Steel, coppered sculpture may fetch $450K during June 2 sale

WEST PALM BEACH, Florida – If there is a consistent thread that runs through all sales hosted by Palm Beach Modern Auctions (PBMA), it’s the level of great quality that comes from thoughtful curation. Each of their lively auction events includes the best of modern and contemporary art, furniture, and fine jewelry from consignors in Palm Beach and other upscale Florida communities, as well as the Hamptons and New York City.

PBMA’s June 2nd auction features more than 520 lots of expertly selected fine art, including original works, editions and sculptures; furniture by important 20th-century designers, Picasso pottery, and a single-owner collection of prestigious timepieces. Their catalog is every modern and contemporary collector’s wish book, with its accurate descriptions, photos taken from multiple angles, and a strong emphasis on providing each item’s line of provenance.

The mid-century modern furniture category is led by select pieces from a Coral Gables, Florida, collection; Saridis furniture from an estate in Athens, Greece, and additional rare designs by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings. The latter grouping is led by a monumental dining table and large pedestaled console table, each estimated at $15,000-$30,000.

“Just when it looks as though Paul Evans furniture might have peaked, it hits an even higher price point at auction,” said PBMA auctioneer and partner Rico Baca. “There isn’t a hotter name in furniture at the moment.” PBMA’s June 2nd sale features a rare Paul Evans Studio for Directional mid-century modern Skyline dining table and set of eight chairs. Made in 1971, the signed, bronzed-resin dining table comes from the same consignor as the chairs, which have bronzed resin-over-steel frames and upholstered seats. In addition, the consignor states that the table and chairs are a family heirloom. The set has ties to the family for more than 30 years. The items are on offer as two consecutive lots, the table carries an estimate of $10,000-$15,000. Plus, the chairs carry a $30,000-$50,000 estimate. In addition, an Evans faceted cabinet is entered with a $20,000-$30,000 estimate.

Additionally, there are 15 lots of Karl Springer furniture, including several pieces from a Palm Beach residence that were originally purchased from the Springer showroom. Springer lots include a pair of Lucite and chromed-metal floor lamps, $7,000-$9,000; and a parchment console table, $4,000-$6,000. A sampling of other furniture highlights includes: a large Philip & Kelvin Laverne CHIN YIN coffee table, $10,000-$15,000; and from an especially large and diverse selection of Italian furniture, a rare pair of Gio Ponti & Orlando Orlandi lounge chairs, $40,000-$60,000.

Two dozen pieces of coveted Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1881-1973) pottery made at the Madoura studio in Vallauris, France, will be available for the ever-growing legion of fans who admire the appealing, offbeat ceramics. A large Visage de Femme platter from a prestigious French private collection is estimated at $25,000-$35,000, while an 11.25-inch Visage aux Points pitcher, ed. 257/350, is poised to reach the $10,000-$16,000 mark. A striking 12-inch-high Visage pitcher, ed. 58/500, is one of many exceptional artworks consigned to the sale by the Norman S. Jaffe Art Trust of Coral Gables, Florida. Its estimate is $3,500-$5,500

The highest-estimated artwork in the sale is a painted, chromed and coppered steel sculpture,

surmounted on a wood base, by John Angus Chamberlain (American, 1927-2011). A unique original work, it was originally gifted by the artist to Xavier Fourcade, owner of Xavier Fourcade Gallery, New York, and has since remained in private hands. Measuring 14.5 inches high by 19 inches wide, it comes to auction with an estimate of $250,000-$450,000.

A stainless steel sculpture in one of Harry Bertoia’s (1915-1978) most desirable forms, WILLOW, is the product of inspiration from willow trees on the artist’s Pennsylvania property. An example is shown in the reference book Knoll Fine Furniture by Rouland & Rouland. Standing an impressive 65 inches high and 32 inches in diameter, the WILLOW sculpture to be offered on June 2nd could reach $50,000-$70,000.

Two other sculptures attracting pre-sale interest are Lynn Chadwick’s (British, 1914-2003) RAD LAD II, and a large Deborah Kay Butterfield (American, b. 1949-) metal horse. Both are from the aforementioned Norman S. Jaffe Art Trust and carry individual estimates of $25,000-$35,000.

There are many noteworthy editions by such artists as Jasper Johns, Sean Scully, James Rosequist, Robert Motherwell, Tom Wesselman and other widely collected names. A Roy Lichtenstein (American, 1923-1997) lithograph titled Modern Art, from a 1971 edition signed by both the artist and printer, comes to the auction with an estimate of $6,000-$9,000. Three Keith Haring (American, 1958-1990) drawings will be auctioned consecutively. Two are artist-signed depictions on wood tile from Prospect Park Rec Center (Brooklyn, N.Y.) and carry individual estimates of $15,000-$25,000.

Contemporary paintings, photos and editions from a prestigious Miami private collection include a monumental (71 by 89.25 inches) Spencer Tunick (American, b. 1967-) C-print, ed. 3/6, titled 23RD STREET & 10TH AVE NYC. Furthermore, executed in 1999, it comes to auction with a $5,000-$10,000 estimate.

With utmost precision, 17 luxury timepieces are counting down the hours and minutes till they cross the auction block. Most are from a fine one-owner private collection. The lineup includes such sought-after brands as Cartier, Hermes, Piaget, Ulysse Nardin, and Girard-Perregaux. An 18K gold Henning Koppel for Georg Jensen men’s watch is up for bid. Furthermore, it features three subdials and an alligator strap. It carries an estimate of $4,000-$6,000.

All auction guests may enjoy a complimentary spring-theme catered lunch, snacks and beverages. As always, there will be free valet parking. Those who cannot attend in person may bid via absentee, by phone or live via the Internet through LiveAuctioneers.com.

Finally, the Saturday, June 2, 2018 auction will begin at 12 noon Eastern Time. PBMA is located at 417 Bunker Rd., West Palm Beach, FL 33405.

For additional information, visit www.palmbeachauctions.com, call 561-586-5500 or email info@modernauctions.com.