Clyfford Still Fetches Record $61.7 Million for Denver Museum
November 10, 2011, 8:47 PM ESTBy Katya Kazakina and Philip Boroff
Nov. 9 (Bloomberg) -- An abstract painting by Clyfford Still fetched $61.7 million at Sotheby’s in New York tonight, an auction record for the reclusive artist who died in 1980.
The painting, “1949-A-No. 1,” shattered the previous record of $21.3 million, achieved at a Christie’s International sale in 2006. The work was one of four Stills consigned by the City of Denver to raise money for the endowment of the Clyfford Still Museum, which opens in Denver next week.
Together, the four canvases tallied $114.1 million, above Sotheby’s high estimate of $71.5 million. Three of the works were completed in the 1940s and one in 1976. The top lot of the group, in deep reds and velvety blacks, more than doubled its presale low estimate of $25 million.
During his life, Still sold very little and frequently rejected exhibition opportunities. His will stipulated that the estate be given in its entirety to a U.S. city willing to establish a permanent museum housing his work alone.
Sotheby’s 15 percent selling commission cannot exceed $15 million, according to its contract with the City of Denver.
Sotheby’s evening sale is continuing.
--Editors: Adam Majendie, Lars Klemming.
To contact the reporter of this story: Katya Kazakina in New York at kkazakina@bloomberg.net; Philip Boroff in New York at pboroff@bloomberg.net.
To contact the editor responsible for this story: Manuela Hoelterhoff at mhoelterhoff@bloomberg.net.
