2 Rothko paintings among Mellon auction items

NEW YORK (AP) — Two Mark Rothko paintings are among the objects heading to auction from the estate of Rachel "Bunny" Mellon.

Mellon was a noted horticulturist, philanthropist and heir to the Listerine fortune.

The paintings could fetch upward of $30 million and $20 million at Sotheby's New York galleries on Nov. 10.

The auction house on Friday detailed some of the 2,000 items being sold in several sales that could bring more than $100 million.

Among Mellon's jewelry is a Fancy Vivid Blue diamond estimated to bring up to $15 million on Nov. 20.

Furniture and other home interior items will be offered Nov. 21-23.

Proceeds will benefit The Gerard B. Lambert Foundation, which supports The Oak Spring Garden Library in Upperville, Virginia.

Mellon died in March at 103. Her husband was philanthropist Paul Mellon.