Clarke Auction will offer several monumentally important works of fine art, sculpture, and modern design on September 13th.

The most anticipated lots in the sale are both bronze sculptures by renowned and important artists of their time. In 20th century design, the featured artwork is an 11 foot high bronze on steel screen sculpture by Harry Bertoia. The Bertoia sculpture was created as one of set of matching double-sided screen panels under the commission of Florence Knoll for the First National Bank of Miami, Florida in 1956. The sculptures are well documented in a number of scholarly books and articles, including The Life and Work of Harry Bertoia by Cecilia Bertoia. Clarke will offer the sculpture at a conservative $80,000/$120,000.  

A more contemporary bronze may be the feature lot of the sale in general. Taiwanese artist, Ju Ming’s Tai Chi series bronze, dated 1984, is smaller in scale than the Bertoia, but commands a powerful presence in its own right. The abstract bronze sculpture depicts a figure practicing Tai Chi which, according to the artist in early interviews, was never before represented sculpturally until this series. The specific example offered by Clarke is from a low edition of 4. The Ju Ming sculpture will also be auctioned at an $80,000/$120,000 estimate, but is anticipated to perform beyond the estimate.

Outside of the impressive sculpture selection, a number of exceptional original works of art will be available on September 13th. There will be two Old Master’s oil on canvas paintings with $4,000/$6,000 estimates. The first is a large work after Davidsz de Heem, and the other depicts a classical figural scene of Mercury and Argus. An incredible 1968 Isaac Holtz entitled “Sukkoth” hosts a $10,000/$15,000 estimate. The Holtz will be followed by respectably sized 1987 Susan Rothenberg entitled “Orange Flash Juggler” offered at $60,000/$80,000, as well as a $12,000/$18,000 ilfochrome print entitled “The Green Room” by Loretta Lux.

The art selection will be bracketed by an important and fine quality assortment of estate-fresh African American art which will include artists like Russ Thompson who created a mixed media piece estimated at $3,000/$5,000 in the September 13th sale. Another incredible addition to the African-American art selection is the symbolic acrylic and copper penny on paper by Michael Ray Charles entitled “Forever Free (UsnBA Choice Pick).” The Charles will be estimated at $6,000/$9,000 and is a favorite to perform highly in the selection on September 13th.

20th century design selection will also feature some of the best design pieces of the year including a selection of French Deco including a Louis Marjorelle Palisander Desk, estimated $8,000/$12,000 and other design pieces by Roger-Rene Lanault and Jules Lelu. Midcentury design will include a Hans Wegner Flag Halyard Chair, estimated $8,000/$12,000, a Poul Kjaerholm stool ($2,000/$3,000), a pair of woven front Edward Wormley for Dunbar chests ($3,000/$5,000), and a Jaime Tressera “Casablanca” lounge chair and ottoman ($3,000/$5,000). Other design pieces will be featured later in the sale, including a set of 6 Gio Ponti “Leggera” chairs ($3,000/$4,000), a Hans Wegner “Papa Bear” chair ($5,000/$7,000), a Tommi Parzinger Chandelier ($4,000/$6,000), and pieces by Harvey Probber, Bertha Schaefer, Roche Bobois, Danish modern, American, Italian and much more.

Jewelry will also be a category to watch and will include pieces of citrine, 24kt gold, jade, Buccellati, Albion, diamonds, white gold, platinum, rings, necklaces, unique designer works and sterling silver.

Asian works of art and objects, antiques, and collectibles will also be offered in the over 400 lots available for September 13th.

In-house previews will be held on Friday & Saturday, September 11th & 12th from 12pm to 6pm EST. The previews will continue on the day of the sale, Sunday, September 13th from 10am to the start of the sale at 12pm. For more information on individual lots, and to register to bid, please call the gallery at 914-833-8336 or email info@clarkeny.com.