Moran’s 20th Century Art + Design realized strong prices for art, décor, and multiples

Moran’s California & American Fine Art realized strong prices for investment-worthy works of art

• Fine Art from around the world performed especially well
• A selection of décor and furniture from the era’s leading artisans attracted bidders
• Multiples were highly sought after

MONROVIA, CA – Moran’s June 9th 20th Century Art + Design auction achieved strong prices for Modern art and décor across a variety of genres and styles. Bidders competing to bring home an array of works from the century’s leading artists and designers were fully engaged online and on the phone throughout the remote sale. Moran’s already has a head start on their Fall 20th Century Art + Design auction and welcomes consignments.

Fine art from around the world connected with bidders. The top lot of the genre was the mixed media on canvas “Libertad Encarcelada II” from Spanish artist Rafael Canogar, a personal friend of the consignor. The haunting work soared past its high estimate to realize $13,750 (all prices realized include Moran’s 25% buyer’s premium). A wonderful Purvis Young consigned from the Hodosh collection featured one of the artist’s prized infants and was won by a determined phone bidder for $5,000. Works from Jose Luis Cuevas, an influential Mexican artist, connected with buyers during the sale. Chief among the offerings was “Marquis de Sade, Niño,” which sold for $11,250. A fantastic painting by Haitian artist Philome Obin caused a bidding war when it hit the block, sailing past its high estimate to bring $10,000.

Lovers of Midcentury Modern décor and furnishings found plenty of tempting options during the auction. A fantastic pair of George Nakashima for Nakashima Studios “New” chairs came with a copy of the original work order from 1961 and sold for $5,938. A Merton Gershun for Dillingham walnut desk with its clean lines and floating file compartment caused a bidding war when it hit the block, realizing $4,688. One of Moran’s favorite lots in the auction was a rare set of Georg Jensen flatware in the “Parallel” pattern. Designed in 1931 by Oscar Gundlach-Pederson, the service quickly surpassed its high estimate to bring $12,500.

Multiples from many genres proved to be irresistible to buyers at Tuesday’s auction. A fantastic Pablo Picasso for Madoura plate with a prized bullfighting scene, “Corrida,” brought $8,750. An introspective Dino Rosin glass sculpture is a triumph from the artist and realized $1,500. A wonderful Joan Miró color lithograph, “Defile de Mannequins à Istanbul,” is a graphic feast for the eye and sold for $10,000 after a protracted bidding war. A portfolio of twelve original lithographs by Jose Luis Cuevas easily surpassed its high estimate, bringing $2,250.

Moran’s summer auction season is will continue with Studio Fine Art and Decorative Art are scheduled later in the month on June 23rd. A selection of Amish and American quilts from the esteemed Hodosh collection heads to the block June 30th with Blanket Statements. ReDesigned on July 19th will feature an array of art and design to complete your abode. Made in Mexico on August 23rd is filled with fine and decorative art from our southern neighbors. Moran’s takes the health and safety of our staff and customers seriously, as such, all previews for the auction will be by appointment only and the sales will be held online without a live audience.

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.