Moran’s Prints & Multiples auction realized high prices across the board
• Prints from Andy Warhol were among the top lots of the day
• Picasso ceramics continue to appeal to buyers
• Works by the century’s leading artists dominated the offerings
MONROVIA, CA – Moran’s is warming up the fall auction season with a fine selection of works on paper in their Prints & Multiples auction. 20th century prints and ceramic works by Pablo Picasso proved to be most popular with the auction audience. Due to the success of the auction, Moran’s next Prints & Multiples auction in the spring should be another hit.
Lot 1021, Andy Warhol (1928-1987 American) “Fiesta Pig,” 1979, color screenprint on Arches wove paper, price realized: $21,250
Andy Warhol proved his enduring popularity with three works in the sale. A delightfully colorful Kachina Dolls from “Cowboys and Indians” is one of Warhol’s most unusual prints and brought $43,750 at the block (all prices realized include Moran’s 25% buyer’s premium). The Witch, from Myths featuring with a cackling Margaret Hamilton sold comfortably in its $30,000-40,000 estimate at $37,500. Fiesta Pig is one of the most endearing Warhol images and delighted previewers before the sale. The color screenprint realized $21,250 at the block, one of the highest prices paid for this print at auction.
Ceramic works from Picasso have grown exponentially in popularity over the years and continued to bring strong prices last Tuesday. Femme, a pitcher with the imitable Picasso woman caused a bidding war when it hit the block, selling for $16,250. A platter, Tête de chèvre de profil, centered a goat’s profile and charmed the audience when it hit the block, selling for $9,375. Quatre Visages from 1959 features a figure with a delightfully happy expression and brought $7,500.
Works from the 20th century performed strongly at the auction. A deliciously unsettling Põrgu (Hell) from Estonian artist Eduard Wiiralt caused a bidding war between two phone bidders when it hit the block with one bringing the print home for $10,000. A colorful Richard Diebenkorn print Folsom Street Variation III with its primary color scheme and graphic lines sold for $18,750. Among the many Lawrence Schiller photographs of Marilyn Monroe that hit the block during Tuesday’s sale, Marilyn Platinums No. 23 was one of the best. An eager floor bidder beat out heavy competition to get the photograph for $3,125.
Moran’s will end the year with their highly anticipated Fine Jewelry & Timepieces and Studio Jewelry auction on December 10th preceded by a selection of Luxury, Couture & Accessories. The following week will see a curated collection of The Traditional Collector just in time for the holiday shopping season.
For upcoming highlights, online catalogues, and more information on these sales, visit Moran’s website: jm.dev.hookson1.com. Bidding is now available online via Moran’s new mobile app Moran Mobile, available on both iOS and Android operating systems. Live bidding on a desktop is available through bid.johnmoran.com; bidding is also supported by telephone, absentee, or in person.
Consignment inquiries are always welcome.
Lot 1078, Pablo Picasso (1881-1973 Spanish) “Tête de chèvre de profil,” glazed ceramic, price realized: $9,375
“Andy Warhol proved his enduring popularity with three works in the sale. ”
Auction Highlights
