World Records set at Christie's $292m New York Art sale

The fervour for key pieces from established Post-War and Contemporary artists such as Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein and Christopher Wool is on the rise, as evidenced on Wednesday morning and afternoon sessions  at Christie's which brought in $60,156,675.

Iconic works from the 1960's and 1970's, such as those of Richard Serra and Sol Lewitt, prevailed alongside more recent works of art by the likes of Suzan Frecon.

Other works were consigned from the collection of the late Michael Crichton, author of popular thrillers The Andromeda Strain, Jurassic Park and the dramatic television series ER.


Lichtenstein's Untitled Composition blends symbolic imagery with his unique
artistic style

Lichtenstein's Two Apples, 1972 was the top seller of both sales. It realised $2,210,500. Coming in second was Alexander Calder's, Untitled, 1962, which sold at $1,314,500.

The Evening Sale saw Lichtenstein's Untitled Composition from 1978 sell for an incredible $10,162,500 including buyer's premium - well above its $4,500,000-6,500,000 estimate.

Untitled Composition remains one of the artist's most monumental and significant 1970s works, blending wit and symbolic imagery with his iconic style, deeply rooted in art history.

"There is no question that the market is healthy and that there is a genuine desire," said Jonathan Laib, Head of the Morning Session of Christie's Post-War and Contemporary Art Department.


World Record sale:  Robert Bechtle's SF Cadillac, 1975, sold for $482,500

The sale also included various World Records, including for the photorealistic works of Robert Bechtle, whose SF Cadillac, 1975 sold for $482,500.

Ralph Goings' Still Life with Peppers, 1981 was another record sale, sold for $698,500.

"The afternoon sale hardly skipped a beat after the success of the morning," said Andrew Massad, International Specialist, Head of the Afternoon Session.

"The afternoon sale hardly skipped a beat after the success of the morning. There was interest from seasoned, veteran collectors as well as new buyers."

For art lovers with a passion for Warhol, another of the artist's works is available on the market at a price ideal for entry-level and experienced collectors alike.

A print of Andy Warhol's iconic depiction of Marilyn Monroe, signed by Warhol himself, beautifully mounted, framed and glazed to Museum standard, is presently for sale.

 

  • More news on Art
  • Enjoy the read? Don't forget to sign up for your free newsletter with exclusive content

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