redden

Her eyes redden and her voice breaks with fury she’s earned, but she knows that even before an audience of the condemned, people who readily dismiss her as unhinged and unstable, she cannot appear to be anything less than solid in her resolve.

Ever wondered why your cheeks redden when all eyes are on you?

David N. Redden, an innovative auctioneer and a dapper presence at the podium, sold them all in a 42-year career at Sotheby’s.

Mr. Redden, who specialized in rare manuscripts, collectibles, memorabilia and celebrity bric-a-brac — and also in generating excitement around such objects, turning auctions into high entertainment — died on May 11 at his home in Cornwall-on-Hudson, N.Y.

His wife, Jeannette Redden, said the cause was complications of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or A.L.S., which he had for nine years.