Modern + Contemporary Fine Art Highlights

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  • Modern + Contemporary Art

On February 20th in our Modern + Contemporary Fine Art Auction, we are thrilled to showcase an exceptional array of artwork from masters like Marc Chagall, Wayne Thiebaud, John Alexander, Andy Warhol, and much more. The auction will begin at 10 AM PST. Preview February 19th, 1–5 PM PST.

Chagall, revered worldwide for his ability to blend diverse artistic techniques into a distinct, dreamlike style, is particularly known for integrating his Jewish heritage into his art. His vivid, often surreal compositions are alive with color, and his use of blue — which has been interpreted as symbolizing spirituality and divinity — is particularly notable. Drawing from his personal experiences and Jewish folk traditions, Chagall’s works come alive with a sense of movement and emotion, making them both fantastical and deeply personal.


Marc Chagall (French/Belarusian, 1887–1985), Winter: Christmas Procession (The Four Seasons)/L’hiver: procession de Nöel (Les quatre saisons), 1974, gouache, tempera, pastel, India ink, colored pencils and graphite on paper, 63 cm x 90 cm (24.80″ x 35.43″). The authenticity of this work has been confirmed by the Marc Chagall Committee. Estimate: $300,000–$500,000 (USD)
Marc Chagall (French/Belarusian, 1887–1985), L’Hiver: Procession de Nöel – Les Quatre Saisons (Winter: Christmas Procession – The Four Seasons), 1974, gouache, tempera, pastel, India ink, colored pencils and graphite on paper, 63 cm x 90 cm (24.80″ x 35.43″). The authenticity of this work has been confirmed by the Marc Chagall Committee.
Estimate: $300,000–$500,000 (USD)

Among the highlights of the auction are two rare works on paper by Chagall, L’hiver: Procession de Noël (Les quatre saisons) (1974) and Le Dimanche (circa 1939), each carrying an estimate of $300,000–$500,000.

In L’hiver, Chagall presents an enchanting scene filled with angelic figures in the sky, joyful dancers, a fantastical half-human, half-hen figure with her young, and a procession of Christmas revelers. This eclectic composition echoes Chagall’s 1974 mosaic Four Seasons in Chicago’s Chase Tower, where he similarly fused vibrant, animated figures with animals and abstract forms. This work exemplifies Chagall’s later style, where his compositions often feel spontaneous and unrestrained.


Marc Chagall (French/Belarusian, 1887–1985), Le dimanche (Sunday), circa 1939, pastel and gouache on paper, 68 cm x 52.7 cm (26.77″ x 20.75″). The authenticity of this work has been confirmed by the Marc Chagall Committee. Estimate: $300,000–$500,000 (USD)
Marc Chagall (French/Belarusian, 1887–1985), Le dimanche (Sunday), circa 1939, pastel and gouache on paper, 68 cm x 52.7 cm (26.77″ x 20.75″). The authenticity of this work has been confirmed by the Marc Chagall Committee.
Estimate: $300,000–$500,000 (USD)

Le Dimanche, created around 1939, depicts a tranquil rural scene with a couple strolling past a goat and a chicken. The horned goat, a recurring symbol in Chagall’s work, is often linked to his childhood in the shtetl and is sometimes interpreted as an allegory for the artist himself. The piece also reflects Chagall’s connection to the innocent life he left behind, likely providing him with solace during the uncertain period of World War II. Both of these works, created with gouache, pastel, and mixed media, are rich in color and texture, showcasing Chagall’s masterful use of materials.


Wayne Thiebaud (American, 1920–2022), Untitled (Meringue and Portrait of Manuel Neri), circa 1990, oil on ceramic, 4.25″ x 5″ x 1.75″.Estimate: $80,000–$120,000
Wayne Thiebaud (American, 1920–2022), Untitled (Meringue and Portrait of Manuel Neri), circa 1990, oil on ceramic, 4.25″ x 5″ x 1.75″.
Estimate: $80,000–$120,000
John Alexander (American, b. 1945), <em>The Summit Conference</em>, 1986, oil on canvas, 60″ x 66″.<br><b>Estimate: $30,000–$50,000</b>
John Alexander (American, b. 1945), The Summit Conference, 1986, oil on canvas, 60″ x 66″.
Estimate: $30,000–$50,000

In addition to Chagall, this auction will feature other exceptional works by renowned modern and contemporary artists. One of the standout pieces is The Summit Conference (1986), an oil painting by John Alexander estimated at $30,000–$50,000. Known for his atmospheric depictions of the Gulf Coast’s bayou landscapes, Alexander infuses his paintings with surrealist elements, such as skeletons in formal wear and masked figures. The work on offer features two baboons facing off against one another, with intense, expressive brushstrokes suggesting a deeper political commentary during the tense era of the Reykjavik Summit talks between Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev.


Andy Warhol (American, 1928–1987), Vote McGovern, screenprint, 42″ x 42″.Estimate: $30,000–$50,000
Andy Warhol (American, 1928–1987), Vote McGovern, 1972, screenprint, 42″ x 42″.
Estimate: $30,000–$50,000

Also featured is Vote McGovern, an iconic screenprint by Andy Warhol, estimated $30,000–$50,000. This politically charged work from 1972 reinterprets a photograph of Richard Nixon, using a vivid color palette that references First Lady Pat Nixon’s dress. The unsettling portrait, created to support George McGovern’s presidential campaign, is a striking example of Warhol’s ability to blend art with political activism.


Senaka Senanayake (Sri Lankan, b. 1951), Siddartha’s Contemplation No. 2, 1967, oil on canvas, 35.75″ x 27.25″.Estimate: $18,000–$24,000
Senaka Senanayake (Sri Lankan, b. 1951), Siddartha’s Contemplation No. 2, 1967, oil on canvas, 35.75″ x 27.25″.
Estimate: $18,000–$24,000

Additionally, Siddhartha’s Contemplation No. 2, an oil painting by Sri Lankan artist Senaka Senanayake, will also be featured with an estimate of $18,000–$24,000. Known for his lush depictions of the rainforest and his signature translucent layering technique, Senanayake’s works often explore Buddhist themes of impermanence and interconnectedness. This particular piece, inspired by the meditation of Siddhartha Gautama (the historical Buddha), reflects Senanayake’s serene, colorful approach to spirituality.


Roy Lichtenstein (American, 1923–1997), <em>Crak!</em>, 1964, offset lithograph in colors, 18.5″ x 27″.<br><b>Estimate: $15,000–$20,000</b>
Roy Lichtenstein (American, 1923–1997), Crak!, 1964, offset lithograph in colors, 18.5″ x 27″.
Estimate: $15,000–$20,000

Other notable works in this month’s auction include pieces by Wayne Thiebaud, Roy Lichtenstein, John McCracken, Robert Arneson, and Hunt Slonem — making it a must-attend event for collectors and art enthusiasts alike.


John Harvey McCracken (American, 1934–2011), Blue Post and Lintel I, 1970, painted wood maquette, 12.5″ x 4″ x 2″.Estimate: $15,000–$20,000
John Harvey McCracken (American, 1934–2011), Blue Post and Lintel I, 1970, painted wood maquette, 12.5″ x 4″ x 2″.
Estimate: $15,000–$20,000
Robert Arneson (American, 1930–1992), <em>I'm Looking For You, Whitey</em>, 1989, acrylic, oil stick, latex enamel on paper, 72″ x 51.75″.<br><b>Estimate: $10,000–$15,000</b>
Robert Arneson (American, 1930–1992), I’m Looking For You, Whitey, 1989, acrylic, oil stick, latex enamel on paper, 72″ x 51.75″.
Estimate: $10,000–$15,000
March Avery (American, b. 1932), <em>Acropolis at Cumae</em>, 1962, oil on canvas, 30″ x 40″.<br><b>Estimate: $7,000–$10,000</b>
March Avery (American, b. 1932), Acropolis at Cumae, 1962, oil on canvas, 30″ x 40″.
Estimate: $7,000–$10,000
Chen Zhanheng (Chinese, b. 1974), <em>Untitled (Still Life with Trumpet, Flute, and Fruit)</em>, oil on canvas, 36″ x 40″.<br><b>Estimate: $6,000–$9,000</b>
Chen Zhanheng (Chinese, b. 1974), Untitled (Still Life with Trumpet, Flute, and Fruit), oil on canvas, 36″ x 40″.
Estimate: $6,000–$9,000
Peter Max (American, b. 1937), <em>Liberty</em>, bronze, 22.5″ x 6.5″ x 6.5″.<br><b>Estimate: $6,000–$9,000</b>
Peter Max (American, b. 1937), Liberty, bronze, 22.5″ x 6.5″ x 6.5″.
Estimate: $6,000–$9,000
Gideon Rubin (Israeli, b. 1973), <em>Gas Mask</em>, oil on board, 16″ x 16″.<br><b>Estimate: $5,000–$7,000</b>
Gideon Rubin (Israeli, b. 1973), Gas Mask, oil on board, 16″ x 16″.
Estimate: $5,000–$7,000
Hunt Slonem (American, b. 1951), <em>Green Bunny</em>, 2019, oil on panel, 10″ x 8″.<br><b>Estimate: $5,000–$7,000</b>
Hunt Slonem (American, b. 1951), Green Bunny, 2019, oil on panel, 10″ x 8″.
Estimate: $5,000–$7,000
Bidding for Clars’ February auctions is available by phone, absentee bid, live online at Live.Clars.com and through Liveauctioneers.com and Invaluable.com. Clars Auctions is located at 5644 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, CA 94609.

Clars Auctions is based in Oakland (CA) and is the largest full-service auction gallery in the Western United States. Clars Auctions has been the chosen auction gallery of a number of institutions and distinguished private collectors across the country, including the Richard Mellon Scaife Estate, the Thomas J. Perkins Estate and The Metropolitan Museum of Art (NYC).

In the last 5 years, Clars Auctions has sold well over $500,000,000 of Fine Art, Furnishings, Jewelry, Vehicles and Collectibles and has set multiple new world auction records. Follow Clars on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!

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