The Best Sale Ever
Lot 9:
Description
Keywords: No Reserve, Abstract Expressionist, modern portrait, oil on canvas, female figure, 20th century art, signed painting, American modernism, New York estate, impressionistic style, abstract portrait, Expressionist painting
Summary:
Willem de Kooning signed oil on canvas portrait believed to be of the artist Mona Aarons. Signed lower right “de Kooning.” Offered without reserve and accompanied by a notarized letter of authenticity.
Provenance: We learned that the work came from the estate of a noted philanthropist, art historian, author and known art authenticator, Albert Burnette Roberts, we took the unprecedented step of submitting it for independent evaluation. The lot now comes with a notarized letter authenticating the work and a separate appraisal of the work
Roberts had an interesting life history, full of accomplishments, Secretary to the Ways and Means Committee and a board member of Albany Institute of History and Art, philanthropist and donated many art works to public collections. Roberts was also a respected art collector and expert known for his rigorous system of authentications. Roberts authored a book with Lawrence Pitkethly titled "Sleeping With Matisse" that explains his method of authentication. He also set up the Albert B. Roberts Foundation to give financial support to artists. The estate collection was vast, thousands of works, a selection from the cream of which was submitted to Sotheby. We understand that the Van Dyck from the collection was sold in London Sotheby for several million.
We submitted this work for review by a well known and respected de kooning colleague who has often been called upon to review works purported to be by de Kooning. The successful buyer will receive the letter attesting to this work being an original work by Willem de Kooning.
Measurement: Art: 24 x 20 in. (61 x 50.8 cm.), Frame: 27 3/4 x 23 3/4 in. (70.5 x 60.3 cm.) approx
Condition: All descriptions and statements are our opinions and are not guarantees. Bidders are encouraged to carefully review all photographs and, when possible, to examine items in person prior to bidding. By placing a bid, you acknowledge and agree to the Terms and Conditions of Sale.
All items are sold as is and may show signs of age, use, wear, or prior restoration. Photographs form an integral part of each lot’s description. The absence of a condition report or notation does not imply that an item is free from defects or in perfect condition.
Clocks and watches are not guaranteed to be in working order. We strongly recommend that all vintage lighting be professionally rewired prior to use.
Unless explicitly stated, items do not include certificates of authenticity, provenance documentation, or other supporting materials.
As with other galleries reselling works, we are not authorized to issue Certificates of Authenticity. Such certificates may only be issued by artists, makers, or galleries representing and selling works directly from the artist or estate, when authorized to do so. Due to liability considerations, many artist foundations and estates no longer provide authentication services.
Accordingly, all works are offered and sold as is and as attributed to the artist or maker named in the description. These attributions reflect our best professional judgment and are intended to provide collectors, researchers, and institutions the opportunity to study and further contextualize the material offered. Attributions remain open to future scholarly research or professional evaluation that may further establish a work’s art-historical or market significance.
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