News

Mississippi Museum of Art Receives Over 100 Works, and Dia:Beacon Acquires Charlotte Posenenske's Sculptural Pieces

Plus, work by Theaster Gates sells at Sotheby's Miami (RED) auction, and Penn State installs a George Rickey sculpture.

Deena ElGenaidi

December 6, 2018 — 10 min read

William "Bill" Traylor, "Untitled (Black Dog with Red Tongue)" (c. 1939–1940), opaque watercolor and pencil on cardboard, 16 x 13 3/4 inches (collection of Mississippi Museum of Art, Jackson, gift of Ed McGowin and Claudia DeMonte) — William “Bill” Traylor, “Untitled (Black Dog with Red Tongue)” (c. 1939–1940), opaque watercolor and pencil on cardboard, 16 x 13 3/4 inches (collection of Mississippi Museum of Art, Jackson, gift of Ed McGowin and Claudia DeMonte)

Claudia DeMonte and Ed McGowin have donated over 100 works of art by self-taught artists to the Mississippi Museum of Art. The works come from their personal collection of sculptures, paintings, and assemblages, including works by Bill Traylor, Howard Finster, Lonnie Holley, James Harold Jennings, Mose Tolliver, and more. “Over a period of 25 years, my husband and I drove thousands of miles, around the backroads of the United States — particularly in the American South — in our desire to meet folk artists. We did not start out to collect … rather as artists, we were interested in the creative process as it relates to self-taught artists. With few exceptions, we met most of the artists whose work we acquired, and we feel that this collection contains extraordinary examples of the expression of human spirit that these artists embodied. This group of works is not a survey of folk art but the result of a personal quest to understand art-making,” said DeMonte. [via email announcement]

Charlotte Posenenske, "Vierantrohr (Square Tube), Series D" (1967), installation view, (©Estate of Charlotte Posenenske, courtesy Estate of Charlotte Posenenske, Mehdi Chouakri, Berlin, and PeterFreeman, New York) — Charlotte Posenenske, “Vierantrohr (Square Tube), Series D” (1967), installation view, (© Estate of Charlotte Posenenske, courtesy Estate of Charlotte Posenenske, Mehdi Chouakri, Berlin, and PeterFreeman, New York)

Dia:Beacon has acquired 155 sculptural works by German artist Charlotte Posenenske (1930–1985). The works are from four series designed by Posenenske during the final two years of her practice (1967–68) and will be on view from March 8 through September 9, 2019 in a retrospective titled Charlotte Posenenske: Work in Progress. Following, the exhibition will travel to Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona, Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen Düsseldorf, and Mudam Luxembourg – Musée d’Art Moderne Grand-Duc Jean.

George Rickey, "Breaking Column III" (2001), stainless-steel (image courtesy Palmer Museum of Art, Penn State) — George Rickey, “Breaking Column III” (2001), stainless-steel (image courtesy Palmer Museum of Art, Penn State)

A 25-foot stainless-steel sculpture by George Rickey was installed on the Palmer Museum of Art’s plaza on Penn State’s University Park Campus last week. The sculpture is titled “Breaking Column III” (2001) and was acquired by the Palmer Museum of Art through the efforts of “numerous entities,” according to an article in the Penn State News. Some of those entities include the College of Arts and Architecture; architects, engineers, and planners from the Department of Planning, Design, and Properties in the Office of Physical Plant; and representatives of the George Rickey estate.

A marble funerary portrait statue of a Roman poet, late Republican/Augustan, 2nd half of the 1st Century BCE, composed of two parts joined at the hips and hollowed out, seated on a cushion in a contemplative attitude and holding a scroll in his left hand, a signet ring on his left hand, his himation draped over the lower part of his body, left shoulder, and left forearm, his head turned slightly to his right, the face with high cheek-bones, fragmentary aquiline nose, deep-set eyes, and furrowed brow, his short cropped hair radiating from the crown, his right foot formerly dowelled on, right shoulder restored, height 115 cm., height of head 25 cm. (image courtesy Sotheby's) — A marble funerary portrait statue of a Roman poet, late Republican/Augustan, 2nd half of the 1st Century BCE, composed of two parts joined at the hips and hollowed out, seated on a cushion in a contemplative attitude and holding a scroll in his left hand, a signet ring on his left hand, his himation draped over the lower part of his body, left shoulder, and left forearm, his head turned slightly to his right, the face with high cheek-bones, fragmentary aquiline nose, deep-set eyes, and furrowed brow, his short cropped hair radiating from the crown, his right foot formerly dowelled on, right shoulder restored, height 115 cm., height of head 25 cm. (image courtesy Sotheby’s)

Sotheby’s Ancient Sculpture & Works of Art sale in London brought in a total of £6,779,750 (~$33,959,000) on December 4. The sale’s top lot, a marble funerary portrait statue of a Roman poet, late Republican/Augustan, 2nd half of the 1st Century BCE, sold for £4,174,500 (~$5,294,000).

Attributed to Ferdinando Tacca, "Apollo and Daphen" (c. 1640–1650), bronze, on a later marble base, bronze: 17 1/4 x 17 1/2 inches, base: 3 1/2 x 12 1/4 inches (image courtesy Sotheby's) — Attributed to Ferdinando Tacca, “Apollo and Daphen” (c. 1640–1650), bronze, on a later marble base, bronze: 17 1/4 x 17 1/2 inches, base: 3 1/2 x 12 1/4 inches (image courtesy Sotheby’s)

Sotheby’s Old Master Sculpture & Works of Art sale in London brought in a total of £2,493,500 (~$3,162,000) on December 4. The sale’s top lot, “Apollo and Daphne,” attributed to Ferdinando Tacca (C. 1640–50), sold for £322,000 (~$408,000).

Jean d’Enghien, "Le Livre des cronicques de Brabant" (late 15th or early 16th century), in French. with added illustrations (image courtesy Sotheby's) — Jean d’Enghien, “Le Livre des cronicques de Brabant” (late 15th or early 16th century), in French, with added illustrations (image courtesy Sotheby’s)

Sotheby’s Music, Medieval and Renaissance Manuscripts, and Continental Books sale in London brought in a total of £1,603,000 (~$2,033,000) on December 4. The sale’s top lot, Jean d’Enghien’s “Le Livre des cronicques de Brabant,” in French, late 15th or early 16th century, sold for £187,500 (~$238,000).

Richard P. Feynman, 1965 Nobel Prize Medal in Physics, awarded to Richard Phillips Feynman for his Fundamental Work in Quantum Electrodynamics (image courtesy Sotheby's) — Richard P. Feynman, 1965 Nobel Prize Medal in Physics, awarded to Richard Phillips Feynman for his Fundamental Work in Quantum Electrodynamics (image courtesy Sotheby’s)

Sotheby’s History of Science & Technology, including the Nobel Prize and Papers of Richard P. Feynman sale in New York brought in a total of $4,922,625 on November 30. The sale’s top lot, Richard P. Feynman’s 1965 Nobel Prize medal in physics, awarded to Richard Phillips Feynman for his fundamental work in quantum electrodynamics, sold for $975,000.

The only known documented samples of the moon available for private ownership, soil samples from Luna-16, collected September 1970, three samples of lunar rock from Luna-16, the first automated sample retrieval from the moon, encased under glass within a 2 by 2-inch metal block positioned below an adjustable lens, the whole secured to a 6½ x 3½ inch metal base labeled “ЧАСТИЦЫ ГРУНТА ЛУНЫ-16” [SOIL PARTICLES FROM LUNA-16], central fragment consisting of basalt with feldspar crystals visible, adjoining larger fragments consisting of finely structured vesicular agglutinates, showing glass coatings caused by age-old meteorite impact (image courtesy Sotheby's) — The only known documented samples of the moon available for private ownership, soil samples from Luna-16, collected September 1970, three samples of lunar rock from Luna-16, the first automated sample retrieval from the moon, encased under glass within a 2 x 2-inch metal block positioned below an adjustable lens, the whole secured to a 6½ x 3½ inch metal base labeled “ЧАСТИЦЫ ГРУНТА ЛУНЫ-16” [SOIL PARTICLES FROM LUNA-16], central fragment consisting of basalt with feldspar crystals visible, adjoining larger fragments consisting of finely structured vesicular agglutinates, showing glass coatings caused by age-old meteorite impact (image courtesy Sotheby’s)

Sotheby’s Space Exploration sale in New York brought in a total of $2,506,438 on November 29. The sale’s top lot, the only known documented samples of the moon available for private ownership, soil samples from Luna-16, collected September 1970, sold for $855,000.

Albert Anker, "Fleissig/Appliquée, 1886" (1886), oil on canvas 61.5 x 50 cm (image courtesy Sotheby's) — Albert Anker, “Fleissig/Appliquée, 1886” (1886), oil on canvas, 61.5 x 50 cm (image courtesy Sotheby’s)

Sotheby’s Swiss Art/Swiss Made sale in Zurich brought in a total of 4,980,213 Swiss francs (CHD) (~$4,982,000) on December 4. The sale’s top lot, Albert Anker’s “Fleissig/Appliquée, 1886” (1886), sold for 1,215,000 CHF (~$1,215,000).

Tyeb Mehta, "Durga Mahisasura Mardini" (1993), acrylic on canvas, 58 7/8 x 41 1/4 inches (image courtesy Sotheby's) — Tyeb Mehta, “Durga Mahisasura Mardini” (1993), acrylic on canvas, 58 7/8 x 41 1/4 inches (image courtesy Sotheby’s)

Sotheby’s Boundless: India sale in Mumbai brought in a total of 554,050,000 Indian rupees (INR) (~$7,851,000) on November 29. The sale’s top lot, Tyeb Mehta’s “Durga Mahisasura Mardini” (1993), sold for 4,375,000 INR (~$62,000).

A rare pair of pink-ground famille-rose "Boys and Firecrackers" vases. Shendetang Hall Marks, Qng Dynasty, Daoguang period, each well-potted with an ovoid body rising from a short splayed foot to a tall waisted neck and flaring rim, the neck flanked by a pair of stylized dragon handles with gilt highlights, the exterior of the body enameled with a continuous scene, depicting five boys dressed in lavish winter clothing and lighting firecrackers in a garden laden with ripe fruits and lingzhi, all between a pink-ground and a turquoise-ground ruyi-band, the neck decorated with lotus scrolls and bats against a pink ground, the interior and base enameled turquoise, the base inscribed in iron-red with a four-character Shendetang zhi hall mark, wood stands, 11 3/4 inches (image courtesy Sotheby's) — A rare pair of pink-ground famille-rose “Boys and Firecrackers” vases, Shendetang Hall Marks, Qng Dynasty, Daoguang period, each well-potted with an ovoid body rising from a short splayed foot to a tall waisted neck and flaring rim, the neck flanked by a pair of stylized dragon handles with gilt highlights, the exterior of the body enameled with a continuous scene, depicting five boys dressed in lavish winter clothing and lighting firecrackers in a garden laden with ripe fruits and lingzhi, all between a pink-ground and a turquoise-ground ruyi-band, the neck decorated with lotus scrolls and bats against a pink ground, the interior and base enameled turquoise, the base inscribed in iron-red with a four-character Shendetang zhi hall mark, wood stands, 11 3/4 inches (image courtesy Sotheby’s)

Sotheby’s Chinese Art sale in Hong Kong brought in a total of 71,000,500 HKD (~$9,084,000) on November 29–30. The sale’s top lot, a rare pair of pink-ground famille-rose “Boys and Firecrackers” vases, Shendetang hallmarks, Qing Dynasty, Daoguang period, sold for 4,200,000 HKD (~$537,000).

An important imperial cinnabar lacquer "Dragon" box and cover, incised mark and period of Yongle, 6 1/2 inches (image courtesy Sotheby's) — An important imperial cinnabar lacquer “Dragon” box and cover, incised mark and period of Yongle, 6 1/2 inches (image courtesy Sotheby’s)

Sotheby’s sale of Chinese Works of Art from the Collection of Emil Hultmark in Hong Kong brought in a total of 9,683,750 HKD (~$1,239,000) on November 29. The sale’s top lot, an important imperial cinnabar lacquer “Dragon” box and cover incised mark and period of Yongle, sold for 7,080,000 HKD (~$906,000).

Giorgio Morandi, "Natura Morta" (c. 1923), oil on canvas, 45 x 53 cm (image cpourtesy Christie's) — Giorgio Morandi, “Natura Morta” (c. 1923), oil on canvas, 45 x 53 cm (image courtesy Christie’s)

Sotheby’s Arte Moderna e Contemporanea sale in Milan brought in a total of €12,844,125 (~$14,551,000) on November 28–29. The sale’s top lot, Giorgio Morandi’s “Natura Morta” (c. 1923), sold for €2,169,000 (~$2,457,000).

Sotheby’s Old Masters Day sale in London brought in a total of £4,353,625 (~$5,565,000) on December 6. The sale’s top lot, Jacopo da Ponte and Francesco da Ponte’s “The Gathering of Manna; Abraham and Melchizedek,” sold for £430,000 (~$550,000).

Sotheby’s Old Masters Evening sale in London brought in a total of £30,209,550 (~$38,614,000) on December 5. The sale’s top lot, Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn’s “Study of the Head and Clasped Hands of a Young Man as Christ in Prayer,” sold for £9,480,800 (~$12,118,000).

Theaster Gates, "A Flag for the Least of Them" (2018), decommissioned fire hose, 59 7/8 x 84 5/8 inches (image courtesy Sotheby's) — Theaster Gates, “A Flag for the Least of Them” (2018), decommissioned fire hose, 59 7/8 x 84 5/8 inches (image courtesy Sotheby’s)

Sotheby’s (RED) auction in Miami brought in a total of $5,533,000 on December 5. The sale’s top lot, Theaster Gates’s “A Flag for the Least of Them” (2018), sold for $807,000.

Jean-Paul Riopelle, "Forestine" (1954), oil on canvas, 78 3/4 x 118 1/4 inches (image courtesy Sotheby's) — Jean-Paul Riopelle, “Forestine” (1954), oil on canvas, 78 3/4 x 118 1/4 inches (image courtesy Sotheby’s)

Sotheby’s Art Contemporain Evening sale in Paris brought in a total of €18,075,800 (~$20,561,000) on December 5. The sale’s top lot, Jean-Paul Riopelle’s “Forestine” (1954), sold for €4,328,300 (~$4,923,000).

Andrea Della Robbia, "The Virgin and Child" (c. 1485), blue and white glazed terracotta relief, in a later parcel-gilt wood frame, 18 x 12 inches, 26 1/2 x 19 inches, overall (image courtesy Christie's) — Andrea Della Robbia, “The Virgin and Child” (c. 1485), blue and white glazed terracotta relief, in a later parcel-gilt wood frame, 18 x 12 inches, 26 1/2 x 19 inches, overall (image courtesy Christie’s)

Christie’s sale of European Sculpture & Works of Art in London brought in a total of £1,370,500 (~$1,746,000) on December 4. The sale’s top lot, Andrea Della Robbia’s “The Virgin and Child” (c. 1485), sold for £296,750 (~$378,000).

Lucas van Leyden, "A young man standing," black chalk, watermark pot with two handles, above crown (Piccard-online, no. 31808, etc.), cut out and laid down, framed, 11 x 5 1/8 inches (image courtesy Christie's) — Lucas van Leyden, “A young man standing,” black chalk, watermark pot with two handles, above crown (Piccard-online, no. 31808, etc.), cut out and laid down, framed, 11 x 5 1/8 inches (image courtesy Christie’s)

Christie’s sale of Old Masters/New Scholars: Works of Art Sold to Benefit Rugby School in London brought in a total of £14,794,125 (~$18,852,000) on December 4. The sale’s top lot, Lucas van Leyden’s “A young man standing,” sold for £11,483,750 (~$14,634,000).

An Egyptian quartzite relief, late period, 26th–30th Dynasty (c. 664–332 BCE), 25 1/8 inches (image courtesy Christie's) — An Egyptian quartzite relief, late period, 26th–30th Dynasty (c. 664–332 BCE), 25 1/8 inches (image courtesy Christie’s)

Christie’s sale of Antiquities in London brought in a total of £2,166,125 (~$2,760,000) on December 5. The sale’s top lot, an Egyptian Quartzite Relief, late period, 26th–30th dynasty, circa 664–332 BCE, sold for £344,750 (~$439,000).

Albert Einstein, autograph letter signed (“A. Einstein”) to Eric Gutkind, Princeton, 3 January 1954, in German, two pages, 215 x 280 mm, bearing several autograph emendations, with original transmittal envelope (image courtesy Christie's) — Albert Einstein, autograph letter signed (“A. Einstein”) to Eric Gutkind, Princeton, 3 January 1954, in German, two pages, 215 x 280 mm, bearing several autograph emendations, with original transmittal envelope (image courtesy Christie’s)

Christie’s Albert Einstein: The God Letter sale in New York brought in a total of $2,892,500 on December 4 with Albert Einstein’s autographed letter, signed “A. Einstein,” to Eric Gutkind, Princeton, January 3, 1954.

Declaration of Independence, in Congress, July 4, 1776, The Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen United States of America. [Washington:] W. I. Stone for the Department of State, 4 July 1823 (image courtesy Christie's) — Declaration of Independence, in Congress, July 4, 1776, The Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen United States of America. [Washington:] W. I. Stone for the Department of State, 4 July 1823 (image courtesy Christie’s)

Christie’s sale of Fine Printed Books & Mauscripts Including Americana brought in a total of $5,425,625 on December 4. The sale’s top lot, a previously unrecorded edition of the Official 1823 Stone Printing of the Declaration of Independence with French provenance and in remarkable condition, sold for $852,500.

Zao Wou Ki, "Bonne année" (1953), oil on canvas, 25 5/8 x 39 3/8 inches (image courtesy Christie's) — Zao Wou Ki, “Bonne année” (1953), oil on canvas, 25 5/8 x 39 3/8 inches (image courtesy Christie’s)

Christie’s Post-war and Contemporary Art-vente du soir sale in Paris brought in a total of €15,254,500 (~$17,308,000) on December 4. The sale’s top lot, Zao Wou-Ki’s “Bonne année” (1953), sold for €3,982,500 (~$4,519,000).

Christie’s Old Master Works on Paper: Prints and Drawings for under £5,000 online brought in a total of £275,500 (~$352,000) on November 28–December 6. The sale’s top lot, Italian school, 16th century “Head of a woman” sold for £47,500 (~$61,000).

Christie’s sale of Gold Boxes: An Important Private Collection in London brought in a total of £1,717,750 (~$2,194,000) on December 5. The sale’s top lot, a German gold-mounted jeweled hardstone snuff-box, probably Dresden (c. 1740), sold for £168,750 (~$215,000).

Christie’s sale of Post-war and contemporary art — vente du jour in Paris brought in a total of €8,444,875 (~$9,596,000) on December 5. The sale’s top lot, Günther Förg’s “Sans titre” (2007), sold for €367,500 (~$418,000).