Freeman’s Post War and Contemporary Sale in New York Achieves Over $2.1 Million
Freeman’s Post War and Contemporary Art sale, held in New York on Friday, the 14th, realized $2,149,700 (hammer + BP) and posted an 80% sell-through rate.
The auction welcomed buyers from Belgium, Canada, France, Great Britain, Italy, Morocco, and the United States, underscoring sustained international interest in Freeman’s Post-War and Contemporary offerings. 22% of participants were new buyers, contributing to strong engagement throughout the sale.
Top results were led by Mickalene Thomas’ The Inversion of Racquel #2 (2021) (Lot 20), which sold for $254,500, and Sam Gilliam’s Dorothy’s Mondays (1977) (Lot 45), a vibrant example from the artist’s post-stain period, which surpassed its $100,000–150,000 estimate to reach $197,350. Also performing well was Fritz Scholder’s Insane Indian no. 25 (1972) (Lot 22), a striking work by the influential Luiseño artist, which sold for $152,900 against a $100,000–200,000 estimate. Rounding out the sale’s leading lots, Alex Katz’s Portrait of Al Held (1963) (Lot 24) achieved $152,900, reflecting continued demand for early figurative works by the American master.
Zack Wirsum, Senior Vice President, Head of Department, Post War & Contemporary Art, reflects on his impressions of the sale. “It was both fitting and rewarding to observe, during our first Post War & Contemporary Art auction as the renewed Freeman’s, that first-time bidders were highly engaged, with the top three lots all purchased by discerning buyers new to the Freeman’s family.”
Additional Successes
· Lot 5 | Charline von Heyl (German, b. 1960) | Untitled, 2007 | Sold for $127,500
· Lot 40 | Bernar Venet (French, b. 1941) | Two Arcs of 236.5° Each, 1988 | Sold for $127,500
· Lot 29 | Dame Elisabeth Frink, R.A. (British, 1930-1993) | Wild Boar, 1957 | Sold for $108,450
· Lot 2 | Ken Price (American, 1935-2012) | Boo, 2007 | Sold for $83,050
· Lot 41 | Alexander Calder (American, 1898-1976) | Untitled, 1970 | Sold for $70,350
· Lot 31 | Fritz Scholder (Luiseño, 1937-2005) | Half Breed, 1977 | Sold for $60,800
· Lot 23 | Fritz Scholder (Luiseño, 1937-2005) | Indian on Blue, c. 1979 | Sold for $54,400
· Lot 50 | Andy Warhol (American, 1928-1987) | Black Bean Soup (from Campbell's Soup I), 1968 | Sold for $54,400
About Freeman’s
Freeman’s is a premier American auction house offering services in multiple categories including fine art, jewelry, design, books and manuscripts, furniture, decorative arts, antiquities, couture, and Asian works of art. With 16 regional locations nationwide, the firm provides auctions, appraisals, private sales, and art advisory services, connecting clients to the global art market. Freeman’s strives to bring art, history, and design to life by connecting people with extraordinary objects through exceptional service and expertise.