In a Kandinsky auction at Sotheby Parke Bernet in 1971 the Nahmads bought half of the paintings.

FORBES: The Art of the Deal

Peter Wilson, Sotheby's suave, Eton-educated chairman, expanded Parke Bernet's novel practice of opening its galleries for presale exhibits.

FORBES: Revenge of the Nerds

In 1957, after his death, Parke-Bernet auctioned off the lot, including the "of the people" leaf.

FORBES: Magazine Article

He became Sotheby's first American employee (the company acquired auctioneer Parke-Bernet, where he worked, in 1967) before founding his real-estate office in 1981.

WSJ: Edward Lee Cave's 18th-Century Connecticut Farm | House Tour