Leslie Hindman Auctioneers’ Spring auction of Contemporary, Modern, American and European Art set records, realizing over $2.7 million, as a crowded salesroom, busy phone lines and aggressive internet bidding contributed to strong prices. Several highlights of the Modern and Contemporary session were from the collection of Milwaukee’s Bradley Family Foundation.
Sir Terry Frost’s Orange and Blue Upright, achieved $67,100 against a presale estimate of $40,000-60,000, and a painting by Yannis Gaitis brought $51,240 against an estimate of $25,000-35,000. Auction records were set for other artists from the Bradley Foundation collection, including Luis Martinez-Pedro and Colleen Browning, which realized $34,160 and $21,960 respectively.
Works by Chicago artists performed well. Ed Paschke’s Calypso Rojo brought $51,240, and Roger Brown’s Palenque with Early Risers sold for $46,360. Interest was strong for two works by Russian artist by Natalia Goncharova, including a floral still life that exceeded its high estimate, selling for $79,300.
The print session was extremely successful. Roy Lichtenstein’s Thinking Nude sold for $134,200 – a record price for this print. Strong prices were also acheived for works by Picasso. Femme au Fauteuil No. 4 brought $103,700 and Jeune Homme Couronné de Feuillage sold for $34,160.