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.
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June 23, 2026 | Philadelphia | New York
A Life of Impact, A Legacy of Taste
The Honorable Sandra Schultz Newman
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
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
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
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 – 5 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 Post War & 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.