October 28, 2012
Modern & Contemporary Art at Freeman’s
(Philadelphia, Pa) — Freeman's next auction of Modern & Contemporary Art takes place on November 4, 2012. We launched the first of our semi-annual sales dedicated to the subject in 2006. Ever since, our commitment to presenting a potent mix of world-class international artists and great local Philadelphia talents has prevailed, with ever-increasing success. (Click to view the entire auction online or click an image for additional information on that lot.)
A "New" Pousette-Dart
Among the highlights we present is lot 99, Richard Pousette-Dart's Untitled, dated 1977, from his "Strata" series. What makes the release of this work particularly exciting is that it has been virtually unknown as a part of his oeuvre for decades. It has been owned by a private collector who purchased it from the Obelisk Gallery soon after seeing it on a tour of the artist's studio. Interest in Pousette-Dart--a leading member of the New York School group of Abstract Expressionists--has grown substantially in recent years. This work, painted in thick, heavily textured impasto is exemplary of his work from the 1960s on, here rendered in a gorgeous range of golden hues.
A "New" Pousette-Dart
Among the highlights we present is lot 99, Richard Pousette-Dart's Untitled, dated 1977, from his "Strata" series. What makes the release of this work particularly exciting is that it has been virtually unknown as a part of his oeuvre for decades. It has been owned by a private collector who purchased it from the Obelisk Gallery soon after seeing it on a tour of the artist's studio. Interest in Pousette-Dart--a leading member of the New York School group of Abstract Expressionists--has grown substantially in recent years. This work, painted in thick, heavily textured impasto is exemplary of his work from the 1960s on, here rendered in a gorgeous range of golden hues.
A Rare Alex Katz
Another featured offering is lot 143, Alex Katz's Five Women, a two-dimensional aluminum "cut-out" that is painted on both sides. The artist executed it in 1976 as a study for a 20' rooftop billboard that wrapped around all four sides of the RKO building in NYC's Times Square.
PAFA and Philadelphia Artists
We are further pleased to present an extraordinary selection of fresh works by artists associated with Philadelphia and especially the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA). These include a dramatic self-portrait by Bo Bartlett (lot 192); a monumental figural beach scene by Sidney Goodman (lot 186); and an intimate oil by Thomas Chimes (lot 189). Also highly desirable is a large and bright landscape by Elizabeth Osborne (lot 204), which has until recently hung in the executive offices of GlaxoSmithKline.
Rounding out the Contemporary section of the sale are premier ICA signed and numbered editions by Lichtenstein, Oldenburg, Noland, and Gilhooly, which come to us by way of one of this Philadelphia institution's major supporters.
Yet another Philadelphia connection of note here is lot 66, a cast bronze by important Australian artist Clement Meadmore (1929-2005), which has resided in the executive wing of GlaxoSmithKline's corporate headquarters in Philadelphia for the last 20 years.
International Greats
Of great interest because of their fascinating provenance and quality is a group of four Philip Guston drawings collected by his friend H.W. Janson (author of the important art historical survey). Modern Masters in this sale are many indeed, including such favorites as Man Ray, Calder, Duchamp, Ernst, Giacometti, Miro, Matisse, Chagall, and works from the estate of renowned local philanthropist Marvin J. Lundy.
Exhibition & Auction Details
Freeman's invites all interested collectors, buyers and Modern and Contemporary art enthusiasts to attend the exhibition Wednesday, October 31 to Friday, November 2, 10am - 5pm, and Saturday, November 3, 12 noon - 5pm. The auction will take place Sunday, November 4 at 2pm.
ABOUT FREEMAN'S
Founded in 1805, Freeman's has upheld an exemplary role as America's oldest auction house and achieves record-setting prices for clients around the world. Located on Chestnut Street, Freeman's offers over 30 auctions a year in categories including: American Furniture, Decorative & Folk Arts, English & Continental Furniture & Decorative Arts, Asian Arts, Fine American & European Paintings & Sculpture, Modern and Contemporary Art, Rare Books, Oriental Rugs, Fine Jewelry & Watches. For more information, visit www.freemansauction.com or contact 267.414.1229.
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Another featured offering is lot 143, Alex Katz's Five Women, a two-dimensional aluminum "cut-out" that is painted on both sides. The artist executed it in 1976 as a study for a 20' rooftop billboard that wrapped around all four sides of the RKO building in NYC's Times Square.
PAFA and Philadelphia Artists
We are further pleased to present an extraordinary selection of fresh works by artists associated with Philadelphia and especially the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA). These include a dramatic self-portrait by Bo Bartlett (lot 192); a monumental figural beach scene by Sidney Goodman (lot 186); and an intimate oil by Thomas Chimes (lot 189). Also highly desirable is a large and bright landscape by Elizabeth Osborne (lot 204), which has until recently hung in the executive offices of GlaxoSmithKline.
Rounding out the Contemporary section of the sale are premier ICA signed and numbered editions by Lichtenstein, Oldenburg, Noland, and Gilhooly, which come to us by way of one of this Philadelphia institution's major supporters.
Yet another Philadelphia connection of note here is lot 66, a cast bronze by important Australian artist Clement Meadmore (1929-2005), which has resided in the executive wing of GlaxoSmithKline's corporate headquarters in Philadelphia for the last 20 years.
International Greats
Of great interest because of their fascinating provenance and quality is a group of four Philip Guston drawings collected by his friend H.W. Janson (author of the important art historical survey). Modern Masters in this sale are many indeed, including such favorites as Man Ray, Calder, Duchamp, Ernst, Giacometti, Miro, Matisse, Chagall, and works from the estate of renowned local philanthropist Marvin J. Lundy.
Exhibition & Auction Details
Freeman's invites all interested collectors, buyers and Modern and Contemporary art enthusiasts to attend the exhibition Wednesday, October 31 to Friday, November 2, 10am - 5pm, and Saturday, November 3, 12 noon - 5pm. The auction will take place Sunday, November 4 at 2pm.
ABOUT FREEMAN'S
Founded in 1805, Freeman's has upheld an exemplary role as America's oldest auction house and achieves record-setting prices for clients around the world. Located on Chestnut Street, Freeman's offers over 30 auctions a year in categories including: American Furniture, Decorative & Folk Arts, English & Continental Furniture & Decorative Arts, Asian Arts, Fine American & European Paintings & Sculpture, Modern and Contemporary Art, Rare Books, Oriental Rugs, Fine Jewelry & Watches. For more information, visit www.freemansauction.com or contact 267.414.1229.
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