Oliver Messel ( 1904 - 1978 ) was a British painter. Oliver Messel s works have been put up for auction numerous times, with realized prices surpassing estimated prices, varying from 203.47 USD for Sally Gray; A seated lady; and Performing bear in 2003 to 9231.29 USD for Portrait of Adrianne Allen in 2015 , based on the size and medium of the artwork.