CHICAGO, IL.- Hindman’s September 29th Prints & Multiples auction will present an extraordinary offering of pop art and abstract expressionist works, highlighted by a rare selection of Andy Warhol and Jasper Johns prints. Innovative collages by Sam Gilliam, the groundbreaking artist who challenged the foundations of every medium he employed, will also be showcased in the contemporary and modern prints session.
An impressive selection of six lots by M.C. Escher and a highly sought-after early etching by Pablo Picasso from the collection of James and Edythe Cloonan, Chicago, Illinois are also among works that are expected to see intense bidding competition.
Pop Art Masterpieces
A pair of quintessential Andy Warhol prints will be a focal point of the auction. $ (Quadrant), 1981 (lots 14-15; estimate: $80,000-120,000 each) are unique trial proofs that display Warhol’s fixation on wealth, consumerism and indulgence. Gifted by Warhol to his close friend Bob Denison in 1981, the year before the regular edition was published, these works provide an exclusive glimpse into this iconic artist’s process. Warhol’s Teddy Roosevelt (lot 16; estimate: $20,000 - $40,000) from his Cowboys and Indians series, and his 1985 screenprint Cologne Cathedral (lot 13; estimate: $15,000- $25,000) will also be featured.
Complementing the Warhol selection will be works by another revolutionary American artist, Jasper Johns. This group will be highlighted his 1968 Gray Alphabets (lot 31; estimate $70,000 - $90,000), one of the largest prints Johns ever produced, which masterfully sums up Johns’ ability to present classic symbols in new and illuminating combinations.
Dynamic Collages from Sam Gilliam
Collages by Sam Gilliam are also expected to see robust interest. As a black artist, Gilliam was largely ignored by the mainstream art world until late in his career, but his works have recently seen incredible engagement at auction since his death earlier this year. His 1987 Purple Antelope Space Squeeze (lot 23; estimate: $6,000-8,000), a prime example of his experimental works, will highlight the offering.
M.C. Escher & Pablo Picasso
A collection of six woodcut prints by renowned Dutch graphic artist M.C. Escher will also be featured. These works demonstrate Escher’s ability to combine mathematics and art, while also providing insight into his process for creating tessellations. Escher’s Belvedere prints (lot 163 and 164; estimate: $30,000-50,000) are notable works from the group.
The European session of prints will be highlighted by Picasso’s iconic etching Le Repas Frugal (lot 118; estimate: $80,000 - $120,00), indisputably one of the greatest graphic works in the history of the medium. It is one from a selection of 14 prints from the collection of James and Edythe Cloonan, Chicago, Illinois.
Bidding for the September 29th Prints & Multiples auction will begin at 10am CT, and will be available in-person at Hindman’s Chicago saleroom, via phone, absentee bid and online via Hindman’s Digital Bid Room. Additional information about the auction can be found via the website page and catalogue.
