Lively interest at the auction of „19th Century Paintings“ on 16th October 2013 at Palais Dorotheum in Vienna:
„Landing of French Troops at Beirut“ by Jean-Adolphe Beauce caused a dramatic bidding battle resulting in a final price of 183,300 Euro, far exceeding estimates and establishing a new world record for this artist. The painting exists in three versions, one of the them at Versailles, the most handsome one now having found a new proud owner at Dorotheum. This light-drenched historical scene depicts General Beaufort d´Hautpoul and his forces sent to Beirut by Napoleon III. to mediate between the different religious communities – Middle East peace making 1860 style (Cat. No. 1161).

The auction's top lot turned out to be Ferdinand Georg Waldmüller's „Love Letter“ sold for outstanding 244,300 Euro. The masterly 1849 painting shows two young women reading the letter together, one dreamily happy, the other watching expectantly. What stands out particularly is Waldmüller's skilful use of candlelight, shining through the letter and illuminating the young ladies' faces against the dark background (Cat. No. 1300).
International clients competed for major works by Russian artists; Viktor Zarubin's „View from Normandy“ saw bidding rise to 110,100 Euro (Cat. No. 1262), „Night's Star“ by the Polish-born Vasili Kotarbinsky reached 116,200 Euro (Cat. No. 1258).

Vittorio Matteo Corco's flirtatious „Young Lady with Dog“ found a new admirer for 110,100 Euro (Cat. No. 1117).

At the end of the day, this auction's selection of Austrian as well as international art was able to continue the successes of the preceding old masters auction.