Works from the Collection of Founder of New York’s Chiron Press Feature in Contemporary Art at Swann

New York—Contemporary Art is at Swann Galleries on Thursday, November 19 offering a selection of works on paper and multiples from the mid-twentieth century through the present.

Featured in the sale is a stellar collection of works from the late Stephen Poleskie, professor emeritus of art, Cornell University, and founder of Chiron Press, New York’s first fine art screenprinting studio, inaugurated in 1963 on East 11th Street in Lower Manhattan. Among the works in the Stephen Poleskie/Chiron Press Collection are paintings by Alex Katz, Rowboat, oil on paper, 1966 ($50,000-80,000), and Katz’s Maine Landscape, oil on wood panel, circa 1965 ($30,000-50,000); preparatory drawings and screenprints by Roy Lichtenstein for several Chiron Press editions, Brushstroke, color screenprint, 1965 ($20,000-30,000), Lincoln Center Poster, felt-tip pen and black ink, 1966 ($30,000-50,000), and Paris Review Poster, felt-tip pen and black ink, 1966 ($30,000-50,000), among others; multiples and drawings by Robert Indiana and additional works by Robert Rauschenberg, Ellsworth Kelly and Andy Warhol.

Abstract Expressionism features in the sale with works by Louise Nevelson from the collection of Albert Argentieri, a friend of the artist. Notable lots include Trees, aquatint and etching with hand coloring, circa 1955 ($3,000-5,000); The Silent One, etching, 1953–55 ($1,500-2,500); and a run of drawings. Other Abstract Expressionist works featured: Helen Frankenthaler’s Hermes, color Mixografia, 1989 ($40,000-60,000), and Spring Run XVI, color monotype, 1996 ($30,000-50,000); Joan Mitchell’s Champs (Grey), color lithograph, 1991 ($1,500-2,500); and Lee Krasner’s 1969 color lithographs Special Gold and Special Blue ($3,000-5,000, apiece). Works by Pierre Soulages, Zao Wou-ki, and European Abstract artists are also well represented.

Pop Art, Color Theory and Minimalism all feature throughout the sale. Highlights include Andy Warhol’s Consommé (Beef), a 1968 color screenprint of the artist’s iconic Campbell’s soup can ($30,000-50,000), and Liz, a 1964 color offset lithograph portrait of Elizabeth Taylor ($15,000-20,000). Color Theory is seen in a 1975 acrylic on paper monochromatic abstraction by Robert Motherwell ($40,000-60,000); while Minimalism is represented by a 1977 watercolor example of Agnes Martin’s grids ($50,000-80,000), and Dorothea Rockburne’s Locus, 1972, portfolio, offered as a complete set for the first time in 20 years ($10,000-15,000).

Additional works of note include Mel Bochner’s Irascible, oil on black velvet, 2006 ($50,000-80,000), and a 1960 color oil stick and gouache work by Peter Saul ($50,000-80,000), along with a substantial number of works by Alexander Calder, Jasper Johns and Robert Rauschenberg.

Limited previewing (by appointment only) will be available through November 18, to be scheduled directly with a specialist in advance and conforming to strict safety guidelines. Swann Galleries staff will prepare condition reports and provide additional photographs of material on request. Advance order bids can be placed with a specialist for the sale or on Swann’s website, and phone bidding will be available. Live online bidding platforms will be the Swann Galleries App, Invaluable, and Live Auctioneers. The complete catalogue and bidding information is available at www.swanngalleries.com and on the Swann Galleries App.

Additional highlights can be found here.

Captions:

Lot 227: Alex Katz, Rowboat, oil, color pencil and pencil on paper, 1966. From the Collection of Stephen Poleskie, Chiron Press, New York. Estimate $50,000 to $80,000. 

Lot 57: Helen Frankenthaler, Hermes, color Mixografia, 1989. Estimate $40,000 to $60,000.

Auction date: Thursday, November 19, at 10:30 am

Specialist: Todd Weyman • [email protected] • 212-254-4710 x 32

Chief Marketing Officer: Alexandra Nelson • [email protected] • 212-254-4710 x 19

Public Relations Associate: Kelsie Jankowski • [email protected] • 212-254-4710 x 23

Social media: @swanngalleries  

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PRINTED CATALOGUE & ADDL. DIGITAL IMAGES AVAILABLE ON REQUEST

Swann Auction Galleries is a third-generation family business as well as the world’s largest auction house for works on paper. In the last 75 years, Swann has repeatedly revolutionized the trade with such innovations as the first U.S. auction dedicated to photographs and the world’s only department of African-American Fine Art. More than 30 auctions and previews are held annually in Swann Galleries’ two-floor exhibition space in Midtown Manhattan, and online worldwide. Visit swanngalleries.com for more information.