The Agam window from the Spreckles Theater was being resold on the sale’s first day, realizing $162,500. The lot comprised the window from the theater’s facade and the interior window, each window composed of eight panels of triangular prisms. Agam is an Israeli-born master of kinetic sculpture and modern art whose work attempts to convey transcendental meaning through color, structure and movement.
Review by W.A. Demers; Photos Courtesy Abell Auction Co.
LOS ANGELES — Abell Auction Co. presented its fall fine art, modern and jewelry auction featuring important California estates on September 23-24. A collection of works by Adolph Gottlieb, Yaacov Agam, Alexander Calder, Pablo Picasso, Charles Arnoldi and other iconic artists led the action as a total of 559 lots crossed the block. Headlining the first day of the sale (Part I) was a Yaacov Agam double-sided polymorph window installation that once adorned the famous Spreckels Theater in San Diego, Calif. The second day of the sale (Part 2) offered an array of jewelry, important works of art and antique furnishings. “Part 2, jewelry and antiques was focused,” noted Todd Schireson, the firm’s vice president. “We are really happy that the antiques market was strong. Totaling more than $2.5 million with premium in our two-day auction, prices were still very strong on fine art, prints and sculpture.”
Day 1 highlights included the reselling of an Agam window for $162,500. The lot comprised the window from the theater’s facade and the interior window, each window composed of eight panels of triangular prisms (16 panels total). The interior window and exterior window were each signed and dated “Agam 11-18-1985.” Artist Yaacov Agam (b1928) is an Israeli-born master of kinetic sculpture and modern art whose work attempts to convey transcendental meaning through color, structure and movement. Catalog notes say he combines vibrant and mystical elements to draw the viewer into the work, often incorporating surprising effects of motion.
Fine art on Day 1 was led by Pablo Picasso’s (1881-1973) “Grande Tete de Femme au Chapeau Orne (Large Head Of A Woman With Decorated Hat),” a linocut in color on Arches, 1962, pencil-signed and numbered (from the edition of 50), which sold for $112,500.
A glazed earthenware head by Paul Gauguin, “Pot En Forme D’une Tête Grotesque,” circa 1895, gaveled for $50,000.
A glazed earthenware head by Paul Gauguin (1848-1903), “Pot En Forme D’une Tête Grotesque,” circa 1895, with provenance that included a private European collection and gaveled for $50,000, and Margaret Keane’s (1927-2022), “Girl With Poodles,” with trademark big-eyed waif and two winsome poodles, an oil on canvas from 1964, found favor at $25,000. Bela Kadar’s (1877-1955) stylishly presented “Woman With Fruit, a gouache signed lower right, also went out at $25,000.
The second day of the sale (Part 2) was led right out of the gate by diamond bling and a 2009 Bentley Azure, each attaining $68,750. With an odometer reading of 32,069 miles, it was loaded with luxe and options, including a Beluga interior, powered by a Cotswold engine: 6.75 twin turbo V8 450 hp and a 6-speed transmission: automatic with manual shift capability. The ring was an 18K yellow gold diamond example, size 6½, centering a six-prong set with one round brilliant cut diamond [H/SI-2] of approximately 5.13 carats, enhanced with 60 princess cut diamonds [H/VS], approximate total weight 3.00 carats.
Decorative art highlights were led by an antique Ziegler Sultanabad wool rug, circa 1880, 16 feet 11 inches by 23 feet 3 inches that had seen duty with a Michael Smith installation, Malibu, Calif., and earned $56,250.
An antique Ziegler Sultanabad wool rug, circa 1880; 16 feet 11 inches by 23 feet 3 inches, earned $56,250.
Louis Vuitton trunks continue to hold their value, as seen by a circa 1965-86 trunk with printed label “Louis Vuitton / Ave. Marceau 78bis Paris / Nice- 2 Ave de Suede,” fitted with rails, hangers and two removable cases. It sailed away at $37,500.
More exotic was a rare pair of huanghuali folding horseshoe-back armchairs, Qing dynasty, property from a Beverly Hills, Calif. Estate. They went out at $50,000.
Prices include the buyer’s premium as stated by the auction house. For information, 323-724-8102 or www.abell.com.
