PHILADELPHIA — In three back-to-back sales, two held on May 11 and one on May 12, Freeman’s brought fresh-to-market modern and contemporary art and design works to auction, including single-owner collections. The trio of auctions was marked by competitive bidding between international buyers, resulting in sales of Henry Moore’s bronze Architectural Project for $428,400, Marc Chagall’s Devant la Fenetre a Sils for $453,600, and a Conoid bench by George Nakashima for $94,500.
The May 11 Modern and Contemporary Art auction was led by Henry Moore’s Architectural Project, an important bronze from the artist’s later years that achieved $428,400 against an estimate of $200,000-$300,000. Two playful sheep sculptures by Francois-Xavier Lalanne, Mouton de Pierre, both more than doubled their presale high estimates to achieve $378,000 and $365,400, respectively.
Henry Moore, ‘Architectural Project,’ $428,400
Head of Sale Lisa De Simone said, “I’m absolutely delighted with the results of this sale, my inaugural auction as department head. As we look forward to our next sale in October 2022, we’re continuing to develop our presence in the international postwar and contemporary market.”
Freeman’s La Belle Epoque on Paper auction, also held on May 11, brought a distinguished single-owner collection of works on paper to market, led by the $453,600 sale of Marc Chagall’s Devant la Fenetre a Sils, which was estimated at $250,000-$400,000.
Featuring 16 works by School of Paris artists, the sale included such effervescent and vibrant works as Raoul Dufy’s Regates, which exceeded its presale estimate to achieve $88,200.
George Nakashima Conoid bench, $94,500
Freeman’s May 12 Design auction featured a number of George Nakashima works, led by a 1968 English walnut Conoid bench that commanded $94,500 against an estimate of $40,000-$60,000. Two Nakashima double sliding-door cabinets from the 1960s also exceeded their presale estimates, achieving $47,250 and $44,100, respectively.
Head of Sale Tim Andreadis said, “The strong 91% sell-through rate and impressive results for Nakashima work speak for themselves. The 20th Century and Contemporary Design department has recently grown with the addition of specialist and client manager Michael Hartman, and we are looking ahead to our June 29 Art and Design auction and welcoming consignments for our Fall Design sales.”
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