Masterpiece by Mark Rothko and Stunning Portrait By Pablo Picasso to be Offered by Sotheby's New York in November 2012
Sotheby’s is pleased to announce two important highlights of the upcoming season in New York – No.1 (Royal Red and Blue), a seminal, large-scale masterpiece by Mark Rothko, which will be offered on the evening of 13 November, and Femme à la fenêtre (Marie-Thérèse), an exuberant example of Pablo Picasso’s acclaimed and sought-after portraits of his lover Marie-Thérèse Walter, which will be offered on the evening of 5 November.
Contemporary Art Evening Sale - 13 November 2012
Mark Rothko’s No.1 (Royal Red and Blue) was painted in 1954, a time considered by many to be the zenith of the artist's creative powers. The majestic canvas was one of eight works hand-selected by Rothko for his landmark solo show of the same year at the Art Institute of Chicago. Measuring 113¾ x 67½ in (288.9 x 171.5 cm), No.1 (Royal Red and Blue) has remained in the same collection for 30 years and is estimated to sell for $35/50 million. The canvas will be on view in New York beginning 1 November.
Impressionist & Modern Art Evening Sale - 5 November 2012
Femme à la fenêtre (Marie-Thérèse) bears all the hallmarks of the artist’s sumptuous depictions of the young woman, while its sharp color palette and boldness of form distinguish it within the famed series. This singular style may reflect what was an intense period in Picasso’s personal life: painted in the spring of 1936, the work followed the birth of his daughter Maya the previous fall with Marie-Thérèse, as well as his separation from his wife Olga and the beginnings of a passionate affair with another important muse, Dora Maar. The work carries a pre-sale estimate of $15/20 million, and will be on view in Hong Kong from 4 – 7 October and in London from 10 – 16 October before returning to New York for exhibition beginning 1 November.
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