Bonhams presents an attractive selection of well-known artists in various media in the Modern and Contemporary Art auction on May 9. Taking place in New York and simulcast to Los Angeles, this bi-coastal auction boasts 165 lots across a variety of price points that will appeal to a wide array of bidders, both private and trade.
Sharon Goodman Squires and Tate Dougherty, Bonhams Modern and Contemporary Art, say, “We are thrilled to have such a great selection of works, especially works on paper and small scale sculpture from outstanding Modern and Contemporary artists. This sale has something for everyone’s taste.”
Guston & Works On Paper
A testament and example of Bonhams mission to offer a full range of property are two lots by painter Philp Guston—a large oil on canvas, Untitled, 1952 for $400,000-600,000; and a smaller work on paper, Untitled, 1970 for $30,000-40,000.
The Guston work on paper is just one of many impressive drawings offered in the sale. Others include Les pommes by Henri Matisse (est. $20,000-40,000), Untitled, 1980 by Jean Michel Basquiat ($20,000-30,000), Earth No. 7 by Lee Krasner (est. $10,000-15,000) and Louise Bourgeois (est. $100,000- 150,000). These simple works on paper offer an intimate view into the process of their art practice.
Small Scale Sculpture
Unlike the more recognizable billboard-sized canvases of James Rosenquist, Calyx Krater Trash Can is 4×3 inch sculpture (est. $20,000- 30,000). Out of frustration and inspired by a friend’s peyote induced dream, Rosenquist made this miniature sculpture after learning of some deaccessions the Metropolitan Museum made from their permanent collection in order to purchase an ancient Greek vase, Calyx Krater. Made of solid gold by the hand of the artist, the exterior of the trash can is decorated with Greek imagery like that of the traded vase. (Est. $20,000-30,000)
Along with Rosenquist’s trash can, small scale sculptures are another highlight in this auction, such as Man Ray’s La main d’argent (est. $10,000-15,000), Willem de Kooning’s Large Seated Figure (est. $20,000-30,000), Henry Moore’s Half Figure: Round Head (est. $10,000-15,000), Alexander Calder’s Untitled (Pin) (est. $20,000-30,000) and Alexander Aprchipenko’s Kneeling (est. $40,000-60,000) and Arabian (est. $50,000-70,000).
Other Highlights
A larger sculptural addition is Isamu Noguchi’s Bone Sculpture from 1945, a time when he produced his most iconic and celebrated sculptures. This figure is the outcome of complete abandonment of long held beliefs and principles of sculpture, most importantly those of Constanin Brancusi, for a more personal and singular approach. Realizing that anything could be medium, Bone Sculpture, made of wood, is a prime example of his experimentation with found materials. (Est. $200,000-400,000)
Also, Bonhams is delighted to have a rare painting by French Impressionist painter, Eva Gonzales who studied under Édouard Manet in Paris. Une mariée is a particularly beautiful portrait painting and only one of few works completed by the artist since she only lived for a short time. (est. $120,000-200,000)
www.bonhams.com/contemporary
