Los Angeles, CA— John Moran Auctioneers presented their summer Art + Design sale on Tuesday, August 13th, 2024, featuring an important work by American Modernist Agnes Pelton. The fine art lineup also included Alice Baber, Sam Francis, Titus Kaphar, Julie Heffernan, Frank Stella, and Brazilian Modernist sculptor Victor Brecheret. There was an impressive collection from John McKaughan Jr., Art Director of Braniff International Airlines for over 20 years. This special collection included original works and prints by Alexander Calder, and fabric swatches by Alexander Girard as well as fabulous airline uniforms by Emilio Pucci. Other highlights included design legends George Nakashima, Hans Wegner, Warren Platner, Charles and Ray Eames, John Conard Lewis, Piero Fornasetti, and ceramic masters Doyle Lane and Harrison McIntosh.
Lot 120: Victor Brecheret (1894-1955), "Tocadora de Guitarra" $292,100
The star of the show was lot 43, an extremely rare work by the American Modernist and one of the most influential female painters of the last century, Agnes Pelton. 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. After some back and forth bidding on multiple platforms and phones, this fresh-to-market work brought in a whopping $571,500*.
Along with American modernism, collectors turned out for a unique example of a synthesis of European modernist techniques and Brazilian folk art motifs through “Tocadora de Guitarra,” a carved marble by the Brazilian sculptor, Victor Brecheret. Lot 120 depicted a captivating convergence of modernist sculpture and Brazilian cultural heritage from Brecheret who often drew 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. This striking carving started with a modest estimate of $20,000-30,000 but the major international interest drove the bids up to an exciting $292,100*!
Lot 234: 1970s, A Calder designed Braniff model airplane and ephemera $31,750
Highlights from John McKaughan Jr.’s Braniff International Airlines collection included two works by Alexander Calder, lots 210 and 234. Lot 210 was a Calder artwork, “Untitled,” 1976 that sold for $38,100*. The wildcard, however, was lot 234, a 1970s Calder designed Braniff model airplane. The plane, measuring 11.75″ H x 36″ W x 38.25″ D, also came with various ephemera including sixteen large format printed photographs of Calder taken by John McKaughan Jr. This piece of retro history was originally estimated $500-700 but exploded to a final bid of $31,750*. While Calder might have attracted the art collectors, Pucci brought in the vintage fashion fanatics! They loved all 39 lots of Emilio Pucci airline fashions. The entire collection achieved an aggregate total of $51,245* with the top lot (lot 241), a full hostess ensemble, selling for $5,715*.
Other noteworthy fine art included works by Francis, Stella, and Baber. Lot 51, “Untitled,” 1978 by the abstract expressionist, Sam Francis, sold for $28,575*. Frank Stella’s “Cantahar” from the “Imaginary Places III” series,” 1998, was lot 31 and left the block for a staggering $24,130*. Lot 89 presented “Abstract” by Alice Baber, and once again the artist achieved strong results at Moran’s, bringing a final bid of $21,120*.
Leading the design selection, lots 53 and 55. A set of six “Conoid” chairs, circa 1970 by George Nakashima, lot 53, sold for $38,100*. Lot 55 presented a Hans Wegner “Papa Bear” chair, designed in 1951, and achieved a price realized of $10,160*.
For full auction results, or to learn more, go to www.johnmoran.com.
*- Includes buyer’s premium
— Brenda Smith, John Moran Auctioneers
“The star of the show was lot 43, an extremely rare work by the American Modernist and one of the most influential female painters of the last century, Agnes Pelton. After some back and forth bidding on multiple platforms and phones, this fresh-to-market work brought in a whopping $571,500*.”
Lot 43: Agnes Pelton (1881-1961), "Flowering" $571,500
Upcoming Auctions
John Moran Auctioneers is continuing their 2024 lineup with the ReDesigned auction, Tuesday, October 15th, 2024, followed by the California and American Fine Art sale, Tuesday, November 12th, 2024. Be sure to mark your calendars for these upcoming auctions so you don’t miss out on the action, and the treasures!
ReDesigned: Tuesday, October 15th | 12:00 pm PDT
California and American Fine Art: Tuesday, November 12th | 12:00 pm PDT
Art of the American West: Wednesday, November 13th | 10:00 am PDT
Modern & Contemporary Fine Art: Tuesday, November 19th | 12:00 pm PDT
Latin American Art + Design: Wednesday, November 20th | 10:00 am PDT
Jewelry, Watches & Luxury: Tuesday, December 10th | 12:00 pm PDT
The Traditional Collector: Wednesday, December 11th | 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!
