Historically Significant Hartshorne Collection of Works by Mary Cassatt Leads Christie's Prints Sale Christie’s is pleased to announce the sale of a
distinguished collection of rare works, A Mary Cassatt Collection : Prints and Drawings from the Descendants of Robert Hartshorne
is Edward Munch’s The Sick Child I (estimate: $200,000-300,000).
One of his more famous images, Munch created this and several related works in response
to his sister’s untimely death. The lot on offer is one of several experimental color
combinations he famously created during an energetic printing session with the renowned
Parisian lithographer Clot.
Jean Dubuffet’s Nez Carotte (estimate: $100,000-150,000), a duplicate from the collection of
the Museum of Modern Art, is a humorous highlight of the sale. Dubuffet was among the
first to champion a new ‘naïve’ aesthetic in twentieth-century art, evident in the delightful
clown-like subject of this piece. With an interesting combination of textures, colors and
forms, Nez Carotte has become an iconic image and an outstanding example of Dubuffet’s
ingenuity and originality. His natural and untutored style of expression is equally visible in
Personnage au Costume Rouge (estimate: $40,000-50,000), also featured in the sale.
Also in the sale is a rare complete set of 12 lithographs in colors, text in French, portfolio
case, title page, and justification of Chagall’s so-called Jerusaleum Windows (estimate: $120,000-
180,000), after his stained glass windows for the synagogue of Israel’s first hospital.
Portraying a decisive moment in the Hebrew Bible, the set depicts Jacob – the founder of
the Jewish nation – as he blesses each of his twelve sons as individual tribes and unites them
as Israel. Both an artistic and historic masterpiece, the images reveal how very much alive
the Bible was for Chagall, “at one moment [it is] history, or it’s a novel, or sometimes pure
poetry.”
Always a show-stopper, Warhol’s 25 Cats Named Sam and One Blue Pussy (estimate: $80,000-
120,000) from the estate of Paul Cadmus is another lively feature of the sale. This complete
set of offset lithographs was most likely hand-colored by guests and friends during one of
Warhol’s infamous ‘color parties.’ The charming set of whimsical cats is dedicated by
Warhol to Cadmus on the cover and also includes a dedication by Cadmus to Jon Anderson
with an accompanying letter.
Auction: A Mary Cassatt Collection: Prints and Drawings October 30
from the Descendants of Robert Hartshorne
Prints and Multiples October 30-31
Viewing: Christie’s Rockefeller Galleries October 26- 29
About Christie’s
Christie’s is the world's leading art business with global auction sales in 2006 that totalled £2.51
billion / $4.67 billion. Worldwide sales for the first half of 2007 totalled £1.63 billion / $3.25 billion,
an increase of 32% by £ and 45% by $ from the same period last year and highest half year sales ever
in art market history. Christie’s is a name and place that speaks of extraordinary art, unparalleled
service, and international glamour. Founded in 1766 by James Christie, Christie's conducted the
greatest auctions of the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, and today remains a popular showcase for the
unique and the beautiful. Christie’s offers over 600 sales annually in over 80 categories, including all
areas of fine and decorative arts, jewellery, photographs, collectibles, wine, and more. Prices range
from
