Specialists’ Picks: First Open/ONLINE
Specialist and Head of Sale Amelia Manderscheid discusses three works from the First Open/ONLINE auction, taking place 16-28 July
Robert Arneson‘s Trophy Bust 'Self Portrait'
PROPERTY SOLD TO BENEFIT THE DAVIS ARTS CENTER. Robert Arneson (1930–1992), Trophy Bust "Self Portrait", glazed ceramic; Executed in 1984. Estimate: $15,000 – 20,000. © Estate of Robert Arneson/Licensed by VAGA, New York, NY.
Known for his irreverent historical works and self-portraits, this Californian sculptor is synonymous with Bay Area funk art. Trophy Bust 'Self Portrait' depicts the artist himself in the style of a neoclassical bust. Partly an investigation of his own identity as an artist within the larger narrative of art history, it is also more soberly a confrontation with his own mortality, as the artist was diagnosed with liver cancer in the early 1980s and eventually passed away from the disease. This particular sculpture is part of a special selection of five works sold to benefit the Davis Arts Center. Arneson had strong ties to Davis as both an artist and teacher — he taught at UC Davis for 29 years starting in 1962 and was a pioneer in the ceramic movement in the area.
Gerhard Richter’s Bouquet (P3)
Gerhard Richter (B. 1932), Bouquet (P3), Diasec mounted c-print; Executed in 2014. Estimate: $6,000 – 8,000
Without knowing the title, it would be difficult to decipher the subject matter of this work by Gerhard Richter—a bouquet of pink, orange and red flowers with green stems underneath squeegeed layers of paint. In fact, this Diasec mounted chromogenic print is one of the most abstract of Richter’s “flower” paintings derived from photographs. This editioned work—authorized by Gerhard Richter and created by the Fondation Beyeler—is part of a series of eleven extremely high quality prints.
Ed Moses (B. 1926), Redelf, acrylic on canvas; Painted in 2013. Estimate: $10,000 – $15,000
Moses has been a significant figure in contemporary art in Los Angeles since his first exhibition at Ferus Gallery in 1958. Since that time, he has constantly experimented with process and materials, resulting in works like this 'cross-hatched' abstract composition of interwoven brushstrokes. This painting is part of a group of 17 works sold to benefit the Art of Elysium — a non-profit organization that works to make art a catalyst for social change by bringing creativity and inspiration to children, artists and various populations in need, primarily by providing workshops in the arts.
To learn more about our summer sales of Prints and Post-War and Contemporary Art, visit At First Sight or bid online at our online auction, First Open/ONLINE through July 28.