'Classics' Compete with Contemporary Offerings at New York Prints Sale

"The Angel Violinist," Marc Chagall, 1974, sold to a private American buyer for $17,925.

NEW YORK CITY - Christie's sale of prints and multiples on February 13 made nearly $1.2 million, exceeding its presale high estimate and failing to sell only 14 percent of the lots.

The top lots were "classics," such as Chagall and Picasso, but several strong results for contemporary prints were achieved as well. This included $13,145 for Tom Wesselman's "Nude with Still Life," a record price at auction for a felt banner by Wesselman.

The top three lots were: Marc Chagall, "The Angel Violinist," 1974, which sold to a private American buyer for $17,925; Chagall's "Then he spent the night with her embracing and clipping...," Plate 3 from "Four Tales from the Arabian Nights," 1948, to an American private buyer for $15,535; and Pablo Picasso's "Vieux faune avec une poupée vivante; and Comeédiens ambulants, avec autoportrait au chapeau d'arlequin et combat de coqs," 1968, which sold to the American trade for $14,340.

Prices include buyer's premium.