POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. — Hyde Park Country Auctions offered 444 lots from the Asa and Jean Beckwith estate (Pleasant Valley, N.Y.) as well as other partial estates throughout the Hudson Valley area and Connecticut in its January 26 Country Americana & Primitive Sale. A portrait of local importance by Ammi Phillips (New York and Connecticut, 1788-1865) led the day, barking to $23,750, including premium, against a $5/10,000 estimate. The oil on canvas depicted George Beckwith, a “local farmer who cultivated ornamental fruit trees as well as dairy operation,” according to catalog notes. The circa 1850 work, housed in a gilt gesso frame, also included Beckwith’s dog, an unusual inclusion for Phillips’ paintings, who usually only depicted pets with children. The painting remained in the family after its completion, eventually landing it in the estate of Asa and Jean Beckwith, from which it was consigned for this sale. Additional highlights from this auction will be featured in an upcoming issue.