On September 18th, Clars is pleased to present a special selection of outstanding fine art that will appeal to each and every collector in our Important Fine Art Auction.

First in our series of highlights is a ceramic and polystyrene sculptural vase by French modernist, Niki de Saint Phalle (1930–2002). Saint Phalle is best known for her large-scale Nana series of sculptures, which depicts voluptuous and colorfully painted women in a variety of poses. Her color-block painting technique is displayed in Serpent Vase (1986), which is formed by a coiled snake around a bowl. The piece is from an edition of seven and is estimated at $20,000–$25,000.

Also featured in the auction are two oils on canvas by Sri Lankan artist, Senaka Senanayake (b. 1951) — Untitled, estimated at $15,000–$25,000, and The Devotees, estimated at $10,000–$15,000. Both paintings date to the late 1960s and are exemplary of his work during this period, depicting figural groups in an Abstract Expressionist manner with emotive smears of rich color and thick, black linework.

The auction will also include two significant works on paper by the iconic modernist Marc Chagall (Belarusian/French, 1887–1985), celebrated for his dreamlike imagery and poetic use of color. Known for bridging Cubism, Symbolism, and Fauvism with a deeply personal visual language, Chagall’s work continues to resonate with collectors worldwide. Featured is Plate 1, from Four Tales from the Arabian Nights (1948), a vivid color lithograph that exemplifies Chagall’s fascination with folklore and fantasy. Signed and annotated “Pl. 1” in pencil, the work is numbered 65/90 and was published by Pantheon Books, New York. It carries an estimate of $15,000–$20,000. Also on offer is Daphnis and Chloe (1961), a lyrical lithograph in colors on Arches paper. Signed in pencil and numbered 26/60, this work (Mourlot 311) stems from Chagall’s celebrated suite inspired by the ancient Greek love story. With its fluid composition and romantic palette, it is similarly estimated at $15,000–$20,000.

Another highlight in the September Important Fine Art Auction is a large, mixed media piece by Italian-American modernist, Enrico Donati (1909–2008). Donati began his artistic career in the early 1940s after meeting with André Breton and other European Surrealists who were active in New York City during the period. Estimated at $8,000–$12,000 and one of four works to be offered, Donati’s Coptic Wall II (1978) is one such work that epitomizes his use of textured canvases.

In addition to the above highlighted works, we are offering paintings by Ira Yeager and Bibi Zogbe, prints by Wayne Thiebaud and Franz Marc, and a wealth of other exceptional pieces.