
( Brand: Sotheby ), ( Color: Blue ), ( Type: Catalog ), ( Language: English ), ( Publication Year: 1988 ), ( Topic: Art Exhibitions ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: 5688 ), ( Features: Illustrated, Limited Edition ), ( Country/region Of Manufacture: United States )
In the illustrious world of contemporary art, Sotheby's New York auction on 5th March 1988, cataloged as 5688, presented a remarkable collection of works by leading artists of the time. Among the impressive lineup, four artists stood out: Andy Warhol, Alexander Calder, Wayne Thiebaud, and Alice Neel, represented by one work each.
First, the pop art icon, Andy Warhol, offered Lot 25, an exquisite silkscreen on linen from his Campbell's Soup Can series. The work, titled "Tomato Soup Can," showcased Warhol's signature style, with the iconic red and white can depicted against a stark, monochromatic background. This quintessential piece encapsulated Warhol's exploration of popular culture and mass-produced imagery.
Next, Lot 38 presented the kinetic sculpture of Alexander Calder, a pioneer in the realm of abstract art. Entitled "Red and White," this mobile, created in 1965, was a mesmerizing composition of metal shapes suspended in space, poised to dance in the slightest breeze. Calder's innovative use of movement and balance captivated viewers, blurring the lines between fine art and science.
Wayne Thiebaud, renowned for his vivid depictions of everyday objects, presented Lot 43, an oil on canvas painting titled "Cakes." Thiebaud's masterful use of color and texture brought the tantalizing treats to life, their glossy surfaces and inviting hues enticing the viewer to reach out and take a bite.
Lastly, Lot 49 showcased a portrait by Alice Neel, "Self-Portrait with Raised Arms." Neel's raw, emotive style was on full display in this powerful work, as she captured her own image with unflinching honesty. The vibrant colors and bold brushstrokes brought Neel's expressive, introspective nature to the forefront, offering a glimpse into the soul of the artist.
Together, these works by Warhol, Calder, Thiebaud, and Neel represented the breadth and depth of contemporary art during this pivotal moment in history, offering collectors and enthusiasts a chance to acquire masterpieces from some of the most influential artists of the time.
Buying a Sotheby's catalog for an auction featuring works by Warhol, Calder, Thiebaud, and Dine can be an exciting endeavor for collectors and art enthusiasts. Here are some pros and cons to consider before making a purchase:
Pros:1. Expert Analysis: Sotheby's catalogs provide detailed information about each artwork, including provenance, condition reports, and estimated values. This level of detail is invaluable for collectors, particularly when making bids on valuable pieces.
2. Research Opportunity: The catalog serves as a research tool, allowing collectors to familiarize themselves with the artists and their works. This can be especially useful for those new to the contemporary art market or those looking to expand their collection.
3. Access to Rare Works: Sotheby's auctions often feature rare and unique pieces. The catalog provides an opportunity to view and learn about these works, even if they are out of your price range.
4. Valuable Resource: The catalog can be a valuable reference tool for future auctions or acquisitions.
Cons:1. Cost: Sotheby's catalogs can be expensive, especially for high-profile auctions. While the information they provide can be invaluable, the cost may be a deterrent for some collectors.
2. Limited Availability: Sotheby's catalogs may only be available for purchase before the auction or online after the sale. Collectors who miss the opportunity to purchase a catalog before the auction may have to resort to less reliable sources for information.
3. Oversized and Heavy: Sotheby's catalogs are often large and heavy, making them inconvenient to transport and store.
4. Lack of Information on Some Works: While most works are thoroughly documented, some lots may have limited information, leaving collectors wanting more details.
Conclusion:Sotheby's catalogs for contemporary art auctions featuring Warhol, Calder, Thiebaud, and Dine offer valuable information for collectors and art enthusiasts. The pros, such as expert analysis and research opportunities, outweigh the cons, like cost and limited availability. Ultimately, the decision to purchase a Sotheby's catalog depends on your personal collection goals, budget, and research needs.
Recommendation:For serious collectors and those with a substantial budget, the purchase of a Sotheby's catalog is highly recommended. For those with more modest budgets or limited storage space, it may be worth exploring alternative resources, such as online catalogs or researching the artists and their works through other means. Regardless of your decision, the information provided in Sotheby's catalogs can be invaluable for expanding your art knowledge and making informed collecting decisions.
The front and back covers have overall wear including creasing, light soiling, edge corner bumping. The spine has some scratching, small tears and loss of material. The first few pages have small tears at lower edge. The Sales Results sheet from Sothebys is stapled to the title page.
One interior page has thumbprint markings as shown in photos. Condition is used. Please zoom all photos for more details. Measures approximately 8-1/4 x 10-3/8 inches.
No writing in catalog. Featured artists include Karl Apple, Alexander Calder, Robert Schoenberg, Andy Warhol, George Sega, and more.