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From the personal possessions of Truman Capote, each piece offers a glimpse into the world of one of America’s most fascinating literary figures.

The objects he collected, the things he treasured, and the stories they left behind.

The Magpie & The Swans: The Possessions of Truman Capote.

AT AUCTION NOVEMBER 21
Cornell Auctions · Bellport, NY
From the collection of his biographer, Gerald Clarke.

Explore the catalog, discover your favorites, and register to bid through the link in our bio.

A portrait of Truman Capote. A remarkable piece of literary history. And now, it’s coming to auction.

Painted by American artist James Whitney Fosburgh, this striking portrait captures a young Truman Capote and was later given by the writer to his friend and biographer, Gerald Clarke.

More than a work of art, it’s a personal connection to one of America’s most fascinating literary figures.

Join Roy and Carlo as they take a closer look at this extraordinary portrait and the story behind it.

LOT 0217 James Whitney Fosburgh, Portrait of Truman Capote

THE MAGPIE & THE SWANS
The Possessions of Truman Capote
From the collection of Gerald Clarke.

IN-PERSON PREVIEW
November 18–20 · Bellport, NY

AT AUCTION SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21
Live online worldwide.

The catalog is live! Explore the collection, register, and place your bids through the link in our bio.

Step inside Truman Capote’s home, nearly 50 years ago.

In 1976, Architectural Digest offered a rare glimpse into the writer’s Sagaponack retreat a home filled with wicker furniture, unusual antiques, books, and objects collected over a lifetime.

Today, many of those very pieces are coming to auction.

From the blue wicker table where Capote worked to the furnishings and personal treasures that surrounded him, these photographs offer a remarkable look at how he lived.

Swipe through to discover the objects then and now.

THE MAGPIE & THE SWANS
The Possessions of Truman Capote
From the collection of his biographer, Gerald Clarke.

At auction November 21, 2026
Cornell Auctions · Bellport, NY

Explore the collection and register to bid through the link in our bio.

Archival photography credits:
Architectural Digest, January/February 1976. Photography by Jaime Ardiles-Arce.
New York apartment photograph, 1977. Photography by Arnold Newman.

A gift from Colette to Truman Capote in Paris, 1948. Nearly 80 years later, it’s going to auction.

During his first trip to Europe, a young Truman Capote visited the legendary French writer Colette. Among her possessions, a Baccarat paperweight holding a delicate white rose caught his attention.

It was one of her favorites. Yet she insisted he take it home.

That single gift sparked a lifelong fascination with paperweights and now, the very piece that started it all is coming to Cornell Auctions.

Join Roy and Carlo as they share the story behind this remarkable piece of literary history.

THE MAGPIE & THE SWANS
The Possessions of Truman Capote
From the collection of his biographer, Gerald Clarke.

EXCLUSIVE IN-PERSON PREVIEW
November 18–19-20 · Bellport, NY

AUCTION · SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21
Live online worldwide.

The catalog is live and bidding is open. Explore the collection, register, and place your bids through the link in our bio.

One white rose. Paris, 1948.

When Truman Capote visited the legendary French writer Colette, a Baccarat paperweight caught his eye. Inside was a delicate white rose and it happened to be one of her favorites.

Colette insisted he take it home.

What began as a single gift became a lifelong fascination. Capote went on to collect paperweights and even create his own, preserving flowers in resin and acrylic.

Nearly eight decades later, that very white rose, and other paperweights from his personal collection, are coming to auction at Cornell.

Swipe to discover the story behind these extraordinary little objects.

THE MAGPIE & THE SWANS
The Possessions of Truman Capote
From the collection of his biographer, Gerald Clarke.

At auction November 21, 2026
Cornell Auctions · Bellport, NY
Live online worldwide.

Explore the collection and register to bid through the link in our bio.

Archival image credit: Architectural Digest, January/February 1976. Photography by Jaime Ardiles-Arce.

Truman Capote had a soft spot for bulldogs.

From framed photographs and charming collectibles to Maggie’s collar and personal belongings, his affection for his four-legged companions was reflected in the objects he chose to keep close.

Among the most personal pieces in our upcoming auction are these little reminders of a very special bond.

Swipe through to discover the bulldogs in Capote’s world, and the objects that tell their story.

THE MAGPIE & THE SWANS
The Possessions of Truman Capote
From the collection of his biographer, Gerald Clarke.

At auction November 21, 2026
Cornell Auctions · Bellport, NY
Live online worldwide.

Explore the collection and register to bid through the link in our bio.

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Photos & Videos.

Roy, Carlo, and a barn full of possibilities.

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