PHILADELPHIA, PA.- In three back-to-back sales, Freeman’s confirms its strength in bringing fresh-to-market modern and contemporary art and design works to auction, including single-owner collections. The auctions were marked by competitive bidding between international buyers, resulting in sales of Henry Moore’s Architectural Project for $428,400, Marc Chagall’s Devant la Fenêtre à Sils for $453,600, and a “Conoid” bench by George Nakashima for $94,500.

STRONG DEMAND FOR CONTEMPORARY SCULPTURE

Modern and Contemporary Art on May 11 was led by Henry Moore’s Architectural Project, an important bronze from the artist’s later years that achieved $428,400 (estimate: $200,000-300,000). Two playful sheep sculptures by François-Xavier Lalanne, Mouton de Pierre, both more than doubled their presale high estimates to achieve $378,000 and $365,400, respectively (estimate: $100,000-150,000 each). The impressive result builds on Freeman’s $2.1M sale of a selection of Lalanne sculptures in 2021, making Freeman’s a premiere destination for works by the celebrated French designer and artist.

Lisa De Simone, Head of Sale, says, “I’m absolutely delighted with the results of this sale, my inaugural auction as Department Head. As we look forward to our next sale in October 2022, we’re continuing to develop our presence in the international postwar and contemporary market.”

FRENCH WORKS ON PAPER COMMAND IMPRESSIVE RESULTS

Freeman’s La Belle Époque on Paper auction, also held May 11, brought a distinguished single-owner collection of works on paper to market, led by the $453,600 sale of Marc Chagall’s Devant la Fenêtre à Sils (estimate: $250,000-400,000). Featuring sixteen works by School of Paris artists, the selective sale included such effervescent and vibrant works as Raoul Dufy’s Régates, which exceeded its presale estimate to achieve $88,200 (estimate: $50,000-80,000).

FREEMAN’S NAKASHIMA SALES CONTINUE TO SHINE

The May 12 Design auction featured the sale of a number of fine George Nakashima works, led by an exceptional 1968 English walnut “Conoid” bench that commanded $94,500 (estimate: $40,000-60,000). Freeman’s continues to distinguish itself as an industry leader in the sale of the esteemed New Hope-based furniture maker, with consistently excellent results across the board and in Thursday’s sale. Two Nakashima double sliding-door cabinets from the 1960s exceeded presale estimates, achieving $47,250 and $44,100, respectively.

Head of Sale Tim Andreadis says, “The strong 91% sell-through rate and impressive results for Nakashima work speak for themselves. The 20th Century and Contemporary Design department has recently grown with the addition of specialist and client manager Michael Hartman, and we are looking ahead to our June 29 Art and Design auction and welcoming consignments for our Fall Design sales.”