Marc 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.
Chagall‘s 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.
Learn more about our impressive Marc Chagall lots to be offered February 20th!
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.
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)
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)
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.
Marion Kavanaugh Wachtel beautifully captures the vibrant transformation of the leaves in the foothills of California.
Artist Spotlight
Fine Art
Modern + Contemporary Fine Art Highlights
Highlights
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), 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)
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
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, 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
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), 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
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–$20,000
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), Untitled (Still Life with Trumpet, Flute, and Fruit), oil on canvas, 36″ x 40″. Estimate: $6,000–$9,000
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), Gas Mask, oil on board, 16″ x 16″. Estimate: $5,000–$7,000
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!
Our auction on September 19th will feature a selection of Furniture & Decorative Arts, Fine Jewelry & Watches, and Asian Works of Art.
Auction
Highlights
Craftsmanship in the Realm of Analog and Digital Nov. 20th, 1 PM PST
Auction
Modern + Contemporary
Clars in collaboration with exhibited.at is honored to host the discussion: Craftsmanship in the Realm of Analog and Digital on November 20th, which takes a closer look at the works of contemporary artists featured in our Artists to Watch Auction, Katie McCann and Carolina de Bartolo.
This event will take place on November 20th and run from 1–1:40 PM PST with Q&A to follow. The engaging panel, celebrating the Artists to Watch Auction on November 21st, brings together artists Katie McCann and Carolina de Bartolo, whose artworks featuring botanicals blend both tradition with innovation. Through contrasting approaches — McCann’s intricate, hand-cut collage work and de Bartolo’s AI-assisted compositions — the artists reveal how nature can be interpreted and reimagined within both analog and digital realms. The discussion will delve into the unique process of each artist as they walk us through their art, illuminating the varied landscapes of craftsmanship, creativity, and nature.
The discussion will be moderated by Rodania Leong, founder exhibited.at The Artists to Watch section (lots 2980–2993) will lead the Fine Art Collectors Auction on November 21st, starting at 10 AM PST.
Katie McCann (British, b. 1969), Frost Flowers, 2024, collage on painted wood panel, 11″ x 14″. Estimate: $1,000–$1,500
Katie McCann is an English artist currently living in Berkeley, California who works primarily in collage and mixed media. Her work has been exhibited and sold across the USA, Europe and Asia and she has illustrated book and album covers. McCann’s artwork is also a part of the 60 Box Public Art Project in the City of Berkeley and she recently designed two labels for La Cidrerie du Condroz. McCann is one of 50 female collage artists to appear in the book Collage by Women: 50 Essential Contemporary Artists (Promopress Editions, 2019).
McCann creates intricate, hand cut collages which reflect her Victorian obsession with faeries, flora and fauna. From her extensive collection of books, prints and pages that are antique, forgotten and foxed with age, she cuts out images, categorizes them and then eventually pieces them together like a complex paper jigsaw puzzle. McCann’s collages are places where beauty is strange, creatures are curious and a sense of wonder prevails. At times they can be like tiny cabinets of curiosity reflecting the variety of the natural world and its peculiar beauty or they can become a wallpaper pattern, lush and dense, with hidden meanings and metaphors.
Katie McCann.
McCann shares, “Frost Flowers are a rare winter phenomenon where frozen air causes ice formations to bloom from plant stems, each unique and fleeting. Inspired by their delicate beauty and Giuseppe Arcimboldo’s floral portraits, I created a collage reflecting nature’s secrets.” The portrait is made of hundreds of hand-cut pieces of paper, featuring a headpiece of pearls, jewels, and flowers in shades of grey and white. Her face is crafted from tiny flowers, her dress from paper beads, and she wears a botanical sash, evoking a regal figure from an icy, magical realm. This piece celebrates the connection between humanity and the extraordinary occurrences in nature.
Carolina de Bartolo.
For California-based visual artist Carolina de Bartolo, generative AI is both a tool and an object of investigation. In her artistic practice, de Bartolo fuses old media and styles with new technologies to ask whether image-generating software is merely an extension of the collective memory, or can it truly create novel art? Central to her work are notions of remix and iteration influenced by her decades of experience in the fields of graphic design and typography. With the belief that images with universality better encourage spectator imagination and participation, de Bartolo seeks to create artworks that evoke familiarity over uncanniness as she explores intersections of human and machine creativity by considering the aesthetics of the past through contemporary contexts. In addition to her sought after expertise on AI art, Carolina de Bartolo is the author of the acclaimed book, Explorations in Typography and she was formerly the Creative Director at Art Blocks and taught at Academy of Art for over 20 years.
Carolina de Bartolo (American, b. 1966), Vermilion Sunrise, 2023, archival inkjet (giclee) print on moab entrada, 42″ × 24″. Estimate: $1,500–$2,000
The piece in our November auction highlights a recurring motif in de Bartolo’s artwork—dandelions! These delicate flowers, often disdained as mere weeds, symbolize resilience, transformation, and the ephemeral nature of life. A gaggle of dandelions, bathed in the warm glow of a fiery vermillion sunrise, are presented in a style that blurs the lines between drawing and photography. Exhibited at the Sausalito Public Library in early 2024, this piece is presented as a hanging scroll, printed on archival paper and hung with wooden rods top and bottom. Both the central image of the dandelions and the surrounding “fabric” pattern are AI-generated, reflecting the artist’s ongoing exploration of the fusion between traditional artistic practices and cutting-edge technology.
The creation process begins with a prompt that defines the composition, color palette, and style, drawing inspiration from historical traditions and references to vintage artworks. These prompts are then iteratively refined and processed through various AI models, including image-to-image models, which are used to refine details, adjust lighting, color balance, and optimize
the overall visual quality.
Note: This work is unique, and only one exists in this format. The successful buyer will have the opportunity to receive the digital asset as a complimentary NFT, transferred to them with the assistance of exhibited.at and the artist, should they wish. Giclée printing uses pigment-based inks and high-resolution printers to create detailed, vivid, and accurate reproductions of art. Moab Estrada is a 100% cotton sheet, archival, with a lightly textured, bright white surface that can faithfully represent a full range of colors.
Founded by former Christie’s specialist Rodania Leong, exhibited.at focuses on art, community and innovation — empowering artists, curators, and galleries with the ability to archive their rich exhibition history while providing guidance on diverse art initiatives. Together with Clars — the exceptional art appraisers and auctioneers who have over fifty years of expertise in hosting Bay Area auctions — this collaboration harnesses the expertise of both exhibited.at and Clars.
Join us in celebrating the featured artists’ innovation and enduring impact! For more information or any questions, please reach out to [email protected] and [email protected].
Our diverse auctions bring together global craftsmanship, luxury design, and fine artistic traditions.
Auction
Highlights
Modern & Contemporary Artists’ Spotlight
Artist Spotlight
Modern + Contemporary
Two of our modern and contemporary highlights this November come from American artists who draw inspiration from their surroundings in very different ways.
First is Jim Dine (American, b. 1935), an Ohio-born multimedia artist who has been associated over the years with Neo-Dada, Pop Art, and Abstract Expressionism. Dine has often utilized found objects in his work, including sculptures influenced by classical Greece and a well-known collection of Pinocchio statues, and continued to take inspiration from the everyday in his two-dimensional pieces. Dine’s 1962 exhibition at the Pasadena Art Museum, titled New Painting of Common Objects, celebrated the ordinary with depictions of neckties, tools, and hats, displayed not as they so commonly were as background objects, but front and center, the star of the painting.
Jim Dine (American, b. 1935), Kindergarten Robes, 1983, woodcut in colors, 58.5″ x 75.5″. Estimate: $6,000–$9,000
During this period, Dine landed on bathrobes while searching for a way to reinvent the self-portrait. Dine sought to depict the self without a face, and thus adopted an object most intimate and familiar with which to experiment, using different styles and methods to manipulate the mundane robe. The piece in this month’s auction is titled Kindergarten Robes and dated to 1983. This large-scale woodcut print shows two coarsely rendered robes, tied at the waist with sleeves positioned toward the hips, in large swaths of yellow, blue, red, and green. The absence of a body within the robes is notable, but their well-worn wrinkles imply that it does have a history, and its positioning (which is the most frequently seen in Dine’s robes) imbues the empty articles with their own personality. Kindergarten Robes is being offered with an estimate of $6,000–$9,000.
Brian Alfred is a contemporary artist and musician originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. After earning a fine arts degrees from Penn State and Yale and attending an artist’s residency at the Skohegan School of Painting and Sculpture, Alfred held successful solo shows at galleries in Tokyo, London, and New York City. Alfred’s interest in blending mediums includes a career in music that overlaps with the visual arts, and many of his animation videos feature soundtracks from sonic collaborators.
Brian Alfred (American, b.1974), Overpass, 2002, acrylic on canvas, 72″ x 90″. Estimate: $8,000–$12,000
Alfred’s paintings often depict stagnant cityscapes, skylines, and landscapes devoid of people. The precise, flat method with which Alfred applies color to canvas creates a surreal atmosphere in which the world around us is reduced to form atmosphere. The acrylic on canvas, titled Overpass, in our November sale depicts a large freeway overpass with gray bridges crisscrossing one another over a pale blue sky. Patches of grass are visible below, and tall signs hover on the right side, advertising gas, food, and lodging to the invisible passers-by. The starkness of the canvas is punctuated by the absence of even one car on the road, hovering in a place between peace and unease. Overpass will be offered with an estimate of $8,000–$12,000.
Alexander infuses his paintings with surrealist elements, such as skeletons in formal wear and masked figures.
Artist Spotlight
Modern + Contemporary Art
Fine Art Collectors Auction Highlights
Auction
Fine Art
This November 21st starting 10 AM PST at our Fine Art Collectors Auction, we are thrilled to showcase an exceptional array of artwork, ranging from American folk art to modern abstract masterpieces.
Among our featured pieces are two paintings by renowned American folk artist, Charles Wysocki (American, 1928–2002). Born in Detroit, Wysocki was drafted into the Army, which led him to Los Angeles, where he met his wife, fellow artist Elizabeth G. Lawrence. Inspired by the rural lifestyles surrounding 1960s Los Angeles and the pastoral beauty of New England, Wysocki’s work reflects influences from prominent folk artists of the region. Notably, viewers will notice striking similarities between Wysocki’s landscapes and those of Anna Mary Robertson Moses, or Grandma Moses, known for her nostalgic depictions of New England. A deeper connection also exists with earlier artist Rufus Porter, whose whimsical yet precise portrayals of 19th-century Massachusetts and Connecticut resonate with Wysocki’s style.
Charles Wysocki (American, 1928–2002), Martha’s Vineyard, oil on canvas, 20″ x 24″. Estimate: $10,000–$15,000
In our November auction, we will feature two oil on canvas works titled Martha’s Vineyard and Quiltmakers. Martha’s Vineyard depicts a Massachusetts lighthouse and surrounding buildings in a late fall landscape, showcasing a palette of brown and red grass contrasted with patches of snow. Quiltmakers illustrates a quaint community quilt sale, featuring three vibrant, meticulously detailed quilts hanging on a clothesline. We estimate Martha’s Vineyard will sell for $10,000–$15,000 and Quiltmakers for $6,000–$9,000.
Charles Wysocki (American, 1928–2002), Quiltmakers, oil on canvas, 24″ x 30″. Estimate: $6,000–$9,000
Another highlight of the auction is an oil on canvas painting by Quebec modernist, Paul-Emile Borduas (Canadian, 1905–1960). An artist from a young age, Borduas trained as a church restorer under self-taught artist, Ozias Leduc, and furthered his studies at the École des Beaux-Arts de Montréal. His time in Paris at the Ateliers d’Art Sacré helped him fuse his influences. Upon returning to Canada, Borduas became a pivotal figure in the Montreal art scene and founded the Automatistes, inspired by Surrealist André Breton’s ideas. His 1946 group exhibition was a landmark event in Canadian art history.
Paul-Émile Borduas (Canadian, 1905–1960), Abstraction, 1957, oil on canvas, 29″ x 23.75″. Estimate: $25,000–$35,000
Later in his career, Borduas’ work took on a political dimension, as he advocated for the separation of church and state in Quebec, a stance that led to his dismissal from l’École du Meuble. Although he faced challenges during his lifetime, his influence became evident during the Quiet Revolution, culminating in the posthumous success of his painting Figures Schématiques, which sold for $3.6 million CAD in 2018. The untitled painting in our November auction exemplifies Borduas’ style, featuring textured impasto, stark black-and-white contrasts, and abstract forms that invite interpretation of his political and personal themes. This piece is estimated at $25,000–$35,000.
Ruth Armer (American, 1896–1977), #2, 1949, oil on canvas board, 18.25″ x 23.5″. Estimate: $6,000–$9,000
Other highlights this month include a painting by San Francisco Bay Area modernist Ruth Armer (American, 1896–1977), an oil by Texas landscape painter William Slaughter (American, 1923–2003), ceramics by Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1881–1973), a selection of vintage French advertising posters, and much more.
Ellsworth Kelly (American, b. 1923), Orange with Blue, 1964–65, lithograph in colors, 35.25″ x 23.5″. Estimate: $10,000–$15,000
Brian Alfred (American, b.1974), Overpass, 2002, acrylic on canvas, 72″ x 90″. Estimate: $8,000–$12,000
William A. Slaughter (American, 1923–2003), Untitled (Texas Bluebonnets by a Stream), 1974, oil on canvas, 30″ x 40″. Estimate: $10,000–$15,000
James Taylor Harwood (American, 1860–1940), Woodland Waterfall (Wasatch, Utah), 1910, oil on canvas, 20″ x 14″. Estimate: $6,000–$9,000
We are also pleased to present two hyperrealist sculptures by Danish artist, Kurt Trampedach (Danish, 1943–2013). Known for his dark, evocative paintings influenced by Rembrandt and late 19th-century Symbolists, Trampedach often explored his mental states through figurative art. His sculptures, while less abundant, retain the emotional intensity of his paintings. The two pieces in our auction, Annette and Jonas, depict Trampedach’s wife and son, created in the early 1970s from plaster on steel frames. These lifelike figures convey a sense of solemn contemplation. Annette is estimated at $8,000–$12,000, while Jonas is estimated at $4,000–$6,000.
Left: Kurt Trampedach (Danish, b. 1943), Jonas, circa 1970, plaster on steel rod, 37″ x 12.5″ x 23″. Estimate: $4,000–$6,000; Right: Kurt Trampedach (Danish, b. 1943), Annette, plaster on steel rod, 66″ x 18″ x 11″. Estimate: $8,000–$12,000
Bidding for Clars’ November 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!
This dynamic auction features modern and traditional furniture, notable fine art, exquisite jewelry, and important Asian works of art.
Auction
Highlights
Fine Art Consignments Now Invited!
Consignments
Fine Art
If you have ever thought about selling at auction, NOW is the time. Incredible prices are being achieved on fine paintings, prints and sculpture.
Clars’ Fine Art Specialists will be in the following areas to offer private and confidential in home appointments: San Francisco | Carmel | Palo Alto | San Rafael | Healdsburg
To schedule your appointment, call (510) 428-0100 x 123 OR email [email protected]
Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1881–1973), Plat à la Tête de Faune, 1948, partially engraved white earthenware ceramic plate with colored engobe and glaze, 12.5″ x 15.5″ x 2″. Sold: $75,600
Sam Francis (American, 1923–1994), Untitled, 1963, gouache on paper, 13.75″ x 12.5″. Sold: $28,980
William Keith (American, 1838–1911), Into the Yosemite Valley, circa 1895–1906, oil on canvas, 36″ x 60″. Sold: $113,400 – 5th highest auction record for the artist
This March 21st at Clars Auctions, we will be featuring a curated assortment of artwork from a wide range of periods and locales.
Fine Art
Highlights
Important Fall Fine Art Auction Highlights
Auction
Fine Art
Clars is thrilled to present our Important Fall Fine Art Auction on Thursday, September 19th, at 1 PM PDT. This exciting event will feature a diverse selection of remarkable pieces from William Merritt Chase, Pablo Picasso, Yayoi Kusama, and much more.
One of the most exciting pieces up for auction is an exceptional oil on panel painting by renowned American Impressionist, William Merritt Chase (American, 1849–1916). Titled A Mother’s Joy and created in 1889, this piece measures 17″ x 17″ (43.2 x 43.2 cm) and is signed by the artist. It carries an estimated value of $600,000–$900,000 USD. The painting’s provenance includes its acquisition by New Jersey Governor Franklin Murphy from Fifth Avenue Art Galleries in 1891, and it has been exhibited in notable venues such as the Society of American Artists and the Chicago Interstate Industrial Exposition. Accompanied by a letter of authenticity from D. Frederick Baker and Ronald G. Pisano, Inc., this painting is a significant highlight of the auction.
William Merritt Chase (American, 1849–1916), A Mother’s Joy, 1889, oil on panel, signed lower left, 17″ x 17″ (43.2 x 43.2 cm). Estimate: $600,000–$900,000
Another standout in the auction is a ceramic pitcher by the legendary artist, Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1881–1973). Best known for his revolutionary Cubist paintings, Picasso also made significant contributions to ceramic art. This particular pitcher, titled Piquet Gothique aux Oiseaux with estimate of $8,000–$12,000, showcases Picasso’s distinctive style with its simplified painting technique and depiction of three black birds. The pitcher, crafted in 1953, is a testament to Picasso’s prolific work in ceramics, a medium he explored extensively after his initial visit to the Madoura pottery studio in Vallauris, France.
Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1881–1973), Piquet Gothique aux Oiseaux, 1953, terre de faience pitcher painted in colors with partial glaze, 11″h. Estimate: $8,000–$12,000
The Important Fall Fine Art Auction will also feature a striking photograph by photographer, Helmut Newton (Australian/German, 1920–2004). Known for his dramatic black-and-white compositions and collaborations with major fashion designers, Newton’s work has been influential in the world of fashion photography. The gelatin silver print offered in this sale, titled Vogue, France, Yves St. Laurent, Paris, captures Yves Saint Laurent’s collection inspired by film noir aesthetics, and exemplifies Newton’s iconic style of high drama and eroticism. This photograph will be offered at $10,000–$15,000.
Helmut Newton (Australian/German, 1920–2004), Vogue, France, Yves St. Laurent, Paris, 1981, gelatin silver print, 14.5″ x 14″. Estimate: $10,000–$15,000
Several collectable and notable prints will also be offered in the September auction. Among them are two woodblock prints by artist, Gustave Baumann (American/German, 1881–1971), who is celebrated for his revival of the woodblock technique in the U.S. The two available prints, Spring Freshet valued at $5,000–$7,000 and The Sycamore at $6,000–$9,000, both highlight Baumann’s mastery in depicting southwestern U.S. landscapes.
Gustave Baumann (American/German, 1881–1971), The Sycamore, woodcut in colors, 10″ x 9.5″. Estimate: $6,000–$9,000
Gustave Baumann (American/German, 1881–1971), Spring Freshet, woodcut in colors, 11″ x 10″. Estimate: $5,000–$7,000
An amazing print by the ever-popular Pop Art icon, Yayoi Kusama (Japanese, b. 1929), will also be up for auction. The screenprint, A Pumpkin BB-C, which reflects her famous pumpkin in vibrant blue, is priced to sell at $20,000–$30,000. This is a must have for any Kusama fan and a perfect piece just in time for fall.
Yayoi Kusama (Japanese, b. 1929), A Pumpkin BB-C, 2004, screenprint in colors, 9.5″ x 11.25″. Estimate: $20,000–$30,000
The sale will continue with even more memorable prints including a 1978/79 Untitled etching by Minimalist, Donald Judd (American, 1928–1994), priced at $5,000–$7,000 and two spectacular prints by pop artist, Roy Lichtenstein (American, 1923–1997). Lichtenstein’s famous Crak offset lithograph from 1964 will be on the block at $10,000– $15,000 along with his small edition pencil signed print created for Guild Hall East Hampton at $5,000–$7,000.
Donald Judd (American, 1928–1994), Untitled, 1978–79, etching and aquatint, 32.25″ x 24.5″. Estimate: $5,000–$7,000
Roy Lichtenstein (American, 1923–1997), Crak!, 1964, offset lithograph in colors, 18.5″ x 27″. Estimate: $10,000–$15,000
Roy Lichtenstein (American, 1923–1997), Guild Hall East Hampton, 1980, screenprint in colors, 27.75″ x 33.5″. Estimate: $5,000–$7,000
From the Pacific Rim and estimated at $15,000–$20,000, Clars will be offering an elegant, yet colorful painting from 1963 by artist, Cheong Soo Pieng (Singaporean, 1917–1983). Heading north, a magnificent, oil on canvas by Contemporary artist, Liao Zhenwu (Chinese, b. 1964), titled The Story of Meditation, will be offered for $5,000–$7,000. Always a favorite among collectors is South Asian artist, Jamini Roy (Indian, 1887–1972). Known for capturing the essence of simplicity in the life of the Indian people, a classic gouache on paper, Untitled (Seated Figure), is another of the many highlights at Clars Auctions on September 19th and will be available for $7,000–$10,000.
Cheong Soo Pieng (Singaporean, 1917–1983), Untitled, 1963, oil on canvas, 19.75″ x 27.75″. Estimate: $15,000–$20,000
Jamini Roy (Indian, 1887–1972), Untitled (Seated Figure), 1967, gouache on paper, 21″ x 13″. Estimate: $7,000–$10,000
The Important Fall Fine Art Auction will have many other notable artists represented. One such artist is S.C. Yuan (Chinese/American, 1911–1974), who is known as one of the foremost painters of the Monterey Peninsula. The two untitled paintings in this month’s sale depict a conversation between two figures, estimated at $3,000–$5,000, and a barn, estimated at $6,000–$9,000. Both showcase the restrained palette preferred by the artist.
S.C. Yuan (American, 1911–1974), Untitled (Conversation), oil on board, 9.5″ x 11″. Estimate: $3,000–$5,000
S.C. Yuan (American, 1911–1974), Untitled (Barn), oil on canvas, 24″ x 30″. Estimate: $6,000–$9,000
Another more contemporary California work on paper by Funk Art pioneer, Roy De Forest (American, 1930–2007), with an auction estimate of $6,000–$9,000, will be offered. De Forest was a major figure in Bay Area modern art during the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, and he was also a key member of the faculty at U.C. Davis. De Forest taught alongside fellow California icons, including Wayne Thiebaud, William T. Wiley, and Robert Arneson. Alongside this piece we will also be offering a striking work by another California artist, Sam Francis, estimated at $8,000–$12,000.
Roy De Forest (American, 1930–2007), Untitled, 2003, mixed media on paper, 40.25″ x 53.75″. Estimate: $6,000–$9,000
Sam Francis (American, 1923–1994), Untitled, 1963, gouache on paper, 13.75″ x 12.5″. Estimate: $8,000–$12,000
Clars is also pleased to offer several contemporary works of sculpture which round out our diverse collection this month. Included is a work by Vivian Wang (Chinese, b. 1945) featuring a glass figure of a seated child with a red and black painted hat and outfit with an auction estimate of $3,000–$5,000. Wang began her career as a fashion designer before transitioning to fine art. She is known for glass figural sculptures that pay homage to her Chinese heritage. Another striking piece in this group is a mixed media sculpture by American artist Peter Anton (American, b. 1963) depicting an ice cream bar, valued at $4,000–$6,000. Anton is known for his hyperrealist sculptures of dessert foods. Also included in the sculpture section is an anemone-like glass cube by Wilfried Grootens (German, b. 1954) with an estimate of $3,000–$5,000 as well as a glass mime figure by Martin Janecky (Czech, b. 1980) with an estimate of $4,000–$6,000.
Bidding for Clars’ September 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!
This dynamic auction features modern and traditional furniture, notable fine art, exquisite jewelry, and important Asian works of art.
Auction
Highlights
Important Fine Art Consignments Invited!
Consignments
Fine Art
Clars is now seeking Important Fine Art consignments for our upcoming Fall auction. Schedule your private and confidential appointment now to speak to one of our Fine Art Specialists to determine your item’s auction potential.
Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1881–1973), Visage Masque, 1947, ceramic plate, 12.5″ x 15″ (31.75 x 38.1 cm). Sold: $68,750
Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1881–1973), Wood-Owl (Hibou des bois), 1968, partially glazed white earthenware pitcher painted in colors, 11.5″h x 8.5″w x 6″d. Sold: $27,500
Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1881–1973), Vase deux anses hautes, 1952, white earthenware ceramic vase (partially engraved), 15″h x 9.5″w x 6.75″d. Sold: $35,215
Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1881–1973), Plat à la Tête de Faune, 1948, partially engraved white earthenware ceramic plate with colored engobe and glaze, 12.5″ x 15.5″ x 2″. Sold: $75,600
This March 21st at Clars Auctions, we will be featuring a curated assortment of artwork from a wide range of periods and locales.
Fine Art
Highlights
Important Summer Fine Art Sale Highlights
Auction
Fine Art
Clars is excited to present our Important Summer Fine Art Sale on June 20th, commencing at 10 AM PDT. The sale is bursting with exceptional artwork from iconic creators such as Salvador Dalí, Roy Lichtenstein and Aaron Douglas.
One of the most exciting pieces in this month’s Important Summer Fine Art Sale is a never-before-sold oil on canvas painting by world-renowned Spanish Surrealist, Salvador Dalí. Over the course of the early to mid-twentieth century, Dalí established himself as perhaps the most celebrated of the Surrealist painters, famous for both his instantly recognizable visual style and for his eccentric personality and antics. The painting in this month’s sale, titled Portrait of Mrs. Luther Greene, is an oil on canvas that was commissioned by the sitter’s husband in New York City in 1942 — the year of the artist’s first retrospective at the Museum of Modern Art.
The portrait depicts the patron seated in the foreground, wrapped in a red robe. Behind her is a classic, Dalíesque desert landscape with two figures standing in the distance. An amorphous hill on the far right is dotted with buildings — resembling a forgotten ghost town — and a small boat sits beached by the shore on the far left. This exemplary piece is accompanied by the preliminary sketches done by the artist in preparation for the painting.
Roy Lichtenstein (American, 1923–1997), Reverie, from 11 Pop Artists, Volume II, 1965, screenprint in colors, 27″ x 23″. Estimate: $70,000–$100,000
Another noteworthy piece in the sale is a serigraph by American Pop art pioneer, Roy Lichtenstein. Lichtenstein was one of the most prominent figures to come out of the Pop Art movement and is most known for his comic strip-inspired paintings, prints, and sculptures. The print featured in the June sale is titled Reverie and dates to 1965. Pictured is a young woman with blonde hair and a melancholy expression, holding a microphone while a speech bubble over her head reads the lyrics, “The melody haunts my reverie.” This lyric — taken from the song Stardust by Tin Pan Alley musicians Hoagy Carmichael and Mitchell Parish — was written in 1927 and popularized during the 1930s big band era. The retro feel of the imagery is characteristic of Lichtenstein’s work, as is the comic-style dot work, bold color, and thick, black lines. Reverie was created for a portfolio, titled 11 Pop Artists published by Original Editions, that included 2 other prints by the artist as well as prints by Andy Warhol, Tom Wesselman, and other major names in the Pop Art movement.
Aaron Douglas (American, 1899–1979), Untitled, circa 1955, oil on canvas, signed lower left, 22″ x 44″. Estimate: $10,000–$20,000
A third striking highlight in our sale is an oil on canvas painting by key Harlem Renaissance figure, Aaron Douglas. Douglas is widely known for the murals he was commissioned to paint in several high-profile locations. These locations included several Historically Black Colleges and Universities, the Harlem YMCA, and one of his most acclaimed works, Aspects of Negro Life, at the New York Public Library in Harlem. Douglas worked with writers Alain Locke and W.E.B. Du Bois, and had illustrations included in publications like Vanity Fair, the NAACP journal The Crisis, and Opportunity: A Journal of Negro Life among others. Douglas developed a distinctive, graphic style that combined the aesthetic exploration of modernism with more traditional African subject matter. He often used bold color and evocative light sources with leafy foliage and human figures in silhouette. These figures are at times depicted in an African village or tribal setting, dancing, holding spears, or traversing a jungle-like landscape.
In other instances, figures are shown in American cityscapes, holding industrial tools with skyscrapers looming in the distance, or playing brass instruments in bands. The work in our June sale shows three silhouetted human figures holding spears and chasing five bison-like animals through an abstracted environment that uses the interplay between color and light to mimic an earthly landscape while remaining nonobjective. Douglas’s approach marries the celebratory aspects of Harlem Renaissance figuration with an Orphism-inspired understanding of color theory that creates a composition in which movement and light become as intrinsic to the material as paint and canvas.
Karen LaMonte (American, b. 1967), Nocturne, 2015, white bronze, signed, dated and stamped on base, edition 1/5, 58.5″ x 18″ x 11″. Estimate: $30,000–$50,000
Barry Frydlender (Israeli, b. 1954), Take a Picture of Me, 2005, chromogenic print, 75″ x 49.5″. Estimate: $15,000–$25,000
In addition to the aforementioned works, we are also pleased to offer abstract sculptures by Claire Falkenstein, a life-size bronze gown by Karen LaMonte, a suite of six bullfighting paintings by LeRoy Neiman, an abstract expressionist oil by Tancredi Parmeggiani, and much more in our Important Summer Fine Art Sale on June 20th.
Fern Isabel Kuns Coppedge (American, 1883–1951), August Reflections, oil on canvas, signed, gallery title label (Newman Galleries, Philadelphia) affixed verso, 20″ x 24″. Estimate: $30,000–$50,000
Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1881–1973), Homme Barbu Couronne de Feuillage, 1962, linocut, 13.5″ x 10.5″. Estimate: $25,000–$35,000
(lot of 6) LeRoy Neiman (American, 1921–2012), The Red Corrida, oils on panels, largest: 7.75″ x 11.75″. Estimate: $20,000–$30,000
(lot of 4) Claire Falkenstein (American, 1908–1998), Untitleds, set of four mixed media (glass and metal) sculptures, overall each: 3″h x 3″w x 3″d (red), 1.5″h x 2.75″w x 2.75″d (blue), 1.25″h x 3″w x 2″d (orange/red), 2″h x 4″d x 2.75″d (clear/green). Provenance: Estate of Richard D. Lowell (Fresno, California). Estimate: $20,000–$25,000
Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1881–1973), Plat à la Tête de Faune, 1948, partially engraved white earthenware ceramic plate with colored engobe and glaze, 12.5″ x 15.5″ x 2″. Estimate: $10,000–$15,000
Tancredi Parmeggiani (Italian, 1927–1964), Untitled, oil on board, 16″ x 26″. Provenance: Private Collection, Auburn, CA, thence by descent to the present owner. Estimate: $8,000–$12,000
John Marin (American, 1870–1953), Flatiron Building, NYC, 1911, watercolor, 12″ x 15.75″. Estimate: $8,000–$12,000
Roy Lichtenstein (American, 1923–1997), Modern Head #5, 1970, embossed graphite with Strathmore die-cut paper overlay, 20.25″ x 11.25″. Estimate: $8,000–$12,000
Jacqueline Gilmore (American, 21st century), Ashes to Ashes, 2016, oil on canvas, 90″ x 180″. Estimate: $8,000–$12,000
Oscar Deveza Zalameda (Philippines, 1930–2010), Fish Market, oil on canvas, 30″ x 36″. Estimate: $8,000–$12,000
Bidding for Clars’ June auctions is available by phone, absentee bid, live online at Live.Clars.com and through Liveauctioneers.com and Invaluable.com. Clars Auction Gallery is located at 5644 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, CA 94609. Clars Auction Gallery is based in Oakland (CA) and is the largest full-service auction gallery in the Western United States. Clars Auction Gallery 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 Auction Gallery has sold well over $150,000,000 of Fine Art, Furnishings, Jewelry, Vehicles and Collectibles and has set multiple new world auction records. Follow Clars on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!
This dynamic auction features modern and traditional furniture, notable fine art, exquisite jewelry, and important Asian works of art.
Auction
Highlights
Artist Spotlight: Roy Lichtenstein
Artist Spotlight
Modern + Contemporary
A noteworthy piece in our Important Summer Fine Art Sale is a serigraph by American Pop art pioneer, Roy Lichtenstein. Lichtenstein was one of the most prominent figures to come out of the Pop Art movement and is most known for his comic strip-inspired paintings, prints, and sculptures.
The print featured in the June sale is titled Reverie and dates to 1965. Pictured is a young woman with blonde hair and a melancholy expression, holding a microphone while a speech bubble over her head reads the lyrics, “The melody haunts my reverie.” This lyric — taken from the song Stardust by Tin Pan Alley musicians Hoagy Carmichael and Mitchell Parish — was written in 1927 and popularized during the 1930s big band era. The retro feel of the imagery is characteristic of Lichtenstein’s work, as is the comic-style dot work, bold color, and thick, black lines. Reverie was created for a portfolio, titled 11 Pop Artists published by Original Editions, that included 2 other prints by the artist as well as prints by Andy Warhol, Tom Wesselman, and other major names in the Pop Art movement.
Roy Lichtenstein (American, 1923–1997), Reverie, from 11 Pop Artists, Volume II, 1965, screenprint in colors, 27″ x 23″. Estimate: $70,000–$100,000
In addition to the aforementioned work, we are also pleased to offer abstract sculptures by Claire Falkenstein, a life-size bronze gown by Karen LaMonte, a suite of six bullfighting paintings by LeRoy Neiman, an abstract expressionist oil by Tancredi Parmeggiani, and much more in our Important Summer Fine Art Sale on June 20th.