Who Bought What at Sotheby’s London I/M Sale

Picasso's "Le Peintre et Son Modele dans un Paysage" sold for $3,227,816 at Sotheby's London

The Master, Judd Tully, has the bid spotting from Sotheby’s “no surprises” sale:

■James Roundell bought Picasso’s wartime 1943 still life “Compotier et Verres” for $1.3 million (£802,850) on a £600-800,000 estimate.

■The Nahmad art trading clan, seated at the front of the salesroom, dropped out rather early, and finally Sotheby’s Mark Poltimore, a former president of Sotheby’s Russia and a well-known cultivator of Russian-based clientele, nabbed the picture at the hammer price of £22.5 million, before the buyer’s premium was added.

■Guy Jennings and Simon Theobald of Theobald Jennings Ltd. were also active, nailing Paul Klee‘s peppy late abstraction of 1931 “P Vierzehn (P Fourteen)” for $1.3 million (£25,250) on a £700,000-1 million estimate

■Acquavella Galleries, meanwhile, beat out the Nahmads for Picasso’s late and autobiographical “Le Peintre et Son Modele dans un Paysage” from 1963 for $3.2 million (£2 million) against a £600-800,000 estimate. The painting last sold at auction at Christie’s New York back in May 1981 for $115,000

Scott Reyburn gathers a few tight-lipped comments on the sale:

■“The auction did all right, not great,’’ the London-based dealer Alan Hobart of the Pyms Gallery said in an interview. “The auction houses are struggling to find the goods. Rich collectors are hanging on to their art. Once prices are driven up, the market becomes more discriminating.”

■Giacometti’s 1957 bronze portrait of his younger brother, “Grand buste de Diego avec bras,” estimated at 3.5 million pounds to 5 million pounds, failed to sell because of its pale color, according to dealers.

February 9, 2011 By Marion Maneker

Caring for Photography

In her celebrated essay on photography, writer Susan Sontag observed that, "to collect photographs is to collect the world". This sentiment is no doubt held by the growing number of collectors focusing on photography. Along with choosing photographs for one's collection comes the need to know more about caring for them. Below is some helpful advice:


When Transporting Artworks:
-Make sure that the vehicle is large enough to accommodate the artwork and its packaging.
-Make sure the works are professionally and correctly packaged for shipping.
-Ask the gallery or insurance carrier for advice on shipping to avoid using inexperienced art handlers.

When Framing, Hanging and Storing:
-Make sure your artwork is protected with archival framing.
-Glass vs. Plexiglas? Glass is easier to clean and care for but when it breaks, it can destroy artworks. If the photograph is of high value choose the added safety and protection of Plexiglas.
-Always protect art from heat and direct sunlight. Never hang expensive art over a fireplace.
-Use appropriate picture hangers for artwork, which are available at professional framing stores.
-Avoid storing works in basements. If you must, be sure to keep the artwork at least 3 inches above the floor.

When Dealing with Insurance:
-Keep your insurance company updated with the current values of your artwork. This should be done yearly or when there are significant changes in values.
-Confirm coverage for the work includes shipping and transportation coverage.

When in doubt, seek the advice of an expert. Museums, galleries, and historical societies are your best resources for the proper care and storage of photographs. If you own a photograph that has sustained damage, they can refer you to a paper conservator qualified to treat your photograph.

Article contributed by Colin Quinn, Director of Claims Management and Loss Control Services, AXA Art Insurance Corporation

KiptonART Art Talk with Art Enthusiast Ann Lydecker

Ann Lydecker is an active and established member of New York’s vibrant Art Industry. Prior to joining Cirkers and Hayes Fine Art Storage & Logistics as Director of Worldwide Sales, she founded Metropolitan Art Advisors.

As Founder of Metropolitan Art Advisors, Ann Lydecker shares her passion, insight and comprehensive understanding of the art world with clients by providing introductions, connections and direct access to major artists' studios, leading galleries, museums, art fairs, auction houses and private collections globally.



Who are your favorite KiptonART artists? Why?

I am a friend of Stephan Fowlkes, and really believe in his future as an artist. I’ve also discovered several other painters and photographers on KiptonART whose work I’m curious to see in person because it looks good online, such as Joseph Conrad-ferm and Jane Frances Lloyd.
Most importantly, I’m excited to see the upcoming exhibition of 2011 KiptonART Rising Winners which will be featured at Cirkers Fine Art Storage for a brunch during Armory Arts Week March 5th from 9:30am-12noon.

What was the last exhibition you attended?

The MoMA Abstract Expressionism show which I really enjoyed. I also like the recent shows at Sundaram Tagore Gallery on West 27th and my friend Michael Lyons Weirs new gallery on West 24th Street.

How would you describe the décor in your home?

Hollywood Glam… meets contemporary art. It was designed by New York based interior designer Martin Hughes for MStudiolo in 2009. He was an absolute pleasure to work with and wildly creative & resourceful! He custom designed almost everything throughout the apartment. I selected Martin after seeing his magnificent apartment on West 10th Street. He is a rare and exceptional talent.

What was the first work of art you purchased?

A Wayne Thiebaud of eight lipsticks from the Campbell Thiebaud Gallery in San Francisco. I cherish this work.
Since then I have purchased several Eric Zener paintings, Matisse drawings, Picasso prints, vintage photography of famous Americans, Bert Stern's last sitting photos of Marilyn Monroe, paintings from emerging NY & California based artists. I own some contemporary Chinese Art from a 2006 MoMA trip to Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong such as Yue Minjun. And Latin American painters such as Bradley Narduzzi Rex from an international art tour I organized & lead for Microsoft executives in Mexico City. Recently, I’m inspired by Middle Eastern female artists, but I haven’t purchased any yet, as I need a larger apartment. LTMH Gallery on the upper east side is a great resource for some of these artists. I also like some of what Jen Beckman at 20x200 has too!

What artists most inspire or influence you?
The list is so long. I am crazy about artists spanning from Spanish and Dutch Masters to Hudson River Painters to Mark Rothko to Damian Hirst. The work of Kenneth Noland, Caio Fonseca, Banksy, Takashi Murakami, Marilyn Minter, Hiroshi Sugimoto, Vik Muniz, Helen Frankenthaler and Andy Goldsworthy inspire me.
This week we have a magnificent Impressionist painting hanging at Hayes Fine Art Storage and celebrity clients are coming in to view it. It’s more beautiful than many you’d see in museum collections.