, they got together and started building in the Hamptons, for their gazillion $ "summer place"
The difference with that time, was that their was no income tax on personal incomes.
They had it, they spent it lavishingly so. However, if someone does the hard work, makes a fortune, but generously gives it to programs that help, it seems to even out. Look at what the Bill Gates family does...or Warren Buffett. Give these people a break...they do lots of good deeds and never ask to be honored because they do so.
The wealthy of today, got it the old fashioned way....they inherited it. Most people do not know that Anderson Cooper is an heir to the Vanderbuilt cash....but when his mother Gloria goes, yep, he does. Not everyone wealthy is arrogant....well, we have to make an exception for Donald Trump!---LOL
Agreed. The Astors, Vanderbilts, Carnegies, etc. all worked very hard to obtain those fortunes.
No, they didn't. There wealth just came at a time when invention and the goods they produced were highly marketable, there was no regulation, so they hurt many environmental areas that had to be cleaned up later by the government, and they paid slave wages and worked even children to death. They mainly treated their workers like pieces of dirt, why do you think labor unions came about, the Pinkertons, etc?
Yes they did Danielle, you have no idea what you are talking about, just spreading liberal feces.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the New York Library are two uniquely situated institutions prepared beyond belief to accept, protect, and use to educate the irreplaceable art collection and other effects of Mrs. Astor. I can think of no other place on earth where her collections would be safer and used better for the public good. God Bless Mrs. Astor's memory, and a correct decision about her estate, in court.
Where are we on the son's appeal? He will be dead most probably before he is ever sent to jail. However I am sure his life has been anything but easy since he was found guilty of the crimes he committed against his mother.
I don't know why so many of you even address the email from someone who is ignorant and unhappy. Why bother? Incidentally I am for President Obama, have no money but have devoted the last 25 plus years helping these in need with their animals. There are all sorts of ways of giving so long as you give. To give is to receive
I meant to say that I really don't understand how the contributions will relive human misery in accordance with her past considerations. That's what happens when a government official gets involved in doling out the dough.
Americafirst and D.Kennedy, I take your point. Now, I too wonder how will the contributions to the mentioned institutions help to alleviate human misery. I don't think the average poor/miserable person has access to New York Library or the Metropolitan Museum of Art. In fact, I don't think those people can afford to travel to or live in New York. Anyone care to explain?
Take a trip to Astoria, Oregon and see the city named after the Astors, who by the way donated buildings and history to the region.
I agree that there are countless thousands of very wealthy people out there who give very generously of the fortunes they have amassed. There are many ways to do that - inheritance, very hard, honest work, or indulging in criminal activity that can bring incredible wealth as long as you don't get caught. It's very important to acknowledge those who do help people or causes less fortunate than their own positions in life. I believe that most of us who are in the 99% aren't ranting against the super-wealthy because they have lots of money and we don't. Rather, the fight is against enacting laws that continually favor them, laws that are designed to destroy the middle classes, and mostly, allowing those in the 1% who have committed white-collar crimes but are nonetheless allowed to go scot- free because those who have the power to prosecute will not. They are way too afraid of what might happen to them and their almighty careers if they have the spine to put these miscreants in jail, where a lot of them do belong these days.
i lived in germany near town of waldorf.....the waldorf family moved to america and among other things the waldorf-astoria hotel.......is part of their legacy. " waldorf and astor " fur trading and other endeavors resulted in family fortunes. we all have the opportunity to live the american dream at so many levels , the beauty of which is it is never too late to start.
The Astor’s like many other wealthy families and big
businesses for that matter are generous philanthropist. They are responsible for funding many
programs from libraries, children homes, theatre programs, drug and alcohol
rehab programs to medical research. I am
not wealthy but have worked for people that are and been involved personally
with many nonprofit programs. Without
these monies many of these programs would not exist. What people don’t realize is that when our
government reduces their funds they are taking them away many times from these
programs. I have seen many very
successful programs that serve the needy and our communities collapse due to
the economic woes of these wealthy people.
Same programs when funded by the
government (or should I say if) spend most of that money dealing with the red
tape the government imposes or have so many rules to how they must operate and who they can offer services
to that they become unsuccessful.
Remember this next time you vote and or criticize the wealthy!
P.S. When I am speaking of the wealthy the scum bag CEO’s
that fraud us are NOT in this group!
I knew I would get a lot of grief about my comment Yes i realize they give a lot to charity but I would rather hear stories about the little boy with cancer that gave his trip to Disneyland to a family that had a father in the service. Then he turned around and gave the second trip to another family. It's great that some of the rich give to charity but do we have to hear about it all the Time if I was wealthy I would give a lot but I don't have to have everybody know about it. I give to charity with what little income I have and i do charity work when I can
gramconnie: Fine, then go read those stories. No one forced you to come here. Brooke did not go around bragging either. Clearly you are angry with the rich (yes, it shows), and know nothing of the Astor dynasty and their charitable works. Now go read something else about the little boy with cancer and his trip to wherever. If you don't want to hear about the wealthy or read about them, that is your choice, but stop your whining and sniveling about it! Oh, and you might try reading the post of care-808237. Oh wait, you want to read about little boys with cancer going to Disneyland. So go read already!
So tell us gramconnie, just Y did U click on a story about the rich?
U-don't say - gramcommie clicked on the story so she could carp about the rich, which she clearly is not and she's angry she isn't. That simple. She'll vehemently claim otherwise but her posts are transparent. She wants to read about kids with cancer going to Disneyland, she claims. If she really did, she'd be reading about them not coming here to gripe!
@Imaginethis,
Yea dawg, I knew that. I just wanted 2 hear her take on it. lol
gramconnie: By the way, sounds like YOU'RE bragging about your charitable works. You claim you're tired of hearing the rich tell us how they gave to charity, and here YOU are doing the same thing! Telling us how you don't have much but still give. I am hearing some violin music coming from someplace or other.
Gramconnie - this is one case where ignorance is not bliss.
care-808237: Clearly you are NOT among the usual dipstick posters! I agree with your post and it is all very true. Most people on these boards blather away about how they hate the rich, and also about things having nothing to do with the subject at hand.
The more money, the more greed. The bigger the sense of entitlement. This was one of the worst cases of ELDER ABUSE to date. No matter how shabbily Brooke Astor may have treated her son, not matter who the Astors were, the money was left to her and it was hers to dispose of as she wished. You and I would be happy with $30 million or $14 million plus the income from all the board and trustee-ships she got for him. Don't be so quick to judge. All that money did not prevent her from being a bad parent or losing her mind. However that still does not give anyone the right to take advantage or help themselves to what does not belong to them.
Whenever anyone bemoans the rich, it is clear they are seething with jealousy! How you can hate someone you don't even know (or decry them), is beyond me. Many here claim they don't hate the rich (they do, because it really shows in their postings), and many others clearly don't even know who BA was, and they know nothing of the Astor dynasty or their contributions to charity. If you don't want to read about the rich, etc., then why come to a story like this one? Oh wait, it's just so you can carp and whine about them, now I remember.
Wasn't the Astor family the owners of slums in New York during The Great Depression? I think they made millions on the backs of the poor. Now I would think some of them feel guilty.
gramcommie; there was a show on the other night on mainstream media TV that highlighted all those able to afford the Astor estate....The Grammys. All your Hollywood elitists who make a living/killing playing "pretend." Go bitch to those people...start with Clooney, go to Hanks, Robbins, Damon,...and work your way down. Good grief.
The Beev: Are you sure you didn't mean The Emmys?
Dayum Imaginethis,
U R quick today.
I was gonna say that. :-(
roxyrules: Sounds like you're making a political statement. We don't care who you're for in November's election. That's not what this is about. Do you really think we don't know what you're up to? You're totally transparent.
What's wrong with transparency? Is that a bad thing?
In your case troll, um I mean roxyrules, yes. Give it up.