Joan Mitchell Work on Paper Sets New Record at Auction

“Beyond its aesthetic merits, Mitchell is having something of a market moment,” said Zack Wirsum, Senior Specialist Post War and Contemporary Art at Leslie Hindman Auctioneers. “It’s incredible that she was able to achieve the same aggressive energy as she did in her paintings with a delicate media like pastel.”

Also setting an auction record, Otley by Larry Zox realized $45,000, making it the most expensive piece sold at auction by the artist. It highly exceeded expectations, selling for three times the high estimate of $15,000. Brazilian Light by Kenneth Noland was another highlight of the Post War and Contemporary Art auction. The painting carried a presale estimate of $80,000 – $120,000 and sold for $187,500. Additional examples that surpassed high estimates include 2 Slaves #2 and White Dog 2 by Jonas Wood, which sold for $131,250 (estimated at $50,000 – $70,000) and Black Jack by Gene Davis, which sold for $68,000 against a presale estimate of $30,000 – $50,000.

The Post War and Contemporary Art auction was followed by a Fine Prints afternoon sale. Auction highlights from the prints auction included several works by Andy Warhol. The artist’s Superman realized $200,000 and was the top selling lot of the sale. Now holding an auction record, Mick Jagger (F. & S. II.144) sold for $62,500 against a presale estimate of $25,000 – $35,000. Another Warhol Mick Jagger (F. &S. II.139) realized $52,500 (estimated at $20,000  $40,000).

Additional results can be found online at lesliehindman.com. The Fine Art department is now accepting consignments for December Post War and Contemporary Art and Fine Print auctions.