California artworks draw robust bidding at Moran’s auction June 23
William Glen Crooks (1952-, American), ‘Cross Over,’ 1996. Price realized: $4,375. Moran’s image
MONROVIA, Calif. – Moran’s Studio Fine Art auction continues to attract collectors from around the world. Postwar works realized the strongest prices at the June 23 sale, showing the market remains strong as California and American fine art continue to inspire strong bidding. Absentee and Internet live bidding was available through LiveAuctioneers.
Collectors of California fine art found plenty of tempting options in the sale. A colorful work from Jean Mannheim of a sailing ship in a harbor sold for $4,062. A more contemporary interpretation of California Plein Air paintings from William Glen Crooks stole the hearts of the audience, one of whom bought a stellar landscape for $4,375 (above). All prices realized include Moran’s 25% buyer’s premium.
A gorgeous Lockwood de Forest beachscape titled Full Moon Cove at Santa Barbara was one of the most popular lots on preview. The blue-hued painting brought $6,250 (below).
Lockwood de Forest (1850-1932, Santa Barbara, Calif.), ‘Full Moon Cove at Santa Barbara,’ 1909. Price realized: $6,250. Moran’s image
Postwar and contemporary works attracted the most robust bids of the day. No. 117 painted in 1959 by famed Spanish artist Luis Feito López is a dramatic work in contrasting tones of black, gray and white and was exhibited in 1959 at the inaugural Paris Biennale. The mixed media work created a bidding war with one determined buyer surpassing the $30,000-$50,000 estimate to nab the painting for $68,750.
Luis Feito López (1929-, Spanish), ‘No. 117,’ 1959. Price realized: $68,750. Moran’s image
A graphic acrylic on canvas from Antonio Saura created a similar stir when it hit the block. The work sold to an online bidder for $40,625.
Antonio Saura (1930-1998, Spanish), ‘Retrato #112,’ 1960. Price realized: $40,625. Moran’s image
“Watt Hour Icon” depicting an electric meter from American artist Bruce Everett realized $3,900.
European artists commanded attention at the auction. A beautifully serene Jean Vollet painting of Chateau de Sully (Loiret), caused a bidding war between two floor bidders causing the work to soar past its $400-$600 to bring $3,125.
Jean Vollet (1935-, French), ‘Chateau de Sully (Loiret),’ 2007. Price realized: $3,125. Moran’s image
A vivid floral still life from Alexandre Renoir, great-grandson of the famed Impressionist Pierre-Auguste Renoir, brought $1,250 at the auction.
Alexandre Renoir (1974-* French), ‘Bouquet of Sunset Flowers,’ 2011. Price realized: $1,250. Moran’s image
A snowy Paris was the subject of Armand Henri Leroux’s painting The City in Winter, and realized $1,000 at the block.
A graphic print from Alexander Calder executed in 1967 soared past its $300-$500 estimate to bring $1,125.
