Swann Galleries offered nearly 400 works by some of the twentieth century’s greatest innovators in their May 22 auction of Contemporary Art. Abstract works ruled the day, with only three of the top 20 lots denoting a figural image.

Topping the auction was Barbara Hepworth’s complete portfolio, Opposing Forms, 1969-70. Each of the 12 signed color lithographs features the recognizable “pierced form” style most often seen in her three-dimensional work. The portfolio sold for $40,000, above a high estimate of $30,000.

All 12 works in the auction by 1970s Op Art practitioner Victor Vasarely found buyers. The highlight was the mesmerizing polystyrene multiple Majus II, 1974, which sold to a collector for $13,750, above a high estimate of $8,000. Another polystyrene multiple from the same year, Zoeld (Blue/Green), realized $12,500.

Original works by Paul Sharits performed well, with a set of two of his iconic line drawings inspiring a bidding war, settling at $7,000, above a high estimate of $5,000.

Two original canary-yellow acrylic paintings by Rene Ricard, a protégé of Andy Warhol, far exceeded their high estimates. Tomorrow’s Another Day…, 2011, reached $15,000, above a high estimate of $9,000, while With Lipstick 25¢, 2011, shot up to $23,750 above a high estimate of $10,000.

The sale was notable for several auction records for works by marquee artists. Keith Haring’s portfolio Ludo, 1985, with five color lithographs, sold to a collector for a record $37,500. Another record was achieved for Cicada, 1981, the iconic color lithograph by Jasper Johns, at $36,400, above a high estimate of $22,000. The elegant black and yellow Lithographie 38, 1975, by Pierre Soulages, was another record at $15,000.

Todd Weyman, Vice President of Swann Galleries and Director of Contemporary Art, said of the sale, “The market for contemporary editions and unique works continues to climb at Swann. spanning from mid-century Abstract Expressionism to the current decade, this was one of our more curated auctions in many years. We set a number of records for top artists and saw our biggest jump in new buyers from Europe, Asia and throughout the United States.”

The next fine art auction at Swann Galleries will be American Art on June 14, 2018. The house is currently accepting quality consignments for autumn auctions.