A Vanderbilt & Whitney Legacy: The Collection of Marylou Whitney & John Hendrickson

Doyle presents a landmark sale celebrating one of America’s most storied dynasties with A Vanderbilt & Whitney Legacy: The Collection of Marylou Whitney & John Hendrickson on November 12, 2025 at 10am ET. The auction offers a rare glimpse into the refined world of the Vanderbilt and Whitney families; icons of American art, industry, and horse racing.
The sale features furniture, artwork, silver, jewelry, and racing memorabilia from Cady Hill, the stately Saratoga Springs residence that served as the Whitney family’s summer retreat for nearly a century.

A Legacy of Elegance and Influence
Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney (1899–1992), known as “C.V.” or “Sonny,” embodied the intersection of two legendary families. The son of Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, founder of the Whitney Museum of American Art, and Harry Payne Whitney, C.V. continued a legacy steeped in innovation, philanthropy, and equestrian excellence. He was instrumental in the founding of both Pan American Airways and Selznick International Pictures, the studio behind A Star Is Born (1937) and Gone with the Wind (1939).
Marylou Whitney (1925–2019), celebrated as the “Queen of Saratoga,” brought glamour and generosity to every facet of her life. Known for her dazzling style and devotion to the racing community, she and her husband John Hendrickson transformed Saratoga’s summer season into a blend of sport, society, and celebration.

Highlights from the Collection: 

Equestrian Masterpieces
The family’s passion for racing is reflected in an exceptional group of equestrian paintings spanning generations of collecting.

Henry Stull (1851–1913), Brighton Handicap, 1904 (Lot 3)
One of Stull’s finest sporting works, Brighton Handicap captures the thrill of American horse racing at the turn of the 20th century. The artist’s attention to anatomy, motion, and light embodies the grace and power that defined the Whitney family’s long equestrian tradition.

Estimate: $20,000 – $30,000

Victorian Silver of Vanderbilt Provenance
A testament to Gilded Age grandeur, the silver offerings include more than forty lots of Georgian and Victorian pieces.

Set of Eighteen Victorian Sterling Silver Dinner Plates (Lot 91)
This impressive set exemplifies the understated luxury that defined Vanderbilt and Whitney entertaining. Each plate bears a finely engraved crest and radiates the polished sophistication of a grand Gilded Age table.

Estimate: $15,000 – $25,000

Neoclassical Refinement

Set of Twelve Italian Neoclassical Upholstered Armchairs, circa 1790 (Lot 217)
These elegant armchairs capture the balance and symmetry of 18th-century Italian craftsmanship. Their painted finish and graceful lines evoke the refinement of Cady Hill’s salons, where art and conversation intertwined.


Estimate: $10,000 – $20,000

Glamorous Jewelry

Pair of White Gold, Ruby, and Diamond Fringe Earclips (Lot 85)
A perfect reflection of exuberant taste, these striking earclips combine the glamour of rubies and diamonds with a sculptural modern edge. They are both statement and heirloom; a tribute to radiant style.

Estimate: $5,000 – $7,000

Silver Centerpieces Fit for a Legacy

Set of Four Silver-Plated Centerpieces (Lot 95)
Designed to impress, these grand centerpieces were likely used for formal dinners at Cady Hill. Their elegant proportions and polished surfaces evoke the hospitality and tradition of one of America’s most distinguished families.

Estimate: $3,000 – $5,000

A Glimpse into the Gilded Past
From portraits of champion thoroughbreds to the gleam of silver once used at Vanderbilt dinner tables, each piece tells a story of taste, tradition, and timeless style. Collectors will find not only exquisite craftsmanship but also a tangible link to America’s cultural and social history.

This auction represents more than a collection; it’s a celebration of lives lived with purpose, generosity, and grace.

View the full catalog and register to bid on Bidsquare.com.