PHILADELPHIA, PA.- Freeman’s “The Stanley Bard Collection: A Life at the Chelsea”, a single-owner sale held Tuesday evening, was another success story for the historic Philadelphia establishment. Nearly 100 works were offered, each from the personal collection of the late Stanley Bard, who served for nearly half a century as the manager of the iconic Hotel Chelsea in New York.

Drawing a significant amount of attention in the first moments of the auction was a painting by Karel Appel entitled “Personnage.” The vibrant oil on canvas had bidders engaged as it continued to soar past its estimate. “Personnage” was sold for $81,250.

Excitement built as one of the most anticipated lots of the evening came up for sale. “Face #1” by Tom Wesselmann is an important example of the artists work from the mid 1960s, a seminal period of his career. Estimated between $600,000-800,000, the painting achieved a remarkable $958,000.

Another highlight of the sale was “Jackass and Elephant” by Barry Flanagan. The whimsical sculpture, measuring 80 inches tall, greeted interested buyers as they entered the showroom. Bronze with black patina, “Jackass and Elephant” realized a notable $187,500 at auction.

Perhaps one of the most dramatic moments of the sale was the bidding war for “Untitled (Eyes)” by Martial Raysse. The mixed media, cut-out collage on two sheets of overlapping paper was estimated between $5,000-8,000. The piece sold for over five times its estimate, earning $50,000.

“It’s a privilege for us to have the opportunity to handle art from Stanley Bard’s collection,” Head of Freeman’s Modern & Contemporary Art department, Dunham Townend said. “His contributions not only to the Chelsea Hotel but to the artists and creative community of New York City are legendary. We are honored to celebrate his legacy.”