Gavel & Grace: The Estate of the Honorable Sandra Schultz Newman

A landmark single-owner sale celebrating a life of judicial distinction, intellectual rigor, and refined collecting.

DiscoverApr 29, 2026

A Life of Impact, A Legacy of Taste

A Philadelphia native, Justice Newman built a pioneering legal career marked by historic firsts, including serving as Montgomery County’s first female Assistant District Attorney and becoming the first woman elected to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Her tenure on the bench, combined with decades in private legal practice, established her as a formidable trial lawyer, respected jurist, and trailblazer for women in law.

Beyond her legal legacy, Justice Newman was a prominent figure in Philadelphia’s cultural and social landscape. Often described as a “force of nature,” she was equally at home in the courtroom as she was at the city’s most influential events. Known for her refined eye and personal style, she developed a reputation as both a legal pioneer and a discerning collector. Her lifelong collection—spanning fine art, decorative design, and important jewelry—reflects her sophisticated taste and enduring impact on Philadelphia’s cultural community.

Justice Sandra Schultz Newman was dynamic, fearless, and entirely original—and her collection reflects that same spirit. She gravitated toward objects with presence and personality, creating a collection that is as bold, distinctive, and unforgettable as she was

Lauren Colavita, Specialist, Fine Art, Head of Sale

Three Distinct Sales. One Cohesive Vision

Important Jewelry | June 10 | New York

Gavel & Grace: The Estate of the Honorable Sandra Schultz Newman | June 23 | Philadelphia

Essential Jewelry | June 24 | Online

Featured Categories

Alex Katz, Trishie and Laddy (Lady), 1975 | Estimate $600,000 – 800,000 — Alex Katz, , 1975 | Estimate $600,000 – 800,000

Fine Art

Fine Art from the Estate of Justice Sandra Schultz Newman offers a compelling survey of modern and contemporary works, unified by a strong, confident aesthetic. Anchored by important highlights such as Trishie and Laddy (Lady) by Alex Katz, estimated at $600,000–800,000, the collection reflects a lifelong commitment to visual clarity, sophistication, and artistic innovation. Carefully curated over a lifetime, the collection reflects intellectual rigor and a commitment to quality, with each work selected for its visual power and lasting significance. From paintings to prints and works on paper, the offering demonstrates a keen understanding of composition, form, and artistic innovation. This category provides collectors with the opportunity to acquire works that not only stand alone, but also contribute to a broader, cohesive collecting vision.

From Left to right: Harry Bertoia | (American, 1915-1978) Spray | $25,000.00 - $35,000.00; Harry Bertoia | (American, 1915-1978) Bush Form | $70,000.00 - $90,000.00; Harry Bertoia | (American, 1915-1978) Organic Form | $30,000.00 - $50,000.00; Harry Bertoia | (American, 1915-1978) Bush Form, c. 1970s | $50,000.00 - $70,000.00 — **From Left to right:** **Harry Bertoia |** (American, 1915-1978) *Spray* | $25,000.00 - $35,000.00; **Harry Bertoia |** (American, 1915-1978) *Bush Form* | $70,000.00 - $90,000.00; **Harry Bertoia |** (American, 1915-1978) *Organic Form* | $30,000.00 - $50,000.00; Harry Bertoia | (American, 1915-1978) Bush Form, c. 1970s | $50,000.00 - $70,000.00

Sculpture & Design

Sculpture & Design plays a central role in the Estate of Justice Sandra Schultz Newman, emphasizing the intersection of fine art and functional form. This category features striking sculptural works alongside innovative 20th-century design, where material, scale, and structure take precedence. Exceptional works by Harry Bertoia — including Spray, Bush Form, and Organic Form — exemplify the collection’s focus on sculptural presence, material experimentation, and spatial dialogue. These striking forms, with estimates ranging from $25,000 to $90,000, embody Justice Newman’s appreciation for objects that command attention while seamlessly integrating into lived environments. The collection highlights bold artistic choices and a deep appreciation for objects that command space—blurring the boundaries between decorative art and sculpture. With a focus on modern and contemporary design, these works appeal to collectors seeking distinctive, statement-driven pieces that elevate both interiors and collections.

Diamond and Platinum Ring, featuring an emerald cut diamond weighing 19.12 carats | Estimate $350,000 – 450,000

Jewelry

Jewelry from the Estate of Justice Sandra Schultz Newman presents an extraordinary array of fine and important pieces, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship, rare gemstones, and timeless design. Leading the offering is a remarkable diamond and platinum ring featuring a 19.12-carat emerald-cut diamond, estimated at $350,000–450,000 — a piece that perfectly reflects the bold elegance and refined confidence that defined Justice Newman’s personal style. From statement diamonds to elegant signed pieces, this offering reflects a discerning eye for quality and individuality. Carefully assembled over decades, the collection balances bold, sculptural forms with classic sophistication, appealing to both seasoned collectors and new buyers. As a highlight of the sale, these pieces underscore the enduring value of estate jewelry and the continued strength of the fine jewelry market.

Bösendorfer, 1986 Grand Piano, Model 225 | $20,000.00 - $40,000.00 — **Bösendorfer,** 1986 *Grand Piano, Model 225* | $20,000.00 - $40,000.00

Decorative Arts & Interiors

Decorative Arts & Interiors from the Estate of Justice Sandra Schultz Newman reflect a refined, highly personal approach to collecting and living with design. Highlights such as the 1986 Bösendorfer Grand Piano Model 225, estimated at $20,000–40,000, illustrate the collection’s balance of sculptural beauty, craftsmanship, and functionality. This curated selection of furniture, lighting, and decorative objects highlights the seamless integration of modern aesthetics with timeless execution. Each piece was chosen not only for its visual impact, but for how it contributed to a cohesive interior environment—where art and design exist in dialogue. Collectors will find exceptional examples of 20th-century design and sculptural furnishings that embody both function and form, offering insight into a thoughtfully composed home shaped by intention and style.

Collected with Intention

This collection reflects a lifetime of deliberate, highly considered acquisition—where each object was chosen not in isolation, but in dialogue with the whole. At its core is a compelling balance between modern art and sculptural design, exemplified by works such as Trishie and Laddy (Lady) and the expressive sculptural forms of Harry Bertoia.

Works are not merely decorative; they occupy space with authority, often blurring the line between fine art and functional object. This interplay creates interiors that feel both curated and lived-in—where a painting, a piece of furniture, and a jewel each hold equal visual and conceptual weight.

That same sensibility extends to the jewelry collection, led by the striking 19.12-carat emerald-cut diamond ring, whose architectural elegance mirrors the sculptural qualities found throughout the interiors and fine art holdings. Likewise, the 1986 Bösendorfer Grand Piano Model 225 serves not merely as a functional instrument, but as an artistic focal point within the home—reflecting Justice Newman’s belief that design should be both lived with and intellectually engaging.

What distinguishes the collection is its intellectual rigor. Justice Newman approached collecting with the same discernment that defined her legal career—favoring bold, confident choices that reflect a deep engagement with aesthetics, history, and craftsmanship. There is a clarity of vision throughout: nothing tentative, nothing incidental.

That clarity results in a rare cohesion across categories. Fine art, jewelry, and interior design are not treated as separate disciplines, but as interconnected expressions of taste. Sculptural furniture echoes the lines of modern artworks; jewelry reflects the same affinity for structure, material, and statement. The collection reads as a unified environment rather than a series of acquisitions.

Above all, this was a collection meant to be experienced. It embodies the idea of living with art—not simply collecting it. These objects were integrated into daily life, shaping spaces that were both intellectually engaging and deeply personal. The result is not just a reflection of what was collected, but how it was lived.

Offered in the City She Loved

Presenting this collection in Philadelphia is both a logistical choice and a meaningful tribute.

As a lifelong Philadelphian, Justice Newman’s personal and professional legacy is inseparable from the city. Hosting the dedicated single-owner sale here reinforces that connection—returning her collection to the community that shaped it. It transforms the auction from a market event into something more resonant: a moment of local significance.

Experience a collection that bridges law, legacy, and lasting beauty.

With a history of over 10.4M global bidders participating from over 97 countries, Freeman’s combines deep Philadelphia roots with international reach, ensuring maximum exposure and competitive bidding.

Auction Schedule

Important Jewelry, featuring The Newman Estate
June 10, 2026 | Live, New York

Gavel & Grace: The Estate of the Honorable Sandra Schultz Newman,
Single-Owner Sale
June 23, 2026 | Live, Philadelphia

Essential Jewelry
June 24, 2026 | Online

Auction Previews

Jewelry from the Newman Estate will be included in the Important Jewelry sale national tour:

Palm Beach (highlights only)
May 6–7 | 10 am – 5 pm

Los Angeles (highlights only)
May 14–15 | By appointment only

Chicago
May 26–28 | 10 am – 5 pm

Philadelphia (highlights only)
June 2–3 | 10 am – 5 pm

Full Preview: June 18–23 | 10 am – 4 pm

New York
June 5–9 | Weekdays: 10 am – 5 pm; Weekends: 11 am – 5 pm

Fine art highlights from the Newman Estate, including Alex Katz’s Trishie and Laddy (Lady), will be on view in New York during the PostWar & Contemporary Art sale preview:

May 6–9, 11–12 | 10 am – 5 pm
Closed May 10

Additional highlights from the single-owner sale will be exhibited in New York May 16 – June 10.

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Exceptional Works from Important Collections Headline Freeman’s Fall American Furniture, Folk and Decorative Arts Auction

PressOct 30, 2026

Freeman’s is proud to present its American Furniture, Folk and Decorative Arts auction on November 12, featuring exceptional works from important collections, including the Estate of Ambassador J. William Middendorf II of Rhode Island, the Wister Family of Philadelphia, and the railroad tycoon Edwin Hawley of New York. The auction is comprised of material dating from the 17th century to the early 20th century, illustrating the breadth of American material culture before our nation’s founding through the Industrial Revolution, when the strength of American manufacturing takes hold. Portraits and medallions of American forefathers George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin, are incorporated amongst other sitters of lesser renown. The artists who executed these works include Gilbert Stuart, Jean-Baptiste Nini, Charles Willson Peale, and many others. The auction will also showcase silver by important makers Tiffany & Co., John McMullin, and Myer Myers. Many pieces across the auction come with histories of ownership in which objects have been passed down through generations. In addition, the auction includes a 200-year-old cannon believed to have been cast at Paul Revere’s foundry, an extremely rare 1932 C.F. Martin & Co. custom ordered guitar, and a rare pair of exceptional Philadelphia Chippendale side chairs. The Middendorf Collection: A Legacy of Art & Diplomacy The auction begins with property from the Estate of Ambassador J. William Middendorf II, the distinguished American statesman, financier, and cultural patron. Middendorf was a singular figure whose influence spanned finance, government, the military, and the arts. Alongside his professional and civic achievements, he cultivated a discerning eye as a collector. Born in Baltimore on September 22, 1924, Middendorf served in the U.S. Navy during World War II as engineer officer and navigator before earning degrees from Harvard and NYU upon his return home. He co-founded the investment banking firm Middendorf, Colgate and Company, with a seat on the New York Stock Exchange before turning to public service. In his time as a public servant, Middendorf became one of the most frequently appointed American diplomats of his era and advised five presidents: Eisenhower, Nixon, Ford, Carter, and Reagan. He served as ambassador to the Netherlands, the Organization of American States, and the European Community, as well as Secretary of the Navy from 1974 to 1977. Middendorf was also an accomplished composer, artist, and author. In his lifetime, he composed at least 80 marches for Navy ships, 17 anthems dedicated to nations across the hemisphere, operas, and eight symphonies, and he received the American Bandmasters Association’s Edwin Franko Goldman Award. A lifelong draftsman, he filled 620 sketchbooks with more than 10,000 drawings. It’s no wonder, then, that Rhode Island Senate Minority Leader Jessica de la Cruz once called him a “Renaissance man.” The highlight of the collection is an Athenaeum Type Gilbert Stuart (American, 1755-1828) portrait of George Washington (lot 18; estimate: $100,000 – 200,000). Likely painted in the final decade of the renowned portraitist’s life, Stuart’s portrait of his signature subject, Washington, was one of at least three paintings commissioned by the wealthy Sears family of Boston. During this period the demand for Stuart portraits of the first president was steady, and the artist created numerous likenesses of Washington using an unfinished canvas of the founding father taken from life in Philadelphia in 1796 as reference. That unfinished canvas would come to be known as the “Athenaeum Portrait” and was the basis of Washington’s portrait on the one dollar bill. It is currently jointly owned by the Boston Museum of Fine Arts and the National Portrait Gallery. Other highlights from the collection include: Lot 1 | A Pilgrim Century Carved and Paneled Oak and Pine Blanket Chest $10,000 – 20,000 Lot 33 | A Ronald Reagan Presidential Chinese Export Porcelain Style Dinner Service $5,000 – 10,000 Lot 31 | A 19th Century American School Double-Sided Advertising Banner for George A. Hayes (active 1870-1885), Probably New York State, Circa 1900 $4,000 – 6,000 A Rare Musical Treasure The auction also features a rare musical treasure in the form of an important 1932 C.F. Martin & Co. Model 000-42S six string guitar (lot 293; estimate: $50,000 – 100,000). In November of 1932, the acoustic guitar was custom ordered by the Rudolph Wurlitzer Co. in New York City, at the request of a private client. At the time it was ordered, Wurlitzer was one of the few authorized retailers of Martin guitars. There is beautiful and understated abalone inlay around the top of the body, extending around the fingerboard, and around the sound hole. There is additional wood inlay on the front and back of the body. As is the custom with Martin guitars, the model and serial numbers are stamped to the inside of the body, on the neck block. Other Highlights Lot 140 | A Revolutionary / War of 1812 Bronze Cannon, Possibly from Paul Revere's Foundry Possibly Canton, Massachusetts, Circa 1794-1815 $25,000 – 50,000 Lot 97 | A Fine Pair of Chippendale Carved Mahogany Side Chairs Philadelphia, Circa 1770 $30,000 – 50,000 Lot 303 | A Polychrome Painted Cast Zinc Goddess of Liberty Figure Attributed to William DeMuth & Co., New York, Circa 1880 $15,000 – 25,000 Lot 98 | A Chippendale Carved Mahogany Desk and Bookcase Rhode Island, Circa 1780 $15,000 – 25,000 Lot 253 | A Tiffany & Co. Silver Seven Piece Tea and Coffee Service, plus Tray New York, Late 19th/Early 20th Century $15,000 – 25,000 Lot 210 | Three Portraits by Louis Lang (German/American 1821-1893) Caroline Hewitt (1808-1842), William Webb (1805-1863) and Double-Portrait of Sons Thaddeus (1838-1887) and William Hewitt Webb (1835-1893) of Philadelphia, 1839 $15,000 – 25,000 Auction Information American Furniture, Folk & Decorative Arts Thursday, November 12, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. EST 2400 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA Preview Exhibition 1600 West Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA November 9-11, 10am – 4pm Prior to November 8 by Appointment For additional information and to view the complete auction catalogue, visit: https://freemansauction.com/auction/6575-american-furniture-folk-decorative-arts How to Bid The American Furniture, Folk & Decorative Arts auction will be offered on November 12 at 10:00 a.m. EST in Freeman’s Philadelphia saleroom. Bidding will be available in person, over the phone, and via absentee or live online bidding. For more information, please visit freemansauction.com. About Freeman’s Freeman’s is a premier American auction house offering services in multiple categories including fine art, jewelry, design, books and manuscripts, furniture, decorative arts, antiquities, couture, and Asian works of art. With 14 regional locations nationwide, the firm provides auctions, appraisals, private sales, and art advisory services, connecting clients to the global art market. Freeman’s strives to bring art, history, and design to life by connecting people with extraordinary objects through exceptional service and expertise.

Lot 126 | Diego Giacometti, Berceau Table, Première Version, designed c. 1963 Estimate $250,000 – 350,000

Where Art Meets Design: Diego Giacometti's Berceau Table Leads Freeman’s November Design Auction

PressOct 29, 2026

On November 17, Freeman’s will present its Modern and Early 20th Century Design auction, bringing together an exceptional selection of furniture, lighting, and decorative arts spanning the 20th century. Headlining the sale is a remarkable Berceau table, première version, by Diego Giacometti, estimated at $250,000–350,000. The sale spans the evolution of 20th-century design, from Tiffany Studios lighting and French Art Deco furniture to the bold, sculptural forms of modern designers such as Paul Evans, Maria Pergay, and Judy Kensley McKie. Works by George and Mira Nakashima, Karl Springer, and Phillip Lloyd Powell further demonstrate the range of the offering, alongside a selection from the estate of American designer John Risley. Decorative arts by Clarice Cliff, Charles Lotton, and Albert Paley round out the sale. “This auction brings together an exceptional range of 20th-century design, from French Art Deco to modern American furniture,” says Roger Ward, Vice President and Head of Design at Freeman’s. “Among these works, the Giacometti table is particularly special. It perfectly captures the intersection of art and design, combining the craftsmanship of a skilled sculptor with the elegance of functional furniture.” Diego Giacometti: Sculpture in Functional Form At the heart of the auction is Diego Giacometti’s Berceau table, première version, designed circa 1963 (Lot 126, estimate: $250,000–350,000), offered from the Collection of Mai Hallingby Harrison, Palm Beach, Florida, and Southampton, New York. An extraordinary marriage of sculpture and furniture, the table exemplifies Giacometti's ability to transform utilitarian objects into works of art. Diego developed his artistic sensibilities working alongside his older brother, the celebrated sculptor Alberto Giacometti, in Paris, where the two collaborated for nearly four decades. Together, they moved within the city's vibrant artistic circles and worked with influential figures including designer Jean-Michel Frank. While Diego initially played a supporting role in realizing his brother's sculptural visions, he gradually developed a distinctive artistic language of his own, finding his greatest expression in bronze furniture that combined traditional craftsmanship with imaginative, sculptural forms. Conceived in 1963, the Berceau table captures an important period in Diego's emergence as an independent artist. Its elegantly curved bronze supports form a cradle-like structure—berceau in French—beneath a substantial glass top, creating an arresting interplay between strength and delicacy. The richly textured, patinated bronze bears the unmistakable character of the artist's hand, while the graceful proportions lend the composition an unexpected sense of lightness. For collectors, the Berceau table offers a compelling example of Giacometti's distinctive approach to furniture design. Created during his years working alongside Alberto, it reflects his growing artistic independence and ability to unite sculptural expression with functional purpose. The result is a work that embodies the craftsmanship and creative vision that would come to define his legacy. Additional Auction Highlights Lot 229 | Judy Kensley McKie, Table with Bird, 1982 Estimate: $15,000–25,000 Carved and painted in poplar and topped with glass, this whimsical table incorporates a bird motif into its sculptural form. The work reflects McKie's inventive approach to furniture, seamlessly combining craftsmanship, playful imagery, and function. Lot 214 | John Risley, Candelabra Sculpture Estimate: $1,200–1,800 Offered from the estate of John Risley, this large-scale wrought-iron sculpture embodies the American designer's ability to merge artistic expression with functional design. The work is among a selection of pieces from the Risley family's cabin in Maine, reflecting the creativity and wit that defined his contributions to mid-century American design. Lot 188 | Karl Springer, Free Form Coffee Tables, Set of Three, circa 1970 Estimate: $12,000–18,000 Featuring stainless steel and black glass, this set of three tables showcases the fluid silhouettes and striking materials characteristic of Springer's modern designs. Their sculptural forms bring a bold, sophisticated presence to the traditional coffee table. Lot 152 | Maria Pergay, Ring Chair, 1967 Estimate: $15,000–25,000 Crafted in stainless steel, Pergay's Ring Chair demonstrates her innovative approach to material and form. Its distinctive circular silhouette transforms an industrial material into an elegant, sculptural statement. Auction Information Modern and Early 20th Century Design Tuesday, November 17, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. CST 1550 West Carroll Avenue, Chicago, IL Preview Exhibition: Diego Giacometti Berceau Table Freeman’s New York Gallery 32 East 67th Street, New York, NY October 30–November 16, 2026 Monday–Friday, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Saturday, 12:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Closed Sundays How to Bid The Modern and Early 20th Century Design auction will be offered on November 17 at 10:00 a.m. CST in Freeman’s Chicago saleroom. Bidding will be available in person, over the phone, and via absentee or live online bidding. About Freeman’s Freeman’s is a premier American auction house offering services in multiple categories including fine art, jewelry, design, books and manuscripts, furniture, decorative arts, antiquities, couture, and Asian works of art. With 14 regional locations nationwide, the firm provides auctions, appraisals, private sales, and art advisory services, connecting clients to the global art market. Freeman’s strives to bring art, history, and design to life by connecting people with extraordinary objects through exceptional service and expertise.

Lot 126 Diego Giacometti (Swiss, 1902–1985) Berceau Table, Première Version, designed c. 1963

The Cradle and the Craftsman: Diego Giacometti’s Berceau Table

New & NoteworthyOct 29, 2026

by Roger Ward, Vice President, Head of Department, Design

Circle of Frans Hals (Dutch, 1582-1666)

New & NoteworthyOct 29, 2026

Portrait of a Lady, Three Quarter Length with Hood and Ruff,

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