CLEARWATER, FLA.- On March 15, 2025, Florida’s Blackwell Auctions will present works by some of the most iconic artists of the 20th century. These significant pieces come from several Central Florida collections, and most of the pieces haven’t been on the market in decades, if at all.

(Click the following link to view the online flipbook with sale highlights: https://publuu.com/flip-book/83345/1786720)

One of the more important pieces in the sale is Lot 46: “Etude pour la Suite des Déjeuners III,” a graphite on paper by Pablo Picasso (OPP.59:608; PP.59:263; Z.XIX:42), signed Picasso, dated 10.8.59 and numbered III. Perforated sketchbook paper measures 13" (to outside edge of perforation) x 16-1/2". Provenance: From a Florida Modern art collection amassed beginning in the 1950s in Michigan. Purchased from Janie C. Lee Gallery. The opening bid is $25,000.


Andy Warhol (American, 1928-1987). Title: Volkswagen from Ads Series, 1985. Limitation: II/X. Signed: Signed and numbered in pencil at lower right. Marks: Publisher (Ronald Feldman Fine Arts, Inc.) and Printer (Rupert Jason Smith) blind stamps at lower left corner. Reference: FS 358. Medium: Color Screenprint on Lenox Museum Board. Sheet Size: 38 in x 38 in (96.3 cm x 96.3 cm).

Lot 9 is a signed and numbered Andy Warhol screenprint from his Ads series, depicting a Volkswagen Bug. Titled Lemon, this vibrant 1985 work measures 38 inches square and is numbered II/X (2 of 10 in Roman numerals). It was previously offered in Blackwell’s January auction, but the high bidder withheld payment until the auction house confirmed the presence of the proper copyright mark on the verso. Blackwell canceled the sale and removed the back to verify this crucial detail. The mark was indeed present, concealed beneath the archival tape used for float mounting. With this confirmation, the piece is being reoffered with an opening bid of $50,000.

From a different collection is Lot 99, an Andy Warhol verso-signed test screen print of Jackie Kennedy. The piece measures (overall) 18" wide, with a scissor-cut top and bottom, several inches from the horizontal borders of the print. The material is a thin canvas or a strong linen-textured paper. The image itself measures 21" high and 17-1/4" wide. There are significant horizontal voids across the middle, as shown in the photos, which appear to be printing errors. As well, the image does not line up parallel to the sheet, as though it was shifted during production. Horizontal crease marks on verso correspond to the voids on the front. The back is signed in faint ink, "Andy Warhol," and the signature does appear to be authentic. On the back of the piece is written in pencil: "977C - WL -" and, under it, "6." There are several labels on the piece with notations, but whether they are relevant is unknown. This is presumed to be a test print or rejected printing error, signed by the artist. Opening bid is $1,000.


Attributed to Alexander Calder, an unframed 43-1/4" x 29-1/2" ink and gouache on blind stamped Canson Lavis B paper. Appears to be a variation on his other 1970 Spiral work. There are two penciled notations on verso.

Lot 1 is “La Tache Bleue,” an Aubusson weaving by Alexander Calder from The Bicentennial Tapestries. Monogrammed by artist verso in ink on label. Numbered 35 (from a series of 200). Measures about 40" X 58". Opening bid is $2,500.

Lot 52 is a work on paper attributed to Alexander Calder, an unframed 43-1/4" x 29-1/2" ink and gouache on blind stamped Canson Lavis B paper. It appears to be a variation on his other 1970 Spiral work. There are two penciled notations on verso, both illegible. As no paperwork or background info exists, this can be offered only as attributed to Calder. Signed and dated center and lower right. (The Calder Foundation contacted Blackwell last week and requested that the high bidder be asked to fill out an Application for Registration form, which will be emailed to the high bidder.) Opening bid is $2,500.


Pablo Picasso, Dejeuners, 1959. Pencil Sketch. Estimate: $50,000 - $100,000. Etude pour la Suite des Déjeuners III, graphite on paper by Pablo Picasso (OPP.59:608; PP.59:263; Z.XIX:42), signed Picasso, dated 10.8.59 and numbered III. Perforated sketchbook paper measures 13" (to outside edge of perforation) x 16-1/2".

Several paintings by German artist Dietz Edzard are in the sale, as well, consigned for the first time ever by Edzard’s descendants. These works (including Lot 3, a reclining nude) have never been exhibited or offered for sale, as they’ve remained in the family since the artist’s death in 1963.

There are a number of signed pieces by Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, Joan Miro, Marc Chagall, Ed Ruscha, George Braque and several others. There are also original works by James Montgomery Flagg, Achille Emile Othon Friesz, Tony Bennett, Guy Harvey, Rene Portocarrero, Lolo Soldevilla, Sandu Darie, Leighton Jones, Peter Keil, and Frank Myers Boggs.


Dietz Edzard, Nude Woman Oil on Canvas. Estimate: $1,500 - $3,000. Painting of reclining nude female, a circa 1920 oil on canvas by Dietz Edzard (German, 1893-1963). Sight size about 28" x 39" in 32" x 43" frame. Unsigned. Provenance: Obtained from the artist's grandson by his first wife, Emmy Bayer (who was the granddaughter of Friedrich Bayer, founder of the Bayer Co.).

Beyond fine art, notable highlights include:

• An Art Deco-era Tiffany & Co. platinum and diamond brooch

• A Charles Limbert Arts & Crafts table lamp

• A Frank DiVita polychrome bronze figural group

• A pair of Archimede Seguso art glass fish

• A Dale Chihuly cobalt blue macchia glass basket

In-person inspection of the art is by appointment. A public preview of all auction items will be held at Blackwell’s gallery on March 14 from 10-4 ET, as well as on the morning of the sale from 10am until the auction starts at 12 noon.

Blackwell is located at 5251 110th Avenue North, Suite 118, Clearwater, FL 33760.

For additional information, contact Edwin Bailey at +1 727-546-0200 or email info@blackwellauctions.com. Visit Blackwell online at www.blackwellauctions.com. Bidding will be available in person at the gallery, by phone, absentee, or online through LiveAuctioneers, Invaluable, Bidsquare, HiBid or through the Blackwell Auctions app (IOS and Android).