Los Angeles, CA— On Thursday, December 7th, 2023, at 12:00pm PST, John Moran Auctioneers presented work from some of the most influential artists of the 20th century in their Latin American Art + Design auction. This winter sale had over 200 lots of art and design, and offered everything from fine art to Folk Art, candlesticks, pottery, and nearly 100 lots of Mexican silver including tableware and jewelry. Featured artists and designers included Fernando Botero, Alfredo Ramos, Diego Rivera, Felipe Castañeda, Carlos Estevez, Roberto Montenegro, William Spratling, Antonio Pineda, and Fred Davis.
Lot 2097: A Hector Aguilar Sterling Silver Chess Set $13,970
The top lots were two much anticipated Fernando Botero works. “Couple Dancing,” 1980 brought in a whopping $381,000 and the second Botero, “Nude Figure Reclining,” 2002, achieved $177,800.
The Mexican painter, Rufino Tamayo had six works in the sale. “‘Adam’ and ‘Eve’ From the ‘Tamayo 90 Anniversario Suite,'” 1989-1990, quadrupled its $3,000-5,000 estimate and sold for $20,320. Two of his mixografia prints, “Niña,” 1981, and “Estela,” 1977, each had estimates of $2,500-3,500 but achieved an aggregate total of $11,112*. There was also Diego Rivera’s “Peon,” 1923, pencil on tan paper that exceeded expectations, selling for $8,255.
Lot 2024: Fernando Botero (1932-2023), Couple Dancing $381,000
A vintage sterling silver chess set circa 1948-1962 from Hector Aguilar garnered a lot of attention. Containing 32 pieces, and some reaching nearly 5 inches in height, this stunner left the block for $13,970.
Representing the selection of jewelry was a William Spratling 18k gold and ebony necklace, circa 1951-1967. Designed with narrow graduated ebony and 18k gold spines suspended from a strand of 18k gold beads, and weighing 23.0 grams gross, this necklace sold for $11,430.
Other standout moments included an embellished “Traje De Luces” Matador Set, achieving a phenomenal result of $5,080*, and a Los Castillo Silver-Plated Toucan Pitcher selling for $4,762. Each started with estimates between $500-800.
To see the full sale results, or for more information, go to www.johnmoran.com.
* All sales included buyer’s premium.
— Brenda Smith, John Moran Auctioneers
Lot 2022: Rufino Tamayo (1899-1991), “Adam” And “Eve” From The “Tamayo 90 Anniversario Suite” $20,320
“The Mexican painter, Rufino Tamayo had six works in the sale. "'Adam' and 'Eve' From the 'Tamayo 90 Anniversario Suite,'" 1989-1990, quadrupled its $3,000-5,000 estimate and sold for $20,320.”
Upcoming Auctions
John Moran Auctioneers is beginning their 2024 lineup with the Studio Fine Art- Online auction, Tuesday, January 23rd, followed by the Art of the American West- Online sale, Tuesday, January 30th. Be sure to mark your calendars for these upcoming auctions so you don’t miss out on the action, and the treasures!
Studio Fine Art Online: Tuesday, January 23rd | 10:00 am PDT
Made in Mexico Online: Tuesday, January 30th | 12:00 pm PDT
Studio Decorative Art & Jewelry Online: Tues., Feb. 6th | 10:00 am PDT
Art + Design: Tuesday, February 27th | 12:00 pm PDT
Art of the American West: Tuesday, March 12th | 12:00 pm PDT
The Traditional Collector: Tuesday, March 26th | 12:00 pm PDT
For upcoming highlights, online catalogues, and more information on these sales, visit Moran’s website: www.johnmoran.com and follow us on social media: @johnmoran_auctioneers. Along with our website, bidding is now available online via Moran’s new mobile app, Moran Mobile, available on both iOS and Android operating systems. You may also choose to bid by phone or absentee.
Consignments are always welcome:
Email us at [email protected] today!
