Rare Books, Autographs & Maps

Doyle - New York: Among the diverse offerings will be printed and manuscript Americana, maps of all regions, early printing, fine bindings and library sets, fine printing and private press, travel and sport, science and technology, books on art and architecture, children’s and illustrated books, and English and American literature. Also featured are original autograph manuscripts and letters, illustration art and memorabilia.

The Collection of Lucille Coleman
Highlighting the sale are rare works by Charles Dickens and more from The Collection of Lucille Coleman.

Lucille Coleman was a gracious presence in New York’s philanthropic and cultural circles. Known for her exceptional taste and quiet generosity, she brought elegance to every endeavor—from her thoughtful collecting to her steadfast support of charitable organizations. Among her many philanthropic commitments, she maintained a decades-long relationship with NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, which honored her contributions by naming a residential tower on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Her collection reflects a life dedicated to beauty, legacy, and meaningful engagement with the world around her.

Auctions throughout the fall season will highlight the breadth of her interests, including a remarkable group of Asian works of art. Chief among them is a rare and important ensemble of Japanese Meiji figural bronzes crafted by leading workshops of the period—pieces originally intended to awe Western audiences with their romantic vision of Japanese culture. Additional highlights include two gilt-bronze seated figures of Amitayus and a monumental Japanese bronze figure of an ascetic atop a lion dog, each exemplifying the extraordinary artistry and symbolism of the region.

Mrs. Coleman’s passion for European modernism is also reflected in her collection of paintings by artists such as Louis Valtat, Bernard Buffet, Gustave Loiseau, and Maurice de Vlaminck. These works—ranging from bold Fauvist compositions to lyrical post-Impressionist landscapes—underscore her keen eye for color, form, and expressive beauty.

Through its expert stewardship of single-owner collections, DOYLE will bring Mrs. Coleman’s legacy to a broad collecting audience while honoring her commitment to excellence, connoisseurship, and philanthropy.