Macklowe Collection Sale Results
Article by Robert Rizzo
05.25.2022
(Image Credit: Sotheby’s New York/Macklowe Collection)
At Sotheby’s New York, bidders from across the world were on scene to experience the sale of the phenomenal Macklowe Collection. With 65 total pieces, the set included masterworks from the most established modern and contemporary artists such as Andy Warhol, Mark Rothko, Alberto Giacometti, Jeff Koons, and much more notorious names. In two auctions, one in November of 2021 and the other taking place last week on Monday May 16th, the art and antiques industries were put on notice for the Macklowe Collection. The two white-glove sales totaled an overall $922.2 million. With that being said, these breathtaking pieces of work resulted in the most valuable collection ever sold at auction.
“The record-setting sale of the Macklowe Collection represents a landmark and historic event in the art market, and we are delighted to deliver such an outstanding result, testament to the quality of the collection assembled over several decades of dedicated pursuit.” – Charles F. Stewart, Sotheby’s Chief Executive Officer The anticipation for this historic night was nothing less than sensational. Besides the lucrative summed amounts, the competitive instincts coming out of each and every bidder during auctions were exhilarating for any spectator, whether in person or online. Thanks to Sotheby’s New York on Youtube, the site provided us with a live stream of the auction. Below you can watch the exciting sale. Link to Auction Live Stream: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TM-Jhb9wmIY
(Image Credit: Sotheby’s New York/Macklowe Collection)
In the weeks leading up to the auction occuring, Eleanaor Nairne, Artist Director and Curator at the Barbican Art Gallery, gave us an inside glimpse of what was to come in the second white-glove sale including Self-Portrait (Andy Warhol), Plastic-Wannen (Plastic Tubs) (Sigmar Polke), Untitled (Mark Rothko).
In my recent article of the Macklowe Collection on AntiqueHelp.com, I provided Nairne’s observations on the pieces as well as my own thoughts. Provided below is a link to the Macklowe Collection article: https://antiquehelp.com/2022/05/15/macklowe-collection/
The precision and range of calling the historic auction cannot go unnoticed. Auctioneer Oliver Barker made the night as on tune as possible, with each and every bidder placing their call in. I, for one, was mesmerized by the organizational yet dramatic feel with the rampant bidding along with the constant back and forth dialogue within the auction room.
At the conclusion of the $246.1 million white-glove sale, Barker stated: “The results in some ways speak for themselves but are also a reflection of the extraordinary care, attention, and connoisseurship with which the Macklowe Collection was assembled.”
(Image Credit: Sotheby’s New York/Macklowe Collection)
Second Macklowe Collection Auction
May 16th, 2022
Following 30 Pieces Auctioned
Totaled to $246.1 million
Andy Warhol, Self-Portrait, 1986.
(Sold for $18,708,500)
(Image Credit: Sotheby’s New York/Macklowe Collection)
Sigmar Polke, Plastic-Wannen (Plastic Tubs),
1964.
(Sold for $6,184,400)
(Image Credit: Sotheby’s New York/Macklowe Collection)
Jeff Koons, New Hoover Convertibles, New Shelton Wet/Dry 10 Gallon Doubledecker,
1981-1986.
(Sold for $4,406,000)
(Image Credit: Sotheby’s New York/Macklowe Collection)
Mark Rothko, Untitled, 1960.
(Sold for $48,008,000)
(Image Credit: Sotheby’s New York/Macklowe Collection)
Gerhard Richter, Seestück (Seascape), 1975.
(Sold for $30,198,500)
(Image Credit: Sotheby’s New York/Macklowe Collection)
First Macklowe Collection Auction
November 15th, 2021
First 35 of the 65 Pieces
Auctioned
Totaled to $676.1 million (Auction house record)
(Image Credit: Sotheby’s New York/Macklowe Collection)
Jackson Pollock, Number 17,
1951.
(Sold for $61,161,000) – Established New Artist Record*
(Image Credit: Sotheby’s New York/Macklowe Collection)
Cy Twombly, Untitled,
2007.
(Sold for $58,863,000)
(Image Credit: Sotheby’s New York/Macklowe Collection)
