Los Angeles, CA — On Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at 10:00am PDT, John Moran Auctioneers will present their Summer Art + Design sale, an auction led by female artists and creators of color, and featuring influential modern artists and designers collectors won’t want to miss. Leading the sale, a fresh-to-market Agnes Pelton titled, “Flowering,” from her ‘transcendental desert’ period. Other fine art offerings feature Alexander Calder, Victor Brecheret, Titus Kaphar, Alice Baber, Julie Heffernan, Sam Francis, and Frank Stella. Highlighting the design selections, prominent works by George Nakashima, Doyle Lane, Hans Wegner, and a super-surrealist brass armchair inspired by Salvador Dali.
Agnes Pelton (1881-1961), "Flowering," 1929. Oil on canvas, 24" H x 19" W est. $300,000-500,000
Without a doubt, come auction day, all eyes will be on the recently discovered, fresh-to-market painting by the American Modernist, and one of the most influential female painters of the last century, Agnes Pelton (1881-1961). Only a handful of canvasses by Pelon’s desirable ‘transcendental desert’ period have come to market in the last 50 years. Agnes Pelton was a trailblazing artist who skillfully merged spiritual and abstract elements in her works. Pelton spent much of her life exploring the higher consciousness beyond mere appearances and strove to express this relationship between observer and observed through work rich in ethereal symbolism. Created in 1929 at the zenith of her career, Flowering is a stunning example of her visual vocabulary of fluid form, allegorical iconography, and luminescence that were central elements in what would become known as Transcendental Painting. Estimated at $300,000-500,000, the oil painting measures 24” H x 19” W and presents in the original Pelton-designed silver-grey frame. In its day, Flowering was well exhibited in art shows, including 1929 at the Montross Gallery in NYC, 1931 at the Plainfield Public Library, New Jersey, also at the Ogunquit Art Center, Maine and Addison Gallery of American Art, Andover, Massachusetts, and the 1932 Annual Exhibit, Society of Modern Artists, Brooklyn, New York.
Alexander Calder (1898-1976), "John + Sandy" $20,000-30,000
Moran’s is pleased to offer a substantial collection of original works, prints, and ephemera from the estate of John McKaughan Jr., who was the creative director for Brandriff Airlines for nearly three decades. McKaughan collaborated with notable figures such as Calder, Emilio Pucci, Alexander Girard, and Roy Halston Frowick. The collection includes time capsule items from the airline, such as flight attendant outfits, fabric samples, design proofs, and more. A highlight of this collection is “Untitled,” estimated $20,000-30,000, an original work by Alexander Calder gifted to his colleague and long-time friend, John McKaughan.
Alice Baber (1928-1982), “Abstract”. Watercolor on heavy Arches paper Image/Sheet: 30.75" H x 22.25" W est. $6,000-8,000
One of the major female figures of the Abstract Expressionist movement, Alice Baber (1928-1982) will once again be featured at Moran’s. In 2023, the auction house achieved phenomenal results for the artist—including her top three world auction records. With continued national and international interest, Baber’s work does not show any sign of cooling at market. Estimated at $6,000-8,000, the watercolor, Abstract, will offer another opportunity for collectors to own one of Baber’s visceral works.
Representing contemporary female artists is Julie Heffernan (b. 1956). Heffernan’s work intricately weaves together themes of identity, femininity, and the complex relationship between the individual and the environment. Her paintings serve as vivid narratives that invite viewers into a dreamlike realm, reflecting both personal introspection and broader societal concerns. Through her unique approach to self-portraiture and rich symbolic imagery, Heffernan creates a captivating dialogue that resonates with the human experience. This sale will present two of her works, “Self Portrait as Infanta [sic] With Atlas Stick,” 1999, estimated $15,000-20,000, and “Self-Portrait as Infants on the Cusp of Expressionism” with a value of $10,000-15,000.
Victor Brecheret (1894-1955), "Guitarrista". Carved marble, 20" H x 14.5" W x 5.375" D est. $20,000-30,000
“Without a doubt, come auction day, all eyes will be on the recently discovered, fresh-to-market painting by the American Modernist, and one of the most influential female painters of the last century, Agnes Pelton (1881,1961).”
In a captivating convergence of modernist sculpture and Brazilian cultural heritage, the sale features “Tocadora De Guitarra”, a carved marble figure by Italian-Brazilian sculptor Victor Brecheret, valued at $20,000-30,000. Brecheret (1894-1955) is celebrated for his unique synthesis of European modernist techniques and Brazilian folk art motifs, often drawing inspiration from biblical and mythological figures. His work transcends decorative appeal, embodying a profound dialogue between form and cultural identity, and stands as a testament to his artistic vision and technical mastery.
Acclaimed American contemporary artist, Titus Kaphar (b. 1976), has earned recognition for his innovative approach to exploring history, race, and identity through various artistic mediums. His masterful use of painting, installation, performance, sculpture, and film challenges conventional narratives and invites viewers to reconsider established historical perspectives. “Untitled,” a mixed media work created in 2004, exemplifies Kaphar’s unique ability to deconstruct both artistic techniques and subject matter. This compelling piece is expected to fetch between $10,000 and $15,000, offering collectors a rare opportunity to acquire a work by one of America’s most influential contemporary artists.
The ceramic artistry of Doyle Lane has graced Moran’s auction block multiple times, two of which just took place back in February in their last Art + Design sale and achieved impressive results. A beautiful 157-studio tile wall assemblage comprised of yellow and green ceramic tiles sold for a whopping $41,275* and a speckled blue glazed ceramic “Weed Pot” earned a final bid of $29,700*. Lane (1923-2002) was one of the few African American ceramicists working in mid-century Los Angeles. A master of glazes, his eye-catching colors and gentle forms possess a life and order all their own. His glazes were applied in a thick layer to the tile and fired until the edges would burn and blacken, rendering a unique texture and color onto the tiles. Collectors now have another chance to own a piece of his collection, this time an eye-catching orange glazed ceramic “Weed Pot,” circa 1965-1976, estimated $4,000-6,000.
For furniture, it’s all about the chairs! One of the favorites is a lot of six “Conoid Lounge” chairs, circa 1970, by the coveted mid-century modern furniture designer, George Nakashima. Nakashima was an American woodworker, architect, and furniture maker who was one of the leading innovators of 20th century furniture design and a father of the American craft movement. These sculptural carved walnut chairs with blonde hickory spindle backs will be presented with a $20,000-30,000 estimate. Inspired by the famous surrealist artist, Salvador Dali (1904-1989), an extremely rare “Sillón Leda” armchair. In the 1990’s a group of experts, led by Oscar Tusquets, set themselves the task of turning the furniture Dali had drawn for Jean-Michel Frank into reality. Amongst these items were the “Leda” chair and low table, taken from the painting, “Femme à Tête de Roses,” 1935. The prototypes were made by the sculptor Joaquim Camps and B.D. Barcelona design organized the production and exclusive world marketing, manufactured and sold by Barcelona Design. This must-have brass beauty is estimated at $15,000-20,000. Other sensational seats include a Hans Wegner “Papa Bear” chair, estimated $5,000-7000, and an “Easy Chair” and ottoman by Warren Platner for Knoll, 1981, valued at $3,000-5,000.
To learn more, or to register to bid, go to www.johnmoran.com.
— Brenda Smith, John Moran Auctioneers
Upcoming Auctions
John Moran Auctioneers is continuing their 2024 lineup with the Traditional Collector auction, Tuesday, July 30th, 2024, followed by the Art + Design sale, Tuesday, August 13th, 2024. Be sure to mark your calendars for these upcoming auctions so you don’t miss out on the action, and the treasures!
Traditional Collector: Tuesday, July 30th | 12:00 pm PDT
Art + Design: Tuesday, August 13th | 12:00 pm PDT
Art Jewelry & Luxury Online: Tuesday, August 27th | 12:00 pm PDT
Art of the American West: Tuesday, September 10th | 10:00 am PDT
Fine Jewelry & Timepieces: Tuesday, September 17th | 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.
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