PHILADELPHIA, PA.- "Today's auction was another success for Freeman's with an auction total of $2,165,500," Anne Henry, Vice President of Modern & Contemporary art at Freeman's said, "We exceeded our expectations with tremendous prices achieved for the Richard Scrushy Collection, and many Philadelphia artists, especially Bo Bartlett."

The day was marked by many achievements, the first of which was the Richard Scrushy Collection, being sold to benefit HealthSouth shareholders. John Sommerville, attorney for the HealthSouth shareholders commented, "First and foremost, we are delighted with the results. When we received the art, the provenance and history had been removed, and there was a great deal of work that was done to authenticate it. We could not have achieved a fraction of the prices had it not been for Freeman's authenticating the pieces and guiding us through the process." Highlights from the Scrushy collection included, Marc Chagall's "Lechelle au Ciel"which realized $181,000 (est. $50/70,000), Picasso's "Portrait de Femme de Profil" which sold for $97,000 (est. $50/80,000), and Dali's "Paradiso" which realized $73,000 (est. $40/60,000).

Following the success of the Scrushy collection auction records were set for a number of artists. "The room was packed with bidders clamoring for works of art,especially those by Philadelphia artists. It was terrific to help establish strong secondary market values for those who have traditionally been collected extensively through gallery representation," Henry said. 50 works by Bo Bartlett achieved $323,735, and lot 207, "Unity" realized $52,000 and exceeded his previous auction record (formerly achieved at Freeman's in 2007). In addition to Bo Bartlett, auction records were set for many artists, including Warren Rohrer, Jimmy Leuders, and Lynn Snyder from Philadelphia.

"This auction was a terrific success; we know that collectors, consignors, and the many living artists whose works were represented here today are happy. We were delighted to be the hub for such enthusiasm," Aimee Pflieger, Modern & Contemporary Art Associate Specialist said.

Upcoming: Freeman's hosts Fine English & Continental Furniture, Silver & Decorative Arts on May 25 & 26; and Oriental Rugs & Carpets on May 27; Fine American & European Paintings & Sculpture on June 19; Fine Jewelry & Watches on June 20.

AUCTION HIGHLIGHTS

Lot 25
MARC CHAGALL, (FRENCH/RUSSIAN 1887-1985), LECHELLE AU CIEL
Sold for $181,000

Lot 7
PABLO PICASSO, (SPANISH 1881-1973), PORTRAIT DE FEMME DE PROFIL
Sold for $97,000

Lot 18
SALVADOR DALI, (SPANISH 1904-1989), PARADISO
Sold for $73,000

Lot 124
CARL ANDRE, (AMERICAN B. 1935), ONE GRAND PIECE
Sold for $79,000

Lot 131
HELEN FRANKENTHALER, (AMERICAN B.1928), UNTITLED
Sold for $55,000

Lot 207
BO BARTLETT, (AMERICAN B. 1955), UNITY
Sold for $52,000

Lot 201
BO BARTLETT, (AMERICAN B. 1955), STUDY FOR LIFEBOAT
Sold for $31,000

Lot 241
ELIZABETH OSBORNE, (AMERICAN B. 1936), SOUTHWIND
Sold for $22,500

Lot 141
ALEX KATZ, (AMERICAN B. 1927), ORANGE HAT FROM ALEX AND ADA, THE 1960S TO THE 1980S
Sold for $22,500

Lot 181
SCOTT PRIOR, (AMERICAN B. 1949), AN ARTISTS WINDOWSILL
Sold for $21,250