NEW YORK, NY.- Christie's will present The Collection of Agnes Gund: Sold to Benefit the Gund Art Foundation, an extraordinary offering that embodies the remarkable generosity of one of the art world's most influential collectors and philanthropists. Renowned for her lifelong commitment to artists, cultural institutions, and equality, Gund leaves a legacy in which collecting has always been inseparable from giving. This series of live and online auctions reflects that spirit of generosity, directing the proceeds of the collection towards her many charitable purposes. Spanning the breadth of the post-war and contemporary era, the selection brings together works by an exceptional range of artistic voices, including Cecily Brown, Alexander Calder, Vija Celmins, Ellsworth Kelly, Roy Lichtenstein, Glenn Ligon, Jim Nutt, Robert Rauschenberg, Robert Ryman, Cindy Sherman, Sarah Sze, and Cy Twombly, among others. The works will be offered in the 21st Century Evening Sale on November 19, the Post-War and Contemporary Art Day Sale on November 20, and a series of online sales. More than a celebration of an extraordinary collection, the offering stands as a testament to Gund's almost unparalleled philanthropic spirit: a final expression of the conviction that art's greatest value lies not only in its capacity to inspire, but also in its power to give, to connect, and to create meaningful change.

Sara Friedlander, Christie's Chairman of Post-War and Contemporary Art, remarks, “It is our great privilege and honor to play a small role in stewarding the singular legacy of Agnes Gund, among the most important collectors, patrons and philanthropists of our time. Aggie's generous contributions to art, education, and social justice were hugely impactful in the lives of so many. These sales pay tribute to both her exceptional eye as well as her heartfelt kindness, as an unwavering champion of creativity in all its forms. Aggie lived with the deep-seated belief that art has the ability to create positive change in the world. With sale proceeds benefiting the Gund Art Foundation, we look forward to seeing out Aggie's wishes and inspiring clients around the world to share in her passion for collecting as a means to a greater good—supporting the overall betterment of society's future.”

The offerings in this collection reflect Aggie's nuanced understanding of the landscape of twentieth century art, with pieces from the most important movements over the course of the last 80 years. The collection showcases examples by leading names from each decade from the mid-1940s through to the late 2010s—many of which, she acquired directly from the artist themselves.

Leading the selection is an Ocean painting from 1990 by Vija Celmins in her celebrated photo-realistic style, which will be offered in the 21st Century Evening Sale (estimate: $6 – 8 million). Two sculptures will also highlight the sale: The Eye in the Black, a 1963 mobile by Alexander Calder (estimate: $3 – 5 million) and an untitled bronze by Cy Twombly, executed in 1997 (estimate: $2 – 3 million). Rounding out the selection in the Evening Sale are exceptional works by Ellsworth Kelly, Roy Lichtenstein, Jim Nutt, Robert Rauschenberg, and Cindy Sherman.

Agnes Gund demonstrated a clear commitment to uplifting art and artists throughout her life. She was dedicated in her service to many of the most distinguished and innovative cultural institutions across the United States, notably serving as President of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) for 11 years, from 1991 to 2002. During her tenure, she was instrumental in fundraising for the museum's $858 million building expansion project, as well as in the development and diversification of its permanent collection of contemporary art, to which she personally donated more than 800 works. Her philanthropic pursuits extended well beyond the museum walls. In 1977, she founded Studio in a School, a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to visual arts education by bringing professional artists into public school classrooms, creating opportunities for young people to engage with art while providing meaningful work for practicing artists.

A standout among the many charitable endeavors she spearheaded was her contribution of $100 million, derived from the private sale of Roy Lichtenstein's Masterpiece, to establish the Art for Justice Fund in 2017. Dedicated to addressing mass incarceration and advancing criminal justice reform, the initiative exemplified Gund's conviction that art could serve a purpose far beyond the aesthetic or financial, becoming a powerful instrument for social change. In doing so, she made headlines, transacting in the art market with purpose and establishing new benchmarks of selflessness in the world of collecting. Her legacy ultimately rests not only in the extraordinary works she gave to public collections, but also in her enduring belief that art should be accessible, artists should be supported, and philanthropy should be directed towards a more equitable society.