t h e es t a t e o f k a r o l y n k u n t z w es t e r v el t n e w o r le a n s , l o u i s i a n a
Karolyn Kuntz Westervelt, prominent collector and philanthropist, was a quintessential New Orleans lady and a beloved member of the community. She was the daughter of Emile Nicholas Kuntz and Julia Hardin Kuntz, and the granddaughter of Rosemonde Elizabeth and Emile Kuntz, major collectors of important Louisiana paintings, furniture, decorative arts, historically significant documents and more. Many pieces from The Rosemonde E. and Emile Kuntz Collection are exhibited in the Permanent Collection of the New Orleans Museum of Art and numerous documents are contained in the Louisiana Research Collection at Tulane University. The Rosemonde E. and Emile Kuntz Rooms at the New Orleans Museum of Art exhibit carefully curated examples of American fine and decorative art relevant to New Orleans. Karolyn’s uncle, Felix Herwig Kuntz, first conceived of the rooms and the construction and furnishing of the rooms was done by Karolyn’s father, Emile N. Kuntz. Karolyn helped to complete the rooms along with her mother and sister after the death of her father. The Louisiana Bedchamber gallery opened in 1983 when the Kuntz family donated Felix’s collection in memory of his parents. Karolyn's grandfather was awarded a legendary diamond necklace by the Hapsburg Emperor Maximilian of Mexico for outstanding service in representing the interests of the Bank of Austria to Imperial Mexico before its fall in 1867 and he used the sale of the diamonds to finance various land purchases throughout Southern Louisiana, notably in the oil and gas rich Terrebonne Parish. Her grandfather, who ran a real estate firm, was an avid collector of documents, paintings and furniture during and after the Great Depression. Karolyn continued the rich legacy of her family by remaining active in numerous community and philanthropic endeavors, as well as continuing to be a very generous supporter of the arts. She served as a past President of the New Orleans Ballet and had been a former member of the Board of the New Orleans Museum of Art. She was a sustaining member of The Junior League of New Orleans and a member of the Colonial Dames of America. Karolyn was a graduate of The Louise S. McGehee School and attended Louisiana State University. New Orleans Auction Galleries is honored to offer impor tant paintings, furniture and decorative ar ts from the Estate of Karolyn Kuntz Westervelt.