LONDON.- Bonhams Impressionist and Modern Art sale yesterday (4th February) has set a new world record for a Salvador Dali bronze sculpture among a number of outstanding results. A frenzy of international interest from the packed saleroom, online and on the telephones drove seven of the top ten lots to double, or even triple, their estimates. A great buzz from the telephone bidders set the tone:
Elephant de Triomphe by Salvador Dali (Spanish, 1904-1989) triumphed today as it sold for a staggering 446,500 setting a new world record price for a bronze by the artist. The previous record (313,000) was blown out of the water by the colossal cast bronze emerald elephant which stands at almost 3metres in height. Elephants were used by Dal as a symbol of the future recurring atop mosquito-like legs in many of his paintings. A golden angel lands on the elephant’s jewelled saddle – a shining fanfare promising a future with great fortune.
Another highlight in the sale was Almen im Marz, Alfons Walde’s wintery work showing an Austrian chalet in the snow which sold for 278,500 – triple its estimates. Bids flew in a continuous stream as multiple telephone bidders and bidders in the room pulled the auctioneer’s attention in all directions.
Other top lots were two works by Joan Miro (Spanish, 1893-1983). Femme, toile, which translates as ‘Woman, Star’, realised 212,500. Femme, oiseau, toile (Woman, bird, star) was another work in high demand from bidders in the room. A lengthy stand off between two telephones took the final price to 91,300 – three times higher than its estimates.
A necklace by the surrealist artist and photographer Man Ray (American, 1890-1976) La jolie Pendant realised an incredible 47,000 after an impressive battle between three persistent parties.
