American and European paintings and prints proved to be strong performers at Skinner’s January 29 sale when it grossed more than $2.5 million and an auction record was set with the sale of an artist’s proof.
The top lot of the sale was Arnaldo Pomodoro’s artist proof of “Rotante primo sezionale n. 1 (Rotating First Section No. 1),” 1966, estimated at the high end at $150,000, but bringing $468,000, a very strong price for the only artist’s proof of this title offered thus far. Rounding out the top three were a newly rediscovered Georgia O’Keeffe, “Alligator Pear in White Dish,” which sold for $225,150, well above its estimated high of $150,000; and Jesus Rafael Soto’s “Struttura,” estimated at $30/40,000, selling for $100,725.
Record-setting bids included Saul Steinberg’s “Art Lovers,” which sold for $22,515, several times the $5,000 high estimate and the highest price reported for a work on paper from 1963; Daniel Chester French’s “Portrait Bust of a Woman,” estimated $500/700, sold for $16,590; and Cecilia Beaux’s “Portrait of Joseph B. Thomas III” brought $8,295, the highest price reported for a work on paper by Beaux.
Prices given include the buyer’s premium.
Skinner’s next auction of American and European paintings and prints will be conducted Friday, May 21, in its Boston gallery, 63 Park Plaza. For more information, 617-350-5400 or www.skinnerinc.com .
