Auction News Network

Bonhams’ Spotlight On Giacometti

For decades, the work of Swiss sculptor Alberto Giacometti has overshadowed that of his lesser known brother Diego (1902-1985), also a sculptor as well as designer. It’s Diego’s work, however, that moves into the spotlight at Bonhams’ Post War and Contemporary Art and Design sale on April 13 in London, where one of his steel and glass tables is expected to sell for $113,000-$145,000.

20th Century Masterworks At Sotheby’s

In effect, the collection that Sotheby’s will offer next month in London is a superb survey of 20^th century art. Assembled over 30 years by a private collector, “Looking Closely” includes 60 modern and contemporary European works by such artists as Dali, Modigliani, Klee, Giacometti, Bacon, and Freud.

Koons’ Balloon At Christie’s

For years, as part of the Daimler Corporate Art Collection, it adorned Berlin’s Potsdamer Platz. Now Christie’s will offer Jeff Koons’ monumental outdoor sculpture “Balloon Flower (Blue)” at its November Post-war and Contemporary sale, where it’s expected to sell for  $12-$16 million.

Art Market Revives

Spurred by wealthy Asian buyers, the international art market seems to have recovered from its recessionary plunge. Both Sotheby’s and Christie’s reported sharp increases in revenue during the first half of this year. “We’re not going to lull ourselves into a false sense of security,” said Christie’s Ed Dolman, “ but the art market does seem to be recovering more quickly than anyone here expected.”

Cigar Store Indian Sets Record

A little noticed Americana auction in Texas produced a now widely noticed price for a cigar store Indian that had been sitting in a Dallas basement for at least two decades. The remarkably well preserved, hand carved icon went for $203,150 (including buyer’s premium) at a Heritage Auction gallery on May 22, 2010.

“Carte Blanche” Auction

Phillips de Pury is opening a big, new space on Park Avenue this fall. They want the world to know about it. So they turned to an outsider to organize an auction. Under the heading of, “Carte Blanche,” they asked Philippe Segalot, a private New York dealer, to assemble whatever strikes his fancy. It’s not known what he’ll feature except a “Mechanical Pig.” It could go for $3.5 million.

Something For Everyone

Christie’s will be offering a huge jumble of art on April 20, 2010, in New York under the heading of “500 Years: Decorative Arts Europe.” The idea was big hit in London and Paris, and generates a diverse catalog that might entice buyers who had not considered some of the lots offered until they see them.

Picasso, Picasso, Everywhere. Bring $

Two major Picasso paintings will come to market in May, 2010, setting off wild speculation about prices, while the Met plans a first time exhibition of every Picasso piece it owns: paintings, sculptures, drawings and ceramics. Christie’s is auctioning a treasured painting of Picasso’s mistress asleep, and Sotheby’s has a painting consigned by the estate of one of JFK’s sisters.

Abrams Art Sale = 100% Sold!

Sixty years ago, Harry Abrams was the trailblazer in publishing lavish “art” books. Along the way he got to know artists, many of whom  either gave him works, or he bought their work on the ground floor.  On April 7, 2010,  Phillips de Pury & Company sold it all, 318 pieces offered went for a total of just over $6 million, about three times more than estimated.

Hindenburg Beer Sells for $16,000

It is charred and its contents are undrinkable, but its rarity is extreme: a single bottle of Lowenbrau rescued from the wreck of the Hindenburg has sold at auction for $16,000. Fire chief Leroy Smith found the bottle.

Multi-Topic