BONHAMS
“A Throne for Two Kings”
Gonçalo Mabunda (b. 1975)
Estimate: $14,000 – $21,000
Auction Date: February 28
Two years after Mozambique gained independence in 1972, civil war broke out. By the end of the war, in 1992, the country was littered with weapons. Many stockpiles were destroyed, but some were handed over to an artists’ collective, an initiative that launched Mabunda’s career, among others. Part of Bonhams’ Africa Now Auction, “A Throne for Two Kings” has been constructed from bullet casings and gun parts. Three faces are visible, lending an element of levity and hope to a piece born out of violence.
SOTHEBY’S
“String of Perils,” 1991
John Chamberlain (1927–2011)
Estimate: $60,000 – $80,000
Auction Date: February 21-March 6
This superb John Chamberlain sculpture is part of the upcoming Contemporary Art Online auction, at which Sotheby’s will offer paintings, drawings and sculptures from names such as Andy Warhol, Alexander Calder and Tom Wesselmann, as well as from previously overlooked talents such as street artist Richard Hambleton and Op artist Julian Stanczak. There is a range of price points, made more attractive by the recent elimination by Sotheby’s of the buyer’s premium for online-only auctions.
CHRISTIE’S
Tibeto-Chinese Gilt-Copper Repoussé Figure, 18th c.
Estimate: $20,000 – $30,000
Auction Date: February 13 (online February 7–14)
This Christie’s sale celebrates more than 40 years of tastemaking by Shanghai-born, Los Angeles-based antiques dealer JF Chen. In the furniture category are works by blue-chip artists and designers such as Calder, Perriand and Henningsen and by contemporary masters such as Boontje, Novakova and Mozer. Also from Chen’s eclectic collection is this beautiful figure of a robed lama, seated in dhyanasana on a double lotus base with both hands in dharmachakra mudra.
DOYLE NEW YORK
Diamond, Gem-Set and Carved Stone Clip-Brooch
Perez Sanz
Estimate: $2,000 – $3,000
Auction Date: February 21
Doyle’s Fine Jewelry auction will showcase glittering creations — including many signed pieces — set with diamonds, colored stones and pearls, as well as gold jewelry, fine watches for ladies and gentlemen and gentlemen’s accessories. This colorful gold bouquet brooch by father and son Julio and Luciano Perez Sanz sparkles with diamonds, sapphires and carved gemstones. Another choice lot, a chic pair of gold flower earclips by Ilias Lalaounis, forecasts the blooms of spring.
Bringing the Hammer Down
FINAL SELLING PRICES FOR LAST MONTH’S FEATURED AUCTION BLOCK ITEMS
CHRISTIE’S
“World’s Fair, New York City,” 1964 (printed 1981)
Garry Winogrand (1928–1984)
Auction Date: January 16-25
Estimate: $8,000-$12,000
Final Selling Price: $16,250
FREEMAN’S
“Les Ombres Sur la Prairie”
Blanche Hoschedé-Monet (1865–1947)
Auction Date: January 23
Estimate: $40,000 – $60,000
Final Selling Price: $50,000
SOTHEBY’S
“Samson Captured by the Philistines”
Giovanni Francesco Barbieri, called Il Guercino (1591–1666)
Auction Date: January 31
Estimate: $80,000 – $100,000
DOYLE NEW YORK
Russian Gem-Set Silver Triptych Icon
Auction Date: January 31
Estimate: $7,000 – $10,000
Final Selling Price: $27,500
