Moran’s 20th Century Art + Design auction was one of the most successful sales of the year
• Fine art from the leading artists of the 20th century stole the show
• A fine selection of silver and furnishings created a stir
• Women artists realized strong prices
MONROVIA, CA – The temperatures may be cooling down but Moran’s November 20th Century Art + Design auction was white hot, with furious phone bidding and strong prices realized achieved throughout the night.
Lot 2014, Alexander Calder (1898-1976 American) Untitled, 1968, gouache and watercolor on Canson paper, price realized: $81,250
Fine art from the 20th century performed strongly throughout the night. A gorgeous Alexander Calder gouache and watercolor realized the highest price for a Calder ever sold by Moran’s when a determined phone bidder won the lot for $81,250 (all prices realized include Moran’s 25% buyer’s premium). A gorgeous bronze bust of a girl by Charles Despiau was a hit with the audience when it came to the block, a phone bidder took her home for $11,875. A pulsating Julian Stanczak oil on canvas, Accompanying Warm, came to Moran’s from the Nevada Museum of Art in Reno, sold to support the collections of the museum. After a protracted bidding war, one lucky bidder took the work home for $50,000. A quintessential Margaret Keane painting of a big-eyed girl was a hit with previewers before the sale, selling to a phone bidder for $28,125, the second highest price ever paid for a Keane at auction.
Moran’s was pleased to offer many fine examples of sterling silver throughout the night, chief among them was a selection from the important collection of Cindy Tietze-Hodosh and Stuart Hodosh. A luxurious set of William Spratling “Amares Disco” flatware from the Hodosh collection was one of the most highly anticipated lots of the day and brought $32,500, the highest price realized for a Spratling flatware set on Live Auctioneers. A beautifully designed covered serving dish by Henning Koppel for George Jensen brought out the collectors on Tuesday, one of whom took the serving dish home for $11,250. A streamlined set of “Cannes” flatware from famed French silversmith Jean Puiforcat created a bidding war when it hit the block, selling to an online bidder for $8,125.
Moran’s is always pleased to give a platform for emerging and established female artists and designers. A wonderful Mary Corse work, “Untitled,” was one of our favorite works in the auction and sold for $43,750. Moran’s had the privilege to offer several works from the Central California artist Betty Hoenshell Younger, whose mastery of stainless steel was on full display at the auction. “The Wave,” a monumental chromed steel sculpture realized $5,000. A dramatic set of “Fjord” chairs and ottoman from Patricia Urquiola was one of the most popular items on preview leading into the sale and realized $3,750 at the block.
Moran’s will end the year with their highly anticipated Fine Jewelry & Timepieces and Studio Jewelry auction on December 10th proceeded by a selection of Luxury, Couture & Accessories. The following week will see a curated collection of The Traditional Collector just in time for the holiday shopping season.
For upcoming highlights, online catalogues, and more information on these sales, visit Moran’s website: www.johnmoran.com. Bidding is now available online via Moran’s new mobile app Moran Mobile, available on both iOS and Android operating systems. Live bidding on a desktop is available through bid.johnmoran.com; bidding is also supported by telephone, absentee, or in person.
Consignment inquiries are always welcome.
Lot 2327, A French Jean Puiforcat “Cannes” sterling silver flatware service, price realized: $81,125
“A streamlined set of “Cannes” flatware from famed French silversmith Jean Puiforcat created a bidding war.”
Auction Highlights
