Thursday, May 7, 2015

A Christie's Visit May 2015

Estimate US Dollars $4,000,000.00-$6,000,000.00
Wayne Thiebaud (b. 1920) Tie Rack
signed and dated 'Thiebaud 1969' (lower right)
oil on canvas 72 x 36 in. (182.8 x 91.4 cm.)
Painted in 1969. Provenance
Collection of Allan Stone, New York, acquired directly from the artist
His sale; Christie's, New York, 12 November 2007, lot 620
Acquired at the above sale by the present owner

I was able to pop in Christie's in Rockefeller Center on one of my recent trips to the city. It is really a fabulous museum as much as an auction house. You never know what you will find here. I fell in love with the Tie Rack painting above, it was so colorful and fun. I then come to find out, Wayne Thiebaud, the artist, is famous for painting desserts! Needless to say, I am looking for a print for my kitchen as we speak! His work is just fabulous, and makes you smile, and I am all for that these days ! Here is another auction that was in preview that day as well: 


Unprecedented in its scope, depth and quality, Looking Forward to the Past offers a distinct and dynamic perspective on some of the greatest and most revolutionary artists of the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries, artists whose works and legacies form the basis for today’s cutting-edge contemporary art.

This auction presents works created between 1902 and 2011. While it may be quite unexpected to offer works by Claude Monet and Urs Fischer in one sale, the auction is an attempt to illustrate the enduring dynamics at the root of artistic creation. The majority of 20th century artists were influenced by their predecessors, and through an exploration of the past they were able to venture into new and exciting territory of their own. The art of now is an endorsement of the art of the past, an idea expressed perfectly by Pablo Picasso’s majestic Les femmes d’Alger (Version ‘O’).

Spanning more than a century, the sale includes works by Marcel Duchamp, Lucio Fontana, On Kawara, Yves Klein, Piet Mondrian, Mark Rothko and Andy Warhol, among many others.

This most famous print by Andy Warhol of Elizabeth Taylor was a sight in person. It is really just amazing, and I was so thrilled to be able to view it with my own eyes! 

This painting was HUGE and so full of color and life I really enjoyed looking at it, and wonder how much this will sell for since the estimate is On Request! It is always fun to go back to Christie's website to check on some of your favorites, to see how much they actually sold for, or if they even sold at all ! 

Pretty easy to spot a Picasso. They are always so full of color to me, and unique. I love looking at these paintings up real close, to see the brush strokes. Just an amazing education you can attain visiting Christie's in Rockefeller Center ! 

Just beautiful. It is so glorious in person. One lucky person gets to purchase this, but I hope it's a museum, so more folks can enjoy it in person. A true classic work of art. 
 

Pablo Picasso (1881-1973)
Estimate UPON REQUEST 
Buste de femme (Femme à la résille)
dated '12.1.38.' (on the stretcher)
oil on canvas
25 5/8 x 21 ¼ in. (65.1 x 54 cm.)
Painted in Paris on 12 January 1938.

Another Picasso painting here, with 2 eyes! The oil paintings to me are just so amazing, and full of life. I don't think this would be one I would personally purchase, if money were no object, but it sure is neat to see in person. 
Urs Fischer (B. 1973)
Untitled
Estimate US Dollars 
$1,200,000 – $1,800,000
paraffin wax mixture, pigment, steel, wicks and lead weights
Rudi and chair: 52 x 32 1/8 x 52 3/8 in. (132.1 x 81.6 x 133 cm.)
Bottles: dimensions variable, 10 5/8 - 14 1/8 in. (32 - 36 cm.) high
Executed in 2011. This work is from an edition of three plus one artist’s proof. The artist will grant a License to Reproduce directly to the buyer.

I turned around and this guy was sitting in the chair. Then I realized he was a sculpture for sale. A bit creepy in my opinion, not one of my favorites here.  
Christie's also had some baubles on view, for a private sale. Whomever this person was, she had amazing taste and a love for rubies! Look at that ring and bracelet!  
Diamonds seemed to be a general favorite as well. Now these items I would buy all probably if money was not an issue.  
I would wear that necklace on a daily basis, not caring what time of day or what I was doing. Diamonds are a girl's best friend, you know!! 

I hope you enjoyed your little visit today at one of the premier auction houses, Christie's. They are truly a museum in themselves, and also a great way to learn about history as well. Those who work at this location are some of the nicest folks around, you can ask them any question and they are glad to answer for you. It is probably one of my favorite places to visit in the city because I never know what I will find when I walk inside. Pure magic usually awaits !!

Share:

No comments

Blog Design Created by pipdig