PHILADELPHIA, PA.- Yesterday afternoon,
Freemans presented an impressive collection of work for its Modern and Contemporary Art sale. The exhibition of nearly 130 pieces was well received with a number of new online bidders, callers and attendees. Several lots created particular excitement among bidders, including a Lynn Chadwick Sculpture and a Roy Lichtenstein screenprint among others.
The sale began at 2pm and bidding quickly intensified. The floor was abuzz with excitement by lot 38, Indigo, by American artist Richard Anuszkiewicz. Indigo is an excellent example of what propelled Anuszkiewicz to his success as a founder and early proponent of the Optical Art Movement. Indigo realized $37,500 at auction.
A color screenprint entitled Forms in Space by Roy Lichtenstein also performed quite well, going above its estimate with $62,500. Lot 107, Forms in Space, was created in 1985 by the artist for the Institute of Contemporary Art, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.
Another exciting and influential piece presented was lot 95, Andy Warhols Marilyn Monroe (Marilyn). The screenprint was created in 1967 to announce the Marilyn Monroe (Marilyn) portfolio and was published by Factory Additions in New York. The print earned $37,500.
The highlight of the sale was to lot 39, Maquette Jubilee II, by renowned sculptor, Lynn Chadwick. As its lot number was called, numerous phone bidders, on behalf of eager clients on the other end of the reciever, stood up. Maquette Jubilee II achieved $466,000.
The 1983 sculpture was forged from bronze and features a black and polished patina. In two parts, the piece is a testament to Chadwicks unique visual language.
The artist seemingly draws in metal, creating figures whose sharp angles and powerful volumes activate and engage the space around them, as if the artist not only cast the bronze but also carved the space around it, Head of Freemans Modern & Contemporary Art department, Dunham Townend said.