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Wright to auction artist-to-collectors modern art April 25

Tom Hoepf
Tom Hoepf
modern art
Harry Bertoia, Untitled (Sonambient), circa 1975, beryllium copper and brass, 28.25in. high × 36in. wide × 5.25in. diameter with original drawing by the artist, correspondence with the artist and a certificate of authenticity from the Harry Bertoia Foundation. Estimate $70,000-$90,000. Wright image

CHICAGO – Wright will present the Robert and Ruth Vogele Collection, an auction dedicated to the joy of living with art, on Thursday, April 25. Bid absentee or live online through LiveAuctioneers.

Avid collectors of fine art, folk art and modern design, Robert and Ruth Vogele amassed an impressive selection of works throughout their 60-plus years of marriage. More than patrons, the Vogeles believed in establishing personal relationships with artists to better understand the artwork and inform their collecting. Robert said, “art enriches life” and on April 25, Wright will offer a selection of works that do just that.

The couple began collecting almost immediately after they were married. With Robert’s eye for design, and Ruth’s passion for craft, the two traveled extensively, visiting artists, creating friendships and collecting along the way. Establishing personal relationships with artists was especially important to the Vogeles, who believed that it made the work more special.

The Vogeles had an especially close relationship with Harry Bertoia and collected several important works by the late artist including a stunning Cloud Form and a commanding Sonambient (above), both of which will be offered in this unique action.

modern art
Arnaldo Pomodoro, ‘Rhomboid,’ 1977, gold-plated bronze, bronze, lacquered wood, 12in. high x 11in. wide × 7in. diameter, incised signature and number to base ‘Arnaldo Pomodoro 29/30.’ Estimate: $15,000-$30,000. Wright image

Works by Michael Goldberg will also feature prominently in the sale, highlighted by a monumental masterpiece from 1954 (below).

modern art
Michael Goldberg, Untitled, 1954, oil on canvas, 57.5in. x 67.5in., sold with the original invoice from the artist. Estimate: $200,000-$300,000. Wright image

A kinetic work by George Rickey (below), a unique collage by Eduardo Chillida and textural Rhomboid by Arnoldo Pomodoro are all standouts in this thoughtful collection.

modern art
George Rickey, ‘Tetrahedron Down II,’ 1972, stainless steel, 19in. high × 5in. diameter, incised signature and date to base ‘Rickey 72,’ incised title to each element ‘Tetra.’ Estimate: $15,000-$20,000. Wright image

The Vogeles also collected prints, ethnographic works and modern design, surrounding themselves with things that brought them happiness and connected them with people and places they grew to know. Robert described it as “walking into a room full of friends” and hoped that by sharing their collection, other people might share in their joy.

modern art
Eduardo Chillida, ‘Design for Poster,’ 1982, ink and collage on handmade paper,
9in. × 6.75in., signed lower right ‘Eduardo Chillida.’ Estimate: $15,000-$20,000. Wright oimage

The Robert and Ruth Vogele Collection will be sold at Wright on April 25 at noon Central time/1 p.m. Eastern.

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modern art