Inquisitive acquisitor

Attributed to JOHN JOSEPH HUGHES (British 1820-1909) Venetian Canal Scene Oil on canvas Verso with Frost and Reed label assigning the work to 'J.J. Hughes' 29 inches x 44 inches (73.5 x 111.7 cm), contained in an attractive carved and giltwood frame Estimate $1,200-$1,800. SOLD for USD22,000.

Framed Flemish oil painting on canvas, 19th c., a village in winter with many ice skating and sledding figures, signed lower right 'AM', overall craquelure, some small areas of paint loss, sight: 23"h, 30"w; overall: 29"h, 37"w. Estimate USD200-400. SOLD for USD8,000.

These two rather charming pictures were for sale and I bookmarked them in my "Potential bid" file. I am a little wary of pictures of Venice, as there is such a profusion, (ditto Paris), by there was a Canaletto-esq quality to this one, although only attributed to J J Hughes. The realised price is rather startling.

Similarly the Flemish winter scene, very attractive and with a vague Breugel-esq quality. The unknown signature has again produced an extraordinary premium on the estimate.

Both of these examples demonstrate to me the tenet that you should always like what you want to buy, but I would certainly not have left limits this high, based on the estimates. The art market is throwing up some very curious returns.