Might Baby Jesus, a Spanish Pointer, or a Pair of Ruby Slippers Land Under Your Tree?

I’m in Christmas mode — the most wonderful time of the year — so today I’ll look at the Old Masters sales at Sotheby’s on December 4 and Christie’s on December 3, signaling that end of the fall art season is near. Old Master art, religious or not, augments all kinds of Christmas décor by adding the patina of vintage values. I suppose as well that some of the purchases at the auctions are to be Christmas gifts. Will I find a Botticelli under my tree? A snowball’s chance in . . . google Harry Reid’s current address . . . but who knows? I’ve been celestially good this year.

Here are the highlights among the evergreens, tried and true, and oldies but goodies.