American Art Association

It was the first auction house in the U.S. and had a strong presence in New York during the period of American history known as the Gilded Age, hosting some of the cities major art exhibitions at the time.

The aim of the association was to promote American art through a highly visible, cosmopolitan auction venue.

[6] During AAA's operation, Sutton, Kirby, Robertson and their staff supervised the sales of hundreds of collections and works of art.

[7] In its first year, AAA exhibited Thomas B. Clarke's collection of American paintings that was a benefit for the National Academy of Design.

In 1964, Sotheby's purchased Parke-Bernet, then the largest auctioneer of fine art in the United States.