William Edmondson's The Boxer beats estimate by 214%

William Edmondson's The Boxer realised $785,000 at Christie's on January 22, beating an estimate of $250,000 by 214%.

The lot led the Liberation through Expression sale of American outsider art in New York on January 22.

Edmonson Boxer Christies
Edmondson began carving stone after receiving a message from God

Edmondson (1874-1951) was a janitor who embarked on a career as a stonemason after receiving a message from God. He started out making tombstones before moving into sculpture.

His work caused a sensation in the art world, leading to a 1938 solo show at New York's Museum of Modern Art (MOMA).

Christie's comments: "Boxer is an incredibly sophisticated object. Likely modeled after Joe Louis, it is one of the most important sculptures created in interwar America�Ǫ

"One of only two pugilists carved by the artist, Boxer is a reflection of American popular culture of the era and shows Edmondson's pride in his cultural identity.

"Kept on a shelf protected by an overhang in Edmondson's Nashville, Tennessee yard, Boxer was by many accounts one of the artist's favorite works."

Martin Ramirez's Untitled (Seven Stags) was another highlight, achieving $75,000.

Ramirez was a paranoid schizophrenic who spent much of his life in various US institutions. One of his doctors noticed his remarkable artistic talent and provided him with materials.

His work was exhibited in galleries as that of an anonymous mental patient and was not shown under his name until many years after his death.

Please sign up to our free newsletter to receive exciting news about art and photography auctions.

Featured products

Elvis Presley Authentic Strand of Hair
Elvis Presley Authentic Strand of Hair
Sale price£399
In stock
Fidel Castro signed certificateFidel Castro Signed Certificate
Fidel Castro signed certificate
Sale price£2,995
In stock
King Henry VIII Autographed DocumentKing Henry VIII Autographed Document
King Henry VIII Autographed Document
Sale price£55,000
In stock