Art Market Monitor

Global Coverage ~ Unique Analysis

  • AMMpro
  • AMM Fantasy Collecting Game
  • Podcast
  • Contact Us

Sotheby’s Mellon Sale = $158,737,250

November 10, 2014 by Marion Maneker

103N09245_4CF46SALE TOTAL: $158,737,250

100% SOLD
Selections from the Collection of Mrs. Paul Mellon totaled $158,737,250, exceeding its high estimate of $121 million

  • Global bidding from 32 countries spanning 4 continents

The auction was led by two paintings by Mark Rothko that both exceeded expectations: Untitled from 1970, which achieved $39,925,000 (est. $15/20 million), and Untitled (Yellow, Orange, Yellow, Light Orange) from 1955, which fetched $36,565,000 (est. $20/30 million)

  • Both works had remained in the Mellons’ collection for more than four decades
  • Eight bidders competed for Untitled, and five competed for Untitled (Yellow, Orange, Yellow, Light Orange)

The Contemporary works from the collection together brought $116.6 million

  • Eight paintings and works on paper by Richard Diebenkorn totaled $32.2 million, led by Ocean Park #89 that sold for $9,685,000 (est. $8/12 million)
  • All five works on offer by Nicolas de Staël exceeded their high estimates
  • Works on paper across styles and genres performed well throughout the night, led by Georges Seurat’s Femme tenant un bouquet circa 1882, which fetched $5,317,000 (est. $2/3 million)
  • The work was a Christmas gift from Mr. Mellon to his wife in 1956
  • Old Master Paintings were highlighted by Ambrosius Bosschaert the Elder’s Still Life from the early-17th century, which brought $4,645,000 (est. $3/5 million)
  • Each of the three sculptures on offer by Diego Giacometti – a longtime friend of Mrs. Mellon – exceeded its estimate, featuring Table au dragon à l’oiseau that brought $1,745,000 (est. $200/300,000)
  • Giacometti painted the works white at Mrs. Mellon’s request

129N09245_4HLWZ_silo

More from Art Market Monitor

  • How Many Fairs Can The Hamptons Sustain?
  • Chuck Close Defends Art MarketChuck Close Defends Art Market
  • Steven Murphy Takes A Victory Lap and Announces Additional Digital Investment at The Atlantic’s NY Ideas FestivalSteven Murphy Takes A Victory Lap and Announces Additional Digital Investment at The Atlantic’s NY Ideas Festival
  • Art Homes on OfferArt Homes on Offer
  • Giacometti's RevengeGiacometti's Revenge
  • Todd Levin’s Night-Scented StockTodd Levin’s Night-Scented Stock

Filed Under: General

About Marion Maneker

LiveArt

Want to get Art Market Monitor‘s posts sent to you in our email? Sign up below by clicking on the Subscribe button.

  • About Us/ Contact
  • Podcast
  • AMMpro
  • Newsletter
  • FAQ

twitterfacebooksoundcloud
Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
California Privacy Rights
Do Not Sell My Personal Information
Advertise on Art Market Monitor
 

Loading Comments...