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This unsigned portrait of Robert Joffrey is one of 137 lots from the estate of Gerald Arpino. Joffrey and Arpino cofounded the Joffrey Ballet. The 36- by 24-inch oil on canvas has a $300-$500 estimate in 1953. Image courtesy of Leslie Hindman Auctioneers.

Joffrey choreographer’s collection at Leslie Hindman auction, Nov. 1-2

Tom Hoepf
Tom Hoepf
This unsigned portrait of Robert Joffrey is one of 137 lots from the estate of Gerald Arpino. Joffrey and Arpino cofounded the Joffrey Ballet. The 36- by 24-inch oil on canvas has a $300-$500 estimate in 1953. Image courtesy of Leslie Hindman Auctioneers.
This unsigned portrait of Robert Joffrey is one of 137 lots from the estate of Gerald Arpino. Joffrey and Arpino cofounded the Joffrey Ballet. The 36- by 24-inch oil on canvas has a $300-$500 estimate in 1953. Image courtesy of Leslie Hindman Auctioneers.

CHICAGO – Leslie Hindman Auctioneers will offer property from the estate of Gerald Arpino, who spent four decades leading the Joffrey Ballet to international renown. The Marketplace auction will begin Nov. 1 at noon Central and resume Nov. 2 at 11 a.m. LiveAuctioneers.com will provide Internet live bidding.

Arpino spent the last years of his life in Chicago, and the sale of his personal belongings will reveal the complex influences behind his choreography. A prominent piece is a painted portrait of Robert Joffrey as a young man. The 36- by 24-inch unsigned painting has a $300-$500 estimate.

Arpino served in the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II, when his military service brought him to Seattle. There he met Robert Joffrey through a family connection. The two eventually moved to New York, where Arpino studied at the School of American Ballet. Arpino and Joffrey co-founded the Joffrey troupe in 1953, and in 1956 set out with five other dancers for the group’s debut tour.

Arpino rose to prominence as the troupe’s chief choreographer, a role he maintained for the rest of his life. He took over as artistic director when Joffrey died in 1988, and in 1995, when the troupe faced financial trouble in New York, suggested a controversial move to Chicago. Though less prolific later in his life, in 2005 and well into his 80s Arpino accomplished one of his most important ballets. Ruth, Ricordi Per Due was the story of a man whose deceased lover returns as a haunting memory. Arpino died late last year.

The sale of Arpino’s estate, part of Hindman’s Nov. 1 auction, will include more than 130 lots of personal belongings. Besides furniture, books, and paintings that reflect Arpino’s interest in the humanities, the auction will feature some rare photographs and memorabilia related to Robert Joffrey and the Joffrey Ballet.

For details call 312-280-1212.

View the fully illustrated catalogs and sign up to bid absentee or live via the Internet during the sale at www.LiveAuctioneers.com.

Public exhibition of property from Gerald Arpino’s estate begins Oct. 29 though Oct. 31 at 1338 W. Lake St.

Click here to view Leslie Hindman Auctioneers’ complete catalog.

ADDITIONAL LOTS OF NOTE

After a work by L. Ledieu, this 28 1/2-inch-high bronze statue of Diana on a circular marble base is estimated at $1,000-$2,000. Image courtesy of Leslie Hindman Auctioneers.
After a work by L. Ledieu, this 28 1/2-inch-high bronze statue of Diana on a circular marble base is estimated at $1,000-$2,000. Image courtesy of Leslie Hindman Auctioneers.

A pair of small leaded glass windows in Leslie Hindman's Marketplace Auction is attributed to Tiffany Studios and estimated at $1,000-$2,000. Image courtesy of Leslie Hindman Auctioneers.
A pair of small leaded glass windows in Leslie Hindman’s Marketplace Auction is attributed to Tiffany Studios and estimated at $1,000-$2,000. Image courtesy of Leslie Hindman Auctioneers.

Red enameling on a frosted ground depicts putti at harvest time. The window measures 27 3/4 by 15 1/2 inches and has a $1,000-$2,000 estimate. Image courtesy of Leslie Hindman Auctioneers.
Red enameling on a frosted ground depicts putti at harvest time. The window measures 27 3/4 by 15 1/2 inches and has a $1,000-$2,000 estimate. Image courtesy of Leslie Hindman Auctioneers.

A gilded Ho-ho bird graces the top of this George II-style mirror, which is 63 inches high. The estimate is $1,000-$2,000. Image courtesy of Leslie Hindman Auctioneers.
A gilded Ho-ho bird graces the top of this George II-style mirror, which is 63 inches high. The estimate is $1,000-$2,000. Image courtesy of Leslie Hindman Auctioneers.

Seth Thomas wall clock with dog image. Estimate $100-$200. Image courtesy Leslie Hindman Auctioneers.
Seth Thomas wall clock with dog image. Estimate $100-$200. Image courtesy Leslie Hindman Auctioneers.

George III slant-front bureau. Estimate $2,500-$2,500. Image courtesy Leslie Hindman Auctioneers.
George III slant-front bureau. Estimate $2,500-$2,500. Image courtesy Leslie Hindman Auctioneers.