NEW YORK, NY.- Christie’s announces the collection of Esther B. Ferguson, comprised of paintings, sculpture and works on paper, will be offered in Impressionist & Modern, Post-War & Contemporary and American Art sales in May 2017. Featuring artists such as Pablo Picasso, Willem de Kooning, Auguste Rodin, Barbara Hepworth, Robert Rauschenberg, Jasper Johns, James Rosenquist, and Milton Avery, among others, the collection is comprised of 17 works.

Esther Ferguson, an arts patron and philanthropist, built the collection together with her late husband, James L. Ferguson, former CEO of General Mills. Upon his retirement in 1989, the couple relocated from Manhattan to Charleston where she carefully renovated their magnificent 19th century James Island residence, Secessionville Manor. Mrs. Ferguson’s first major acquisition, Femme dans un fauteuil, by Pablo Picasso, was followed by paintings, sculpture, and works on paper by artists. The collection reflects a boundless enthusiasm for the creative process, and a desire to live each day surrounded by works of history and importance.

SELECT HIGHLIGHTS OF THE ESTHER B. FERGUSON COLLECTION

• Barbara Hepworth (1903-1975) Green Head Irish green marble Height: 10 5/8 in. 27.1 cm.) Executed in 1970 Estimate: $500,000-800,000

• Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Femme dans un fauteuil Oil on canvas 39 ½ x 31 ½ in. Painted in Cannes, 19 April 1956 Estimate: $5,000,000-7,000,000

• Willem de Kooning (1904-1997) Untitled oil on newspaper 11 1/2 x 15 in. (29.2 x 38.1 cm.) Executed circa 1976. Estimate: $30,000-50,000

• Joan Miró (1893-1983) Chien I Watercolor, pastel and brush and black ink on paper 18 ¼ x 29 3/8 in. (46.5 x 74.6 cm.) Executed on 10 November-22 December 1972 Estimate: $200,000-300,000

• Jean (Hans) Arp (1886-1966) Echo de torse Polished bronze Height: 13 in. (33.1 cm.) Conceived in 1961; this bronze version cast in 1964 Estimate: $100,000-150,000

• Milton Avery (1885-1965) Seated Woman Oil on canvas board 28 x 21 7/8 in. (71.1) Estimate: $100,000-150,000

• Robert Rauschenberg (1925-2008) Untitled acrylic on fabric-laminated paper mounted on canvas 31 ½ x 28 in. (80 x 71.1 cm.) Executed in 1985. $150,000-250,000

• Jasper Johns (B. 1930) Untitled pigment stick over intaglio 24 ¼ x 17 in. (61.5 x 43.1 cm.) Executed in 1987 and 2008. Estimate: $300,000-500,000

• Auguste Rodin (1840-1917) Buste de Victor Hugo dit, a l’illustre maître Bronze with brown and green patina Height: 21 in. (53.4 cm.) Conceived in 1883; this bronze version cast in 1955 Estimate: $70,000-100,000