Results: Christies NY Important 20th Century Decorative Arts and Design Sale

On Tuesday Christie's New York held its Important 20th Century Decorative Arts and Design Sale. This is a market segment which has recently seen stong acceptance and substantial growth. The sale offered 102 lots with 76 selling for a 75% sell through rate. The sale totaled $1.4 million with the top lot being FRANCOIS-XAVIER LALANNE (1927-2008) 'Guépard, Tête de Côté' A Patinated Bronze Cheetah, 1995 number 2 from an edition of 8 plus 4 artist's proofs selling for $74,500.00 including buyers premium (pre sale estimate $80,000.00 to $120,00.00).

The sale was also notable from the inclusion of several items from the old Chicago Stock Exchange building, built in 1894 and torn down in 1972. It was one of the earliest skyscrapers on the Chicago loop. A Stenciled Frieze Panel from the Trading Room of the Chicago Stock Exchange, circa 1893 on canvas, executed by Healey and Milletsold for $25,000.00 including buyers premium against an estimate of $20,000.00 to $30,000.00 (see image).

Christie's representative Philippe Garner, International Head of 20th Century Decorative Art and Design stated “A solid result that confirmed the constancy of international players in this field with particularly heated competition for works that represented unique opportunity,
notably the architectural elements by Dankmar Adler, Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright, which were 100% sold. We look forward to our next sale in New York in December.”

Not really a glowing account, as Christies looks forward to the next 20th century decorative art and design sale in December. Perhaps 20th century design is starting to cool a bit, or perhaps the sale was not populated with strong merchandise,