What's Happening?
Christie's is set to auction a rare wooden mobile by Alexander Calder, titled 'Painted Wood' from 1943, during its 20th Century Evening Sale next month. The mobile, which is the largest and most significant
of Calder's wooden Constellation mobiles, carries an estimated value between $15 million and $20 million, marking Calder's highest-ever auction estimate. The piece is being offered from the collection of Patricia Phelps de Cisneros, a notable collector of Latin American art. This mobile was previously featured in Calder's 1943 retrospective at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, a landmark exhibition that established Calder as a prominent artist. The current auction record for Calder's work was set in 2020 when a later mobile sold for $15.6 million at Sotheby's New York.
Why It's Important?
The auction of Calder's 'Painted Wood' mobile is significant as it highlights the enduring value and interest in Calder's work within the art market. With an estimated value that could break Calder's previous auction record, this sale underscores the increasing demand for high-profile art pieces and the willingness of collectors to invest substantial sums in iconic works. The provenance of the mobile, having been part of Calder's influential MoMA retrospective, adds historical importance and appeal to potential buyers. This event also reflects the broader trend of rising art market values, driven by collectors' interest in acquiring pieces with strong historical and cultural significance.
What's Next?
If 'Painted Wood' achieves its estimated value, it could set a new auction record for Calder's work, further elevating his status in the art world. The outcome of this auction may influence future sales of Calder's pieces, potentially increasing their market value. Additionally, the sale could impact the strategies of auction houses, encouraging them to seek out and promote works with significant provenance and historical importance. Collectors and art institutions may also respond by reassessing the value and significance of Calder's work within their collections.
Beyond the Headlines
The auction of Calder's mobile not only highlights the financial aspects of the art market but also raises questions about the cultural and historical valuation of art. As Calder's work continues to be celebrated in exhibitions, such as the Whitney Museum's centennial show of Calder's Circus, the auction serves as a reminder of the artist's lasting impact on modern art. It also prompts discussions about the role of provenance in determining the value of art pieces and how historical exhibitions contribute to an artist's legacy.
