That the painting broke through the $100,000 mark came as no surprise. Works by Calder are highly collectible and in constant demand. He is best known for his kinetic abstract mobiles and floor pieces, but was also an adept painter, working in watercolor, oil and gouache. Bosbies & Uniforms, typical of Calder’s style, was the top lot in an auction that grossed about $2 million.
“Obviously we were thrilled with what the Calder piece sold for, but the fact is the whole sale was strong across the board and across all categories,” said Matt Cottone of Cottone Auctions.
Following are additional highlights from the auction. All prices quoted include a 15 percent buyer’s premium.
A wonderful example of Modern Design artwork by the Spanish-born master Pablo Picasso (1881-1973), a rendering on a plate titled Woman’s Face (below), with two stamps on the underside for “Madura Plein Feu” and “D’Apres Picasso,” sold for $25,300.