Phillips’ June Editions Sale Brings Together Works Spanning the Century

Auction on 21 June in New York to Feature Original Modern and Contemporary Prints, Multiples and Works on Paper by Alex Katz, Alexander Calder, Tom Wesselmann, Françoise Gilot, and Henri Matisse

NEW YORK – 12 JUNE 2023 – Phillips’ June Edition auction in New York will feature over 130 lots with a mixture of modern and contemporary works, rounding out the Editions season for the department. The public exhibition will take place at 432 Park Avenue starting 15 June, with the live auction commencing at 10am on 21 June. Highlights of the sale include a selection of 25 prints by Alexander Calder and contemporary works from Jean-Michel Basquiat, Richard Serra, Vija Celmins, Faith Ringgold, Damien Hirst, Jeff Koons, and more.

Kelly Troester and Cary Leibowitz, Deputy Chairmen and Co-Heads of Editions, said, “We are delighted to close out the Spring season at Phillips, one of our most successful to date, with such a wonderful summertime selection in our June auction. From Henri Matisse’s Nude Sitting in a Floral Decorated Armchair of 1924 to the After Jean-Michel Basquiat Flexible from 2016, the sale offers a breadth of prints and multiples for collectors of all levels and interests, bringing together exceptional examples that span a century of artistic output.”

Known for his use of vibrant primary color and geometric compositions, Alexander Calder shows his depth of printmaking through the prints on offer in the June Auction. The selection of 25 prints from private collections opens the sale, beginning with rare, early lithographs from the 1960s and etchings spanning to 1975.  These prints draw on the formal elements familiar to Calder’s oeuvre whose dynamism delights the eye. Not just limited to abstracted forms, Calder shows his sense of whimsy with animals moving across the picture plane, along with his collaboration with contemporary creatives and politicians.

Following the recent passing of Françoise Gilot, Phillips is honored to offer Young Girl and Pelican, 1987.A print rich in color and texture, it hails from the collection of William (Bill) Snyder, a friend of the French painter and her husband at the time, Dr. Jonas Salk. After marrying in 1970, Salk and Gilot eventually settled in the same idyllic seaside neighborhood as Synder, and the three became good friends. It was through this friendship with Salk and Gilot that Snyder acquired paintings and works on paper by the artist. This monotype with extensive hand-coloring perfectly encapsulates the windswept beaches of La Jolla, California where Gilot worked at the time.

Phillips

Phillips is the destination for international collectors to buy and sell the world’s most important twentieth-century and contemporary works of art, design, jewels, watches, photographs and editions. By focusing specifically on the defining aesthetic movements of the last century, we have set ourselves apart as the most dynamic and forward-thinking auction house in the world. Our global presence, seasoned expertise and individualized client service lead collectors to seek our guidance on market trends and insights. The Phillips team is comprised of specialists from auction houses, museums, galleries and other leading arts institutions. In addition to conducting auctions in our New York, London, Hong Kong and Geneva salerooms, we hold private sales and curated selling exhibitions around the world. Outside of the opportunities we provide to consign or buy through auctions and private sales, we consult with museums, advise private estates and corporate clients and offer appraisals, valuations and other financial services.