DALLAS, TX.- Feed Folks,1974, a mixed media work by David Hammons which, along with another artwork, was once traded with the artist for a Volkswagen Beetle, sold for $1.2+ million May 31 in Heritage Auctions' $6.5+ million Modern & Contemporary Art Auction in Dallas. The price sets a record for a work on paper by the artist, coming alongside stellar results for Sam Francis, François-Xavier Lalanne, and Andy Warhol.

Feed Folks, 1974, was exhibited during the early 1990s and had remained with the same family since 1974. "They are absolutely thrilled," said Frank Hettig, Director of Modern & Contemporary Art at Heritage. "The piece is unique in that it is from his early years on the West Coast, shortly before he relocated to New York, and is especially attractive as it was fresh to the market having never been offered."

Two vibrant works by Sam Francis generated intense interest and surpassed estimates as Untitled, 1988, sold for $515,000, and Bright Saddle, 1985, sold for $257,000, following action by 14 different bidders.

The Umbrellas (Project for Japan and USA), 1987, by Christo and Jeanne-Claude, sold for $149,000 and Story of Golden Apple vs. History of Siren's Appeal, 1994, by Lui Liu also brought $149,000. Three animal themed sculptures by François-Xavier Lalanne, two Mouton transhumant, 1987, and one Belier (Ram) (from Les Nouveaux Mountons), 1994, sold for a combined $411,000.

A large collection of work by Robert Rauschenberg, spanning 30 years of his career, was led by Azure Reef (Renault Paper Work), 1984, which brought $103,125 and Story Crates (from the Urban Bourbon series), 1989, which ended at $100,000.

Additional highlights from the top names in modern and contemporary art include Andy Warhol's $ (9), 1982, which surpassed its estimate to end at $106,250, Savarin, 1977, a lithograph by Jasper Johns, which sold for $100,000, and Joan Miró's Le Pèlerin (The Pilgrim), 1972, hammered for $81,250.

"We saw unprecedented interest in this auction, with extremely spirited bidding, particularly on the top lots," says Hettig.

Additional highlights include, but are not limited by:

• Flower Shop at Gumps, 1978, by Gregory Kondos. Realized: $75,000.

• Moses, 1978, by Deborah Butterfield. Realized: $75,000.

• Parking Lots, (the complete set, group of 30), 1967/1999, by Ed Ruscha. Realized $68,750.

• Flying Colors, 1978, by Julio Larraz. Realized: $62,500.