Modern + Contemporary Art + Design Highlights

  • Auction
  • Modern + Contemporary

This November we are excited to present several very special works in our Modern + Contemporary Art + Design sale.

For the first time at auction, we present a work by Austrian painter, Goetz Valien. Valien worked for much of his adult life as a movie poster artist and is also known for winning a lawsuit against the estate of German painter, Martin Kippenberger. This win allowed him to take credit for his role in the painting of the Paris Bar series, previously credited solely to Kippenberger. Valien’s work in this month’s sale, titled Ego, is a monumental acrylic on canvas painting of a dream-like scenario in which a figure walks through a maze of metal bars at twilight, evoking influences from Edward Hopper and Giorgio de Chirico.


Goetz Valien (Austrian, b. 1960), Ego, 2007, acrylic on canvas, 108″ x 120″.
Goetz Valien (Austrian, b. 1960), Ego, 2007, acrylic on canvas, 108″ x 120″.
Estimate: $40,000–$60,000

Also coming in our November sale is a large screenprint by American Pop Art icon, Andy Warhol. This piece, titled Letter to the World (The Kick) from Martha Graham, depicts American dancer and choreographer Graham performing in a full-skirted dress in tones of blue. Graham is known for her unique technique, emphasizing “contraction and release,” and having a major influence on American dance since the 1920s. This print is one in a series of three that Warhol made featuring Graham, and it features his trademark screen-printing style that is comprised of solid blocks of monochromatic tones with a strong outline and lined detail — like the pink seen here in the folds of Graham’s dress.


Andy Warhol (American, 1928–1987), Letter to the World (The Kick), from Martha Graham, 1986, screenprint, 36″ x 36″.
Andy Warhol (American, 1928–1987), Letter to the World (The Kick), from Martha Graham, 1986, screenprint, 36″ x 36″.
Estimate: $50,000–$70,000

Another highlight this November is an oil on canvas painting by Latvian-American artist, Raimonds Staprans. Staprans is known for his large swaths of bright color, often oranges and blues, and his understated treatment of subject. This piece, titled Red Sun, depicts a stylized landscape rendered primarily in saturated tones of red and orange with patches of bright green and blue. The sky dominates the image, taking up more than half of the canvas with its red and pink hues surrounding the pale orange dot of the sun hovering over the horizon. Staprans moved from his native Latvia in the early 20th century and settled in the San Francisco Bay Area, where he has remained active since. Staprans hosted a 60 year retrospective exhibit at the Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento and the San Jose Museum of Art in 2018.


Raimonds Staprans (Latvian/American, b. 1926), Red Sun, 1967, oil on canvas, 28″ x 34″.
Raimonds Staprans (Latvian/American, b. 1926), Red Sun, 1967, oil on canvas, 28″ x 34″.
Estimate: $50,000–$70,000

One of the many highlights of the Design portion of the sale will be a Paul Frankl (1886–1958) Speed chair — the form originally designed in 1935. The iconic form is a testament to Frankl’s streamlined and architectural designs of the period, which took Design to the next level. Paul T. Frankl was one of the most important and influential designers working in the United States during the first half of the twentieth century. Clars is pleased to offer an example from 1946 that was a fixture of Charlton Heston’s office at his custom Mid Century Modern 3.5 acre hilltop mansion in Beverly Hills, CA. Heston used to refer to the mansion as “The house that Ben-Hur built,” as this project was undertaken after the filming of the legendary motion picture.


A Paul Frankl Speed Chair and Ottoman, circa 1949, from the estate of Charlton Heston.
A Paul Frankl Speed Chair and Ottoman, circa 1949. Provenance: from the estate of Charlton Heston.
Estimate: $4,000–$6,000

Finally, we are pleased to offer a sculpture by contemporary Portuguese multimedia artist, Joana Vasconcelos. This sculpture, titled Cesar, was formed by covering a ceramic statue of a dog in a net of colorful, hand-woven crochet detail. A quote from the National Museum of Women in the Arts reads that in this series, Vasconcelos brings to light the “dissonance between handcrafted and manufactured” by covering a mass-produced dog statue with a painstakingly crafted textile. The juxtaposition is both jarring and aesthetically appealing; the colorful yarn seamlessly fits the dog’s body, while at the same time, the life-size animal appears lifelike enough to become uncanny.


Joana Vasconcelos (French/Portuguese, b. 1971), Cesar, 2006, faience dog and handmade cotton crochet sculpture, 30.25″ x 12″ x 20″.
Joana Vasconcelos (French/Portuguese, b. 1971), Cesar, 2006, faience dog and handmade cotton crochet sculpture, 30.25″ x 12″ x 20″.
Estimate: $15,000–$20,000

This exciting work, along with others from Raymond Pettibon, Christopher Brown, Matt Gondek, and more will be available to bid on in our carefully curated November sale. Plus, we are delighted to offer Design items crafted by Tiffany Studios, Michael Taylor, John Cederquist, Dirk Van Erp, and more. This sale truly has something for every collector!


Matt Gondek (American, b. 1982), Pinky and the Brain, 2016, acrylic on canvas, 48″ x 72″.
Matt Gondek (American, b. 1982), Pinky and the Brain, 2016, acrylic on canvas, 48″ x 72″.
Estimate: $10,000–$15,000
Left: A Dirk Van Erp copper and mica table lamp. Right: A Dirk Van Erp copper and mica handled oil lamp.
Left: A Dirk Van Erp copper and mica table lamp. Estimate: $7,000–$9,000
Right: A Dirk Van Erp copper and mica handled oil lamp.
Estimate: $2,500–$3,500

Raymond Pettibon, Untitled (The Sabbath Was Made For That Effortless Swing).
Raymond Pettibon (American, b. 1957), Untitled (The Sabbath Was Made For That Effortless Swing), 1992, watercolor on paper, 30″ x 22″.
Estimate: $10,000–$15,000
Gloria Vanderbilt, Jug of Flowers
Gloria Vanderbilt (American, 1924–2019), Jug of Flowers, 1970, mixed media on paper, 27.5″ x 21″.
Estimate: $6,000–$9,000

Gordon Onslow Ford, For the Rain...
Gordon Onslow Ford (American, 1912–2003), For the Rain…, 1984, acrylic on canvas, 44.5″ x 70″.
Estimate: $10,000–$15,000

A Tiffany Studios ‘Turtle-Back’ desk lamp.
A Tiffany Studios ‘Turtle-Back’ desk lamp.
Estimate: $8,000–$12,000
A John Cederquist ‘Saw Shimi’ art lounge chair.
A John Cederquist ‘Saw Shimi’ art lounge chair.
Estimate: $5,000–$7,000

A pair of Michael Taylor (Supplied) Benches, 1985.
A pair of Michael Taylor (Supplied) Benches, 1985. Provenance: from the estate of internationally recognized textile artist and designer, Mr. Julian Tomchin, San Francisco, CA.
Estimate: $1,500–$2,500

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December Auction Highlights

Clars is excited to present our Winter Furniture, Art & Jewelry Auction on December 15th and our Fine Asian Art & European Décor Auction on December 16th.

  • Auction

November Auction Highlights

Clars is excited to present our Fine Interiors & Design Auction on November 17th and our Art, Furniture and Asian Auction on November 18th. Both Auctions begin at 9:30 AM PST.

  • Auction

Luxury Jewels & Timepieces Highlights

Clars is thrilled to host their Luxury Jewels & Timepieces Auction on Thursday, November 16th, beginning at 9:30 AM PST.

  • Auction
  • Fine Jewelry & Timepieces

Artist Spotlight: William T. Wiley

As an associate of the Funk Art movement, Wiley was a purveyor of using unconventional materials.

  • Artist Spotlight
  • Modern + Contemporary

Fall Fine & Rare Wines Auction Highlights

Clars’ October 16th Fall Fine & Rare Wines Auction will feature a vast array of rare French bordeauxes and burgundies.

  • Auction
  • Fine & Rare Wines

October Collections Auction Highlights

Clars is excited to present our October Collections Auction on October 13th. This sale will offer a splendid variety of art, jewelry, and furniture.

  • Auction

Artist Spotlight: William T. Wiley

  • Artist Spotlight
  • Modern + Contemporary

A notable work in our October Collections Auction is a large print by funk artist, William T. Wiley. Wiley began his artistic studies at the California School of Fine Arts (now the San Francisco Art Institute), and later taught at U.C. Davis alongside artists Roy DeForest and Robert Arneson.


As an associate of the Funk Art movement, Wiley was a purveyor of using unconventional materials, eschewing the Minimalist trend and embracing chaos. He often described himself as a sort of spiritual descendent of Marcel Duchamp, building upon the Dadaist tradition of absurdity. One of Wiley’s graduate students was Bruce Nauman, who would go on to become one of the biggest names in American Conceptual art. Nauman remembered Wiley as keeping his studio open at all hours for students. In doing this, young artists could practice their craft and work through creative blocks.


William T. Wiley, (American, 1937–2021), Mr. Bones, 1989, woodcut with hand coloring, 74&#8243 x 23&#8243.
William T. Wiley, (American, 1937–2021), Mr. Bones, 1989, woodcut with hand coloring, 74″ x 23″.
Estimate: $3,000–$5,000

Wiley’s work has been the subject of major exhibitions, including showings at the 1980 Venice Biennial, the de Young Museum, and a retrospective at the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C. The monumental woodcut print featured this month is titled Mr. Bones, and features hand coloring by the artist.

The piece demonstrates Wiley’s eclectic visual style, including sketchy, movement-heavy lines and text interspersed throughout, with a humorous, surrealist-inspired subject. Wiley was known for wearing blue jeans and cowboy boots around his Marin County home, a look that is replicated on the aforementioned character of Mr. Bones. His peers and neighbors lovingly referred to the artist as a frontiersman for his choices in wardrobe, but within the artistic community of the San Francisco Bay Area he was exactly that — a pioneer of experimentation.


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Modern + Contemporary Art + Design Highlights

This November we are excited to present several very special works in our dedicated Modern and Contemporary Art sale.

  • Auction
  • Modern + Contemporary

Artist Spotlight: George Morrison

George Morrison was a Native American artist well known for his abstract paintings and landscapes.

  • Artist Spotlight
  • Modern + Contemporary

Artist Spotlight: Annie Leibovitz

Annie Leibovitz began her artistic career at the San Francisco Art Institute in the late 1960s, where she originally studied painting but was inspired to change her focus to photography.

  • Artist Spotlight
  • Modern + Contemporary

Fall Modern + Contemporary Art Highlights

Clars’ is excited to present our Fall Modern + Contemporary Art Auction on September 14th. The sale will feature artworks spanning movements and decades, with notable works for all collectors.

  • Auction
  • Modern + Contemporary

Artist Spotlight: Henrietta Berk

Henrietta Berk’s artistic prowess stood out as she delved into the intricacies of human emotion and intimacy during the Bay Area Figurative Movement.

  • Artist Spotlight
  • Fine Art

Artist Spotlight: Percy Gray

Born 1869 in San Francisco, California, Gray became a prominent figure in the California plein air movement.

  • Artist Spotlight
  • Fine Art

Artist Spotlight: George Morrison

  • Artist Spotlight
  • Modern + Contemporary

“I seek the power of the rock, the magic of the water, the religion of the tree, the color of the wind, and the enigma of the horizon,” George Morrison (American, 1919–2000).


George Morrison was a Native American artist well known for his abstract paintings and landscapes. Morrison captured the American landscape and environment in vibrant multicolored paintings through the lens of the Chippewa tribe’s culture.


George Morrison, Night Shadows. Red Rock Variation. Lake Superior Landscape.
George Morrison (American, 1919–2000), Night Shadows. Red Rock Variation. Lake Superior Landscape, 1994, acrylic on canvas board, 5″ x 14″.
Sold: $34,650

Morrison was born Wah Wah Teh Go Nay Ga Bo (Standing in the Northern Lights) in 1919 on the Grand Portage Indian Reservation, MN, a rural fishing village on the north shore of Lake Superior. He began drawing as a child while he was confined to a full-body cast after a surgery. He later attended the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, graduating in 1938.

After graduation, Morrison associated himself with a group of Abstract Expressionist painters in New York City. He graduated from New York’s Art Students League in 1946. There he would find critical acclaim, and eventually, as a Fulbright scholar, he studied and worked in Paris and Aix-en-Provence.


George Morrison, Dark Wind. The Passage of the Spirits. Red Rock Variation: Lake Superior Landscape.
George Morrison (American, 1919–2000), Dark Wind. The Passage of the Spirits. Red Rock Variation: Lake Superior Landscape, 1995, acrylic on canvas on board (panel), 4.75″ x 11″.
Sold: $13,860

He began a teaching career at Cape Ann Art School in Massachusetts and continued to teach art and Native American studies at various institutions, such as the Rhode Island School of Design and University of Minnesota, throughout his life. While teaching Morrison also produced art and showed his work — primarily in the Midwestern United States.

Later in life, he would go on to receive several important commissions and continue his work on the Grand Portage Indian Reservation — creating prolifically assembled totemic sculptures and making horizon-line paintings. In 2022, a selection of five of his paintings were commemorated by the United States Postal Service as Forever Stamps.


Read More

Modern + Contemporary Art + Design Highlights

This November we are excited to present several very special works in our dedicated Modern and Contemporary Art sale.

  • Auction
  • Modern + Contemporary

Artist Spotlight: William T. Wiley

As an associate of the Funk Art movement, Wiley was a purveyor of using unconventional materials.

  • Artist Spotlight
  • Modern + Contemporary

Artist Spotlight: Annie Leibovitz

Annie Leibovitz began her artistic career at the San Francisco Art Institute in the late 1960s, where she originally studied painting but was inspired to change her focus to photography.

  • Artist Spotlight
  • Modern + Contemporary

Fall Modern + Contemporary Art Highlights

Clars’ is excited to present our Fall Modern + Contemporary Art Auction on September 14th. The sale will feature artworks spanning movements and decades, with notable works for all collectors.

  • Auction
  • Modern + Contemporary

Artist Spotlight: Henrietta Berk

Henrietta Berk’s artistic prowess stood out as she delved into the intricacies of human emotion and intimacy during the Bay Area Figurative Movement.

  • Artist Spotlight
  • Fine Art

Artist Spotlight: Percy Gray

Born 1869 in San Francisco, California, Gray became a prominent figure in the California plein air movement.

  • Artist Spotlight
  • Fine Art

Artist Spotlight: Annie Leibovitz

  • Artist Spotlight
  • Modern + Contemporary

Annie Leibovitz began her artistic career at the San Francisco Art Institute in the late 1960s, where she originally studied painting but was inspired to change her focus to photography. In 1970, Leibovitz began working as a staff photographer for Rolling Stone magazine, where she continued to photograph musicians such as John Lennon and Fleetwood Mac for 13 years.


In 1970, the then 21-year-old Leibovitz secured an interview with Jann Wenner, the founding editor of Rolling Stone. Impressed by her portfolio, Wenner entrusted her with her inaugural task, capturing photos of John Lennon in New York. The photograph to be offered at Clars’ Fall Modern + Contemporary Art Auction originates from the momentous session and effectively captures a portion of the lighthearted essence shared by the renowned couple. An image of Lennon by Leibovitz from this series graced the cover of Rolling Stone in January 1971, marking a pivotal juncture in the early journey of this significant photographer. She quickly gained recognition for her distinctive style of capturing candid and intimate moments with musicians and celebrities.


Annie Leibovitz, John Lennon and Yoko Ono
Annie Leibovitz (American, b. 1949), John Lennon and Yoko Ono, 1970, gelatin silver print, 11″ x 7.5″.
Sold: $6,300

Nearly a decade after, on December 8, 1980, Leibovitz captured the iconic photo of a nude Lennon embracing a clothed Yoko. In taking this photo, Leibovitz became the final professional photographer to immortalize Lennon before his tragic shooting and death, which happened just five hours later. Her iconic photograph of John and Yoko is one of her most famous works from that era. Leibovitz’s photographs for Rolling Stone helped redefine the concept of celebrity portraiture and set a new standard for the magazine’s visual identity.

In 1983, Leibovitz started working with Vanity Fair magazine, and in 1991, she was the first woman to stage an exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery in London. In her personal life, Leibovitz was the long-time partner of writer and philosopher Susan Sontag and has three daughters.


Read More

Modern + Contemporary Art + Design Highlights

This November we are excited to present several very special works in our dedicated Modern and Contemporary Art sale.

  • Auction
  • Modern + Contemporary

Artist Spotlight: William T. Wiley

As an associate of the Funk Art movement, Wiley was a purveyor of using unconventional materials.

  • Artist Spotlight
  • Modern + Contemporary

Artist Spotlight: George Morrison

George Morrison was a Native American artist well known for his abstract paintings and landscapes.

  • Artist Spotlight
  • Modern + Contemporary

Fall Modern + Contemporary Art Highlights

Clars’ is excited to present our Fall Modern + Contemporary Art Auction on September 14th. The sale will feature artworks spanning movements and decades, with notable works for all collectors.

  • Auction
  • Modern + Contemporary

Artist Spotlight: Henrietta Berk

Henrietta Berk’s artistic prowess stood out as she delved into the intricacies of human emotion and intimacy during the Bay Area Figurative Movement.

  • Artist Spotlight
  • Fine Art

Artist Spotlight: Percy Gray

Born 1869 in San Francisco, California, Gray became a prominent figure in the California plein air movement.

  • Artist Spotlight
  • Fine Art

Fall Modern + Contemporary Art Highlights

  • Auction
  • Modern + Contemporary

Clars’ Fine Art department is excited to present our Fall Modern + Contemporary Art Auction on September 14th. The sale will offer an array of artworks spanning movements and decades, with notable works for all collectors.

An important highlight to be offered in this sale is an oil on canvas by French artist Henry Moret (French, 1856–1913) titled Maisons à Volendam, Hollande. Moret, while trained in the Neo-Classical and Orientalist style at the École National des Beaux-Arts, took much inspiration from Impressionist artists and painted the Western European countryside and Coastlines, incorporating vibrant tones of blue, green, and peachy orange. This work, completed in 1900, is a strong example of his bold palette choices and forceful and short brushstrokes, a style he credited much to Claude Monet. This painting will be offered at $50,000–$70,000.


Henry Moret, Maisons à Volendam, Hollande.
Henry Moret (French, 1856–1913), Maisons à Volendam, Hollande, 1900, oil on canvas, 21.7″ x 28.7″.
Estimate: $50,000–$70,000

Also to be featured in our Fall Modern + Contemporary Art Auction are two large-scale prints by American artist Robert Longo (American, b. 1953). Longo, who has also worked in film and sculpture, is most known for his drawings and prints in the Men in the Cities series. These images depict models in stark black and white formal attire whose contorted poses convey dancing, fighting, or other active and sometimes violent movements. Longo created these images by blowing up photographs of his friends to a larger-than-life scale and tracing his subjects to paper. These iconic artworks have appeared in film and television series including American Psycho and Inventing Anna. Clars will be offering both James and Tillman at $15,000–$20,000 each.


Robert Longo lithographs
Left: Robert Longo (American, b. 1953), Tillman, 2000, lithograph, 70″ x 40″. Right: Robert Longo (American, b. 1953), James, 1999, lithograph, 70″ x 40″.
Estimate (each): $15,000–$20,000

Yet another notable print to be offered is Andy Warhol’s (American, 1928–1987) Sitting Bull — a print originally intended for the Cowboys and Indians suite completed in 1986. The print, valued at $40,000–$60,000, displays the iconic portrait of Sitting Bull, derived from an archival photo of the Sioux Chief. Warhol of course adds a flare of dramatized color in his Pop Art style to blend the understanding of historical and modern-day imagery.


Andy Warhol, Sitting Bull from Cowboys and Indians.
Andy Warhol (American, 1928–1987), Sitting Bull from Cowboys and Indians, 1986, screenprint, 35.75″ x 35.75″.
Estimate: $40,000–$60,000

The sale will also offer numerous photographs by renowned artists such as Diane Arbus, Annie Leibovitz, and David LaChapelle. One notable work in this category is a photograph by American artist and writer Peter Beard (American, 1938–2020), most known for his images of Africa. Beard’s book The End of the Game, first published in 1965, documented the issues of starvation and poaching facing wildlife in Kenya, and brought the artist international attention. The photograph in our September sale titled Fayel Tall depicts Kenyan model Fayel Tall posing in a mudcloth-style skirt covered in geometric designs. An inscription on the left of the photograph quotes a passage from The End of the Game describing a beautiful woman. The unique photograph will be auctioned off for $20,000–$40,000.

Peter Beard, Fayel Tall.
Peter Beard (American, 1938–2020), Fayel Tall, 1995, gelatin silver print, 23″ x 15.25″.
Estimate: $20,000–$40,000
Annie Leibovitz, John Lennon and Yoko Ono
Annie Leibovitz (American, b. 1949), John Lennon and Yoko Ono, 1970, gelatin silver print, 11&#8243 x 7.5&#8243.
Estimate: $10,000–$15,000

David LaChapelle, Anna Kournikova: The Court's Free.
David LaChapelle (American, b 1963), Anna Kournikova: The Court’s Free, 1998, c-print on Diasec, 60″ x 44.1″.
Estimate: $6,000–$9,000
Diane Arbus, Russian Midget Friends in a Living Room on 100th Street NYC.
Diane Arbus (American, 1923–1971), Russian Midget Friends in a Living Room on 100th Street NYC, 1963, gelatin silver print, 14.75″ x 14.75″.
Estimate: $8,000–$12,000

This sale will also offer additional important works by renowned artists such as Nguyễn Tư Nghiêm, Hunt Slonem, George Morrison, and Ruth Asawa, among others.


Nguyễn Tư Nghiêm, Year of the Goat.
Nguyễn Tư Nghiêm (Vietnamese, 1922–2016), Year of the Goat, 1967, lacquered panel, 27.5″ x 39.5″.
Estimate: $15,000–$20,000

Hunt Slonem, Lories.
Hunt Slonem (American, b. 1951), Lories, 2012, oil on canvas, 40″ x 30″.
Estimate: $12,000–$16,000
Guy Irving Anderson, <em>Gathering at the Waterfall</em>.
Guy Irving Anderson (American, 1906–1998), Gathering at the Waterfall, 1985, oil on tarred roofing paper affixed to board, 71.5″ x 44.5″.
Estimate: $5,000–$7,000

George Morrison, Night Shadows. Red Rock Variation. Lake Superior Landscape.
George Morrison (American, 1919–2000), Night Shadows. Red Rock Variation. Lake Superior Landscape, 1994, acrylic on canvas board, 5″ x 14″.
Estimate: $10,000–$15,000
Louise Nevelson, Sun-Set.
Louise Nevelson (American, 1899–1988), Sun-Set, 1981, black polyester resin multiple, 12.5″ x 18″.
Estimate: $6,000–$9,000
Ruth Asawa, Masks.
Left: Ruth Asawa (American, 1926–2013), Mask of Calvin Baxter, 1978, stoneware sculpture, 9″ x 5.5″ x 3″. Right: Ruth Asawa (American, 1926–2013), Mask of Yvonne Baxter, 1978, stoneware sculpture, 8″ x 5″ x 2.75″.
Estimate (each): $5,000–$7,000
Pablo Picasso, <em>Paysage</em>.
Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1881–1973), Paysage (A.R. 204), 1953, earthenware ceramic plate partially engraved with colored engobe and glaze, 12.75″ x 15.25″ x 1.75″.
Estimate: $5,000–$7,000

Rafael Coronel, Retrato Sorprendido.
Rafael Coronel (Mexican, 1932–2019), Retrato Sorprendido, oil on canvas, 39.5″ x 14″.
Estimate: $5,000–$7,000
Bill Brandt, London (Nude with Bent Elbow).
Bill Brandt (British, 1904–1983), London (Nude with Bent Elbow), 1952, gelatin silver print, 13.5″ x 11.5″.
Estimate: $5,000–$7,000

Salvador Dali, Le Decameron.
Salvador Dali (Spanish/1904–1989), Le Decameron, 1972, the complete portfolio of ten (10) drypoint etchings in colors on folded Arches paper, 18.5″ x 13.5″.
Estimate: $5,000–$7,000

Ira Yeager, <em>The Southern European Tree Frog</em>.
Ira Yeager (American, 1938–2022), The Southern European Tree Frog, oil on canvas, 35.5″ x 35.5″.
Estimate: $4,000–$6,000
Squeak Carnwath, There But Not.
Squeak Carnwath (American, b. 1947), There But Not, 1985, charcoal on paper, 57.25″ x 58.5″.
Estimate: $4,000–$6,000

Roy Carruthers, Untitled (Three Figures).
Roy Carruthers (South African, 1938–2013), Untitled (Three Figures), 1982, oil on canvas, 60″ x 48″.
Estimate: $4,000–$6,000
Beniamino Bufano, Owl.
Beniamino Bufano (Italian/American, 1898–1970), Owl, bronze sculpture, 7″h.
Estimate: $3,000–$5,000

William Theophilus Brown, <em>Untitled (View of the Presidio, San Francisco)</em>.
William Theophilus Brown (American, 1919–2012), Untitled (View of the Presidio, San Francisco), 1983, oil on canvas, 24″ x 36″.
Estimate: $3,000–$5,000
Nathan Oliveira, <em>IMI-92</em>.
Nathan Oliveira (American, 1928–2010), IMI-92, 1989, watercolor and pencil, 19″ x 24″.
Estimate: $3,000–$5,000

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December Auction Highlights

Clars is excited to present our Winter Furniture, Art & Jewelry Auction on December 15th and our Fine Asian Art & European Décor Auction on December 16th.

  • Auction

November Auction Highlights

Clars is excited to present our Fine Interiors & Design Auction on November 17th and our Art, Furniture and Asian Auction on November 18th. Both Auctions begin at 9:30 AM PST.

  • Auction

Luxury Jewels & Timepieces Highlights

Clars is thrilled to host their Luxury Jewels & Timepieces Auction on Thursday, November 16th, beginning at 9:30 AM PST.

  • Auction
  • Fine Jewelry & Timepieces

Modern + Contemporary Art + Design Highlights

This November we are excited to present several very special works in our dedicated Modern and Contemporary Art sale.

  • Auction
  • Modern + Contemporary

Artist Spotlight: William T. Wiley

As an associate of the Funk Art movement, Wiley was a purveyor of using unconventional materials.

  • Artist Spotlight
  • Modern + Contemporary

Fall Fine & Rare Wines Auction Highlights

Clars’ October 16th Fall Fine & Rare Wines Auction will feature a vast array of rare French bordeauxes and burgundies.

  • Auction
  • Fine & Rare Wines

Designer Spotlight: Philip & Kelvin LaVerne

  • Designer Spotlight
  • Modern + Contemporary

Philip and Kelvin LaVerne were a father son furniture making team who worked out of New York. They made works in pewter and bronze and opened their showroom in the 1960s on East 57th street.

Their earlier works focused on mythology and antiquities from across the globe, and the pair experimented with chemical reactions to create a patinated effect reminiscent of antiquities.


Philip and Kelvin Laverne, “Marriage Whirl” Table.
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne, “Marriage Whirl” Table.
Sold: $12,600

The LaVerne’s furniture pieces, including the “Marriage Whirl” table, have become highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts of mid-century modern design. The intricate Eastern motif in the “Marriage Whirl” table depicts an ancient ceremony of great happiness. It was designed in patinated bronze and pewter with hand-painted polychrome enamels.


Philip and Kelvin Laverne, Fantasia Coffee Table.
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne, Fantasia Coffee Table.
Sold: $7,500

The LaVerne’s works were influential during the mid-20th century and continue to be admired and collected today for their artistic expression and innovative approach to furniture design.


Philip and Kevin LaVerne, Eternal Forest coffee table. Sold: $22,500
Philip and Kevin LaVerne, Eternal Forest coffee table.
Sold: $22,500

Read More

Modern + Contemporary Art + Design Highlights

This November we are excited to present several very special works in our dedicated Modern and Contemporary Art sale.

  • Auction
  • Modern + Contemporary

Artist Spotlight: William T. Wiley

As an associate of the Funk Art movement, Wiley was a purveyor of using unconventional materials.

  • Artist Spotlight
  • Modern + Contemporary

Artist Spotlight: George Morrison

George Morrison was a Native American artist well known for his abstract paintings and landscapes.

  • Artist Spotlight
  • Modern + Contemporary

Artist Spotlight: Annie Leibovitz

Annie Leibovitz began her artistic career at the San Francisco Art Institute in the late 1960s, where she originally studied painting but was inspired to change her focus to photography.

  • Artist Spotlight
  • Modern + Contemporary

Fall Modern + Contemporary Art Highlights

Clars’ is excited to present our Fall Modern + Contemporary Art Auction on September 14th. The sale will feature artworks spanning movements and decades, with notable works for all collectors.

  • Auction
  • Modern + Contemporary

Artist Spotlight: Gustave Baumann

Gustave Baumann was a renowned American artist who achieved notoriety for his exquisite woodcuts and prints.

  • Artist Spotlight
  • Modern + Contemporary

Artist Spotlight: Gustave Baumann

  • Artist Spotlight
  • Modern + Contemporary

Born in Magdeburg, Germany in 1881, Gustave Baumann was a renowned American artist who achieved notoriety for his exquisite woodcuts and prints.


Gustave Baumann, Arroya Chamisa, 1927.
Gustave Baumann (American/German, 1881–1971), Arroya Chamisa, 1927, 1956, woodcut in colors, 9.5″ x 11.25″.
Sold: $11,340

He immigrated to the United States and settled in the artistic community of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Baumann was known for his exquisite craftsmanship, intricate details, and captivating compositions. His woodcuts and prints showcase an appreciation for nature, displaying vibrant colors and capturing the essence of landscapes and cultural scenes.


Gustave Baumann, Summer Clouds.
Gustave Baumann (American/German, 1881–1971), Summer Clouds, woodcut in colors, 11″ x 9.75″.
Sold: $15,000

Filled with beautiful blooming landscapes in brightly colored skies, his work illuminated the beauty and grandeur of the American Southwest. Baumann’s meticulous technique — combined with his ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia and tranquility — makes his art highly desirable for collectors seeking timeless beauty.


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Modern + Contemporary Art + Design Highlights

This November we are excited to present several very special works in our dedicated Modern and Contemporary Art sale.

  • Auction
  • Modern + Contemporary

Artist Spotlight: William T. Wiley

As an associate of the Funk Art movement, Wiley was a purveyor of using unconventional materials.

  • Artist Spotlight
  • Modern + Contemporary

Artist Spotlight: George Morrison

George Morrison was a Native American artist well known for his abstract paintings and landscapes.

  • Artist Spotlight
  • Modern + Contemporary

Artist Spotlight: Annie Leibovitz

Annie Leibovitz began her artistic career at the San Francisco Art Institute in the late 1960s, where she originally studied painting but was inspired to change her focus to photography.

  • Artist Spotlight
  • Modern + Contemporary

Fall Modern + Contemporary Art Highlights

Clars’ is excited to present our Fall Modern + Contemporary Art Auction on September 14th. The sale will feature artworks spanning movements and decades, with notable works for all collectors.

  • Auction
  • Modern + Contemporary

Artist Spotlight: Henrietta Berk

Henrietta Berk’s artistic prowess stood out as she delved into the intricacies of human emotion and intimacy during the Bay Area Figurative Movement.

  • Artist Spotlight
  • Fine Art

Designer Spotlight: Finn Juhl

  • Designer Spotlight
  • Modern + Contemporary

Finn Juhl’s NV-45 Chair is highly regarded for its innovative design, craftsmanship, and contribution to Danish modernism.

Three Finn Juhl NV-45 Chairs commended a total of $41,580 at Clars Summer Modern + Contemporary Art + Design Auction.


Finn Juhl NV-45 chairs.
Finn Juhl NV-45 chairs.
Sold: $25,200

Juhl initially began work on the NV-45 chair design in 1941, finalizing and first displaying the chair to the world at the annual Cabinetmakers’ Guild Exhibition in the fall of 1945. The NV-45 Chair is a striking and iconic piece of furniture. It features a sculptural wooden frame, with an exaggerated curved backrest, and organically shaped armrests.


Finn Juhl NV-45 chair.
Finn Juhl NV-45 chair.
Sold: $16,380

The natural and sinuous form starkly contrasted to Juhl’s previous chair designs, which tended to be boxier. Called “the mother of all modern chairs” by the Japanese professor and design collector, Mr. Noritsugu Oda, the iconic NV-45 chair is one of Finn Juhl’s absolute masterpieces. The chair’s design reflects Juhl’s interest in organic forms and his ability to merge aesthetics with comfort. It continues to be sought after by collectors and design enthusiasts around the world, serving as a testament to Juhl’s enduring legacy in furniture design.


Read More

Modern + Contemporary Art + Design Highlights

This November we are excited to present several very special works in our dedicated Modern and Contemporary Art sale.

  • Auction
  • Modern + Contemporary

Artist Spotlight: William T. Wiley

As an associate of the Funk Art movement, Wiley was a purveyor of using unconventional materials.

  • Artist Spotlight
  • Modern + Contemporary

Artist Spotlight: George Morrison

George Morrison was a Native American artist well known for his abstract paintings and landscapes.

  • Artist Spotlight
  • Modern + Contemporary

Artist Spotlight: Annie Leibovitz

Annie Leibovitz began her artistic career at the San Francisco Art Institute in the late 1960s, where she originally studied painting but was inspired to change her focus to photography.

  • Artist Spotlight
  • Modern + Contemporary

Fall Modern + Contemporary Art Highlights

Clars’ is excited to present our Fall Modern + Contemporary Art Auction on September 14th. The sale will feature artworks spanning movements and decades, with notable works for all collectors.

  • Auction
  • Modern + Contemporary

Designer Spotlight: Philip & Kelvin LaVerne

Philip and Kelvin LaVerne were a father son furniture making team who worked in pewter and bronze.

  • Designer Spotlight
  • Modern + Contemporary

Artist Spotlight: Wayne Thiebaud

  • Artist Spotlight
  • Modern + Contemporary

Wayne Thiebaud was an American painter known for his depictions of everyday objects and scenes. While he is primarily associated with Pop Art, still lifes, and landscapes, on rare occasion he would work in portraiture.

Clars offered Thiebaud’s Portrait of Jean Lee Porter, an oil painting created in 1951/52, at our Summer Modern + Contemporary Art + Design Auction. This particular artwork is a rare example of portraiture in his oeuvre, commanding a total of $31,500.


Wayne Thiebaud, Portrait of Jean Lee Porter.
Wayne Thiebaud (American, 1920–2021), Portrait of Jean Lee Porter, 1951/52, oil on canvas/board, 16″ x 12″.
Sold: $31,500

The painting showcases Jean Lee Porter, a friend and model for Thiebaud. Thiebaud’s distinctive style is evident in this piece — characterized by his use of bold, vibrant colors and thick application of paint. He captures the sitter in a frontal pose against a neutral background, emphasizing her facial features and expression. Thiebaud’s attention to detail is notable in the rendering of Porter’s face, which exhibits a sense of realism and three-dimensionality. The painting showcases Thiebaud’s early exploration of form, light, and color. As his focus shifted towards other subjects, his output of portraits became less frequent, making these early works relatively scarce.


Wayne Thiebaud, <em>Country City</em>.
Wayne Thiebaud (American, 1920–2021), Country City, 1988, etching and aquatint in colors, 21.5″ x 31.75″.
Sold: $27,500

Thiebaud had a special ability of infusing everyday subjects and settings with vitality and personality, showcasing his skill as a painter. His unique approach to capturing the essence of his subjects through rich brushwork and intense hues makes Thiebaud’s work so exciting for artists and collectors to this day.


Read More

Modern + Contemporary Art + Design Highlights

This November we are excited to present several very special works in our dedicated Modern and Contemporary Art sale.

  • Auction
  • Modern + Contemporary

Artist Spotlight: William T. Wiley

As an associate of the Funk Art movement, Wiley was a purveyor of using unconventional materials.

  • Artist Spotlight
  • Modern + Contemporary

Artist Spotlight: George Morrison

George Morrison was a Native American artist well known for his abstract paintings and landscapes.

  • Artist Spotlight
  • Modern + Contemporary

Artist Spotlight: Annie Leibovitz

Annie Leibovitz began her artistic career at the San Francisco Art Institute in the late 1960s, where she originally studied painting but was inspired to change her focus to photography.

  • Artist Spotlight
  • Modern + Contemporary

Fall Modern + Contemporary Art Highlights

Clars’ is excited to present our Fall Modern + Contemporary Art Auction on September 14th. The sale will feature artworks spanning movements and decades, with notable works for all collectors.

  • Auction
  • Modern + Contemporary

Artist Spotlight: Henrietta Berk

Henrietta Berk’s artistic prowess stood out as she delved into the intricacies of human emotion and intimacy during the Bay Area Figurative Movement.

  • Artist Spotlight
  • Fine Art

Summer Modern + Contemporary Post Sale Highlights

  • Modern + Contemporary
  • Stories & News

Clars’ Summer Modern + Contemporary Art + Design Auction brought in active bidders from across the globe vying for artwork from world famous artists and design from master woodworkers.

The sale began with modern and contemporary art. A featured highlight was Wayne Thiebaud’s (American, 1920–2011) Portrait of Jean Lee Porter, 1951/52, whose provenance was strong and led to a hammer of $31,500. The subject, Jean Lee Porter, was a big band singer in San Francisco and her own notoriety certainly contributed to the interest in the piece.


Wayne Thiebaud, Portrait of Jean Lee Porter.
Wayne Thiebaud (American, 1920–2021), Portrait of Jean Lee Porter, 1951/52, oil on canvas/board, 16″ x 12″.
Sold: $31,500

Another featured highlight was March Avery’s (American, b. 1932), Resting Nude, 1989, oil on canvas. Her stark style of painting, with bold colors and simple linework, appeals to the 21st century minimalist aesthetic. This particular work depicts a female nude — a subject that is highly sought after — and sold for $28,980.


March Avery, Resting Nude.
March Avery (American, b. 1932), Resting Nude, 1989, oil on canvas, 18.25″ x 42.25″.
Sold: $28,980

This sale also included a fine example of Alecos Fassianos’ (Greek, 1935–2022) work, Figure in Blue, 1963, oil on canvas, which sold for $20,160. The piece features a quite graphic and color-saturated palette. Several phone bidders fed the competitive bidding.


Alecos Fassianos, Figure in Blue.
Alecos Fassianos (Greek, 1935–2022), Figure in Blue, 1963, oil on canvas, 39″ x 51.75″.
Sold: $20,160

Squeak Carnwath’s (American, b. 1947), Not Fact, 1996, oil and alkyd on canvas, sold for $18,900 — achieving the 4th highest record price for the artist. Squeak Carnwath, like Thiebaud, is another Bay Area figure. She lives in Oakland and taught art at both UC Davis and UC Berkeley, so her name is notable in Northern California. Her paintings are playful and youthful, appealing to the younger audience buying contemporary art.


Squeak Carnwath, Not Fact.
Squeak Carnwath (American, b. 1947), Not Fact, 1996, oil and alkyd on canvas, 55″ x 55″.
Sold: $18,900 – 4th highest auction record for the artist

Jasper Johns’ (American, b. 1930), Flag (Moratorium), 1969, offset lithograph in colors, edition 97/300, sold for $17,640. This piece was made as a political and anti-war expression, and in the highly politicized climate we live in now, powerful imagery and strong statements feel pertinent and valuable to collectors.


Jasper Johns, Flag (Moratorium).
Jasper Johns (American, b. 1930), Flag (Moratorium), 1969, offset lithograph in colors, edition 97/300, 17″ x 26″.
Sold: $17,640

The Design department had strong prices realized across various categories in the Summer Modern + Contemporary Art + Design Auction. Leading the show was an Arthur Espenet Carpenter dining suite, consisting of eight Wishbone dining chairs and a dining table. The chairs and table realized a combined $40,950, with numerous bidders vying for the lots. Also, a Philip and Kelvin LaVerne ‘Marriage Whirl’ table realized $12,600.


Arthur Espenet Carpenter, Wishbone Chairs, eight, and Dining Table.
Arthur Espenet Carpenter, Wishbone Chairs, eight, and Dining Table.
Sold: $40,950

Cristina Campion, Associate Director of 20th Century Design, noted, “we’re certainly seeing strong results for American master woodworkers, including Espenet — as well as other American icons like the design duo, Philip and Kelvin LaVerne.”


Philip and Kelvin Laverne, “Marriage Whirl” Table.
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne, “Marriage Whirl” Table.
Sold: $12,600

The sale included master craftsmanship from across genres and cultures. A highlight was a Tony Hunt totem pole dating to 1990, measuring at a mighty 8′11″. There were several telephone bidders on the totem pole that brought the final sale price to $20,160.


Tony Hunt Monumental Totem Pole.
Tony Hunt Monumental Totem Pole.
Sold: $20,160
Finn Juhl NV-45 chair.
Finn Juhl NV-45 chair.
Sold: $16,380

Danish Modern furniture preformed quite well, with a pair of Finn Juhl NV-45 lounge chairs selling for $25,200, and a single Finn Juhl NV-45 lounge chair realizing $16,380. “There’s always a market for noteworthy and iconic Danish Design at auction,” commented Ms. Campion.


Finn Juhl NV-45 chairs.
Finn Juhl NV-45 chairs.
Sold: $25,200

Clars’ next auctions will be held on July 14th & 15th. Consignments are always invited. Schedule a private or virtual valuation appointment by emailing [email protected].


Read More

Modern + Contemporary Art + Design Highlights

This November we are excited to present several very special works in our dedicated Modern and Contemporary Art sale.

  • Auction
  • Modern + Contemporary

Artist Spotlight: William T. Wiley

As an associate of the Funk Art movement, Wiley was a purveyor of using unconventional materials.

  • Artist Spotlight
  • Modern + Contemporary

Artist Spotlight: George Morrison

George Morrison was a Native American artist well known for his abstract paintings and landscapes.

  • Artist Spotlight
  • Modern + Contemporary

Artist Spotlight: Annie Leibovitz

Annie Leibovitz began her artistic career at the San Francisco Art Institute in the late 1960s, where she originally studied painting but was inspired to change her focus to photography.

  • Artist Spotlight
  • Modern + Contemporary

Fall Modern + Contemporary Art Highlights

Clars’ is excited to present our Fall Modern + Contemporary Art Auction on September 14th. The sale will feature artworks spanning movements and decades, with notable works for all collectors.

  • Auction
  • Modern + Contemporary

From the Estate of Vanna & N. Lee Lacy
Palm Springs, CA

Clars is delighted to be offering the Collection of Vanna and N. Lee Lacy on Friday, July 14th in our Tribal Arts, Interiors, Art & Jewelry Auction

  • Estate Spotlight
  • Stories & News