Modern work in spilled paint (and possibly blood) earns $22,320 at fine art auction

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"Red," by Hermann Nitsch, executed in red paint and possibly blood, took the top lot spot by bringing in $22,320.

LITCHFIELD, Conn. – Litchfield County Auctions’ May 4 Modernism, Asian & European Art & Antiques sale opened April 29, continuing through the early part of the following week. The auction ended online May 4, and received thousands of bids from prospective buyers all over the world. In all, the sale of 829 lots grossed more than $730,000, including the tag sale and buyer’s premium.

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The top selling lot was “Red,” by Hermann Nitsch, a unique work executed in spilled red paint and possibly blood on canvas, a medium that Nitsch is famous for using. With a pre-sale estimate of $12,000 to $18,000, it sold for $22,320; while Eduardo Mac Entyre’s “Variacion de Ju Tara Sobre Violeta,” a 1968 acrylic sold for $15,600; and a large oil on canvas by Arbit Blatas, “View of Venice at Night,” sold for $15,000. Oil on canvas works by Sarah Grilo and Enrico Donati sold respectively at $12,180 and $10,500. Other highlights include “Boats in a Harbor” by Feodor Zakharov (Russian-American), which sold above its pre-sale estimate of $2,000 to $3,000 at $6,300, receiving 26 bids; and “Two Ducks in a Pond” by Jean Dunand, which sold at the opening bid of $6,240. Two other works worth mentioning were oil paintings by American artist Gerald Coarding. Each with a presale estimate of $4,000 to $6,000, they sold for $7,800 and $5,340.

Also worth mentioning in the Modern Art category were works by two special artists: Audrey Skaling and Guiseppe Napoli. More than 20 works in the sale were attributed to the two artists, which received positive interest and active bids. Litchfield County Auctions will be handling more of these artists’ works, probably hundreds from their estates, which will be featured in future sales.

In the Asian art category, a Chinese painting on silk of two maidens, Qing Dynasty, estimated at $1,000 to $1,500 was a high seller at $9,420; followed by a Chinese porcelain brush pot, circa 1650, which received 30 bids and sold for $7,200; and a finely painted two-panel screen by Kano Nuidononosuke Eino, Japanese, 1631-1697. Having a presale estimate of $2,500 to $4,500, the work sold for $5,580.
The top selling lot of furniture was a Maurice Jallot mahogany three-door side cabinet that hammered at $4,680; followed by a Phillip & Kelvin Laverne metal and wood coffee table, from the collection of Sheila Nemazee and “Old Apple Farm” in Katonah, N.Y., which sold for $4,440; and an Eames for Herman Miller leather lounge chair and ottoman, sold for $3,721. In addition, there were several rosewood credenzas by Knoll Associates, selling for $4,020, $2,894, $2,760 and $2,653, all exceeding their presale estimates.

Additionally, modern decorative objects and lighting sold well. The top lot in the category, an Arredoluce Triennale three arm floor lamp, sold for $5,400.

Litchfield County Auctions is always accepting quality consignments for future sales. Their upcoming July sale will feature American furniture, folk art, decorations and paintings, European furniture and decorative arts, Old Master works and 19th century European paintings. Upcoming auctions held in the fall will highlight Modern, Asian & European art and antiques, along with a Thanksgiving sale featuring jewelry and couture clothing and accessories.

To consign an item, an estate or a collection, contact Litchfield County Auctions at 860-567-4661 or info@LCAinc.us. Their address is 425 Bantam Rd. (Rte. 202), Litchfield, CT 06759. For more information about Litchfield County Auctions, visit www.LitchfieldCountyAuctions.com.

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