Clyfford Still 1949-A-No. 1 estimated at $25-35 million.
NO less than four masterworks by Clyfford Still will headline the Sotheby’s contemporary art evening auction in New York on November 9. They are expected to realise a combined total of more than $50 million.
Clyfford Still (PH-351) signed and dated Clyfford 40 1940 (estimated $1-1.5 million).
From the estate of his widow, Patricia Still, they are being sold by the City and County of Denver. The sale will support the endowment of the new Clyfford Still Museum, scheduled to open in Denver next November 18.
Clyfford Still (1904-1980) was among the first generation of American Abstract Expressionists who developed a new, powerful approach to painting in the years immediately following World War II. He was a strongly independent, highly influential artist who usually represented himself. Very few of his works ever made it to the art market. It is estimated that he sold as little as 150 works during his life time. This is the first time that four works by the American Abstract Expressionist will be offered to the global community of collectors.
“The appearance of these paintings on the open market represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for collectors of iconic and Abstract Expressionist art,” said Tobias Meyer, Worldwide Director of Contemporary Art at Sotheby’s. “A single painting by the artist of such quality as these would be a unique and extraordinarily sought-after occasion, as there are few Still paintings in private hands. With the additional understanding that the Clyfford Still Museum will never sell any works, we expect the sale to generate tremendous excitement”.