2023 began with a bang at Capsule and Litchfield: in the last two months, we've collectively curated six auctions, each of which brought enthusiastic bidding. See some of the most exciting bids of the year so far, spanning Italian design, Haitian sculpture, and even vintage advertisements.
Mario Bellini, Camaleonda Modular Seating Group Price Realized: $15,625
Mid Century Italian Furniture
The New York Times recently dubbed the seating designed by Italian icons Afra and Tobia Scarpa, Mario Bellini, and Gaetano Pesce "unceasingly popular." As the publication points out, vintage editions of these relaxed and often rotund couches and chairs rarely come up for auction, making Capsule's recent offerings particularly exciting.
Afra and Tobia Scarpa, Model 925 Lounge Chairs, Pair Price Realized: $6,875
At the time of their initial release in the 1960s and 70s, these items seemed aesthetically radical. Today, despite the countless designs they have inspired and the buzz they consistently generate online, manage to feel just as new and unique as they did over 50 years ago.
From left: Chen Ting-Shih, Day and Night #34, Chen Ting-Shih, Untitled (from Day and Night Series)Price Realized (each): $13,750
Chen Ting-Shih
Offered in Capsule's most recent sale, woodcuts by Chen Ting-Shih brought considerable international interest. Spirited phone and internet bidding eventually resulted in the realized prices exceeding more than triple their initial estimates of $2,000-$4,000 each. These works exemplify the artist's unique interpretation of Abstract Expressionism: serene yet dynamic, finding inspiration in natural wonders.
From left: Jasmin Joseph, Hyenas, Realized Price: $40,300; Jasmin Joseph 2 sculptures, Price Realized: $33,800
Haitian Artists
Work by Haitian artists Jasmin Joseph and Georges Liautaud proved to be highlights in Litchfield's recent Winter Design sale. The primary focus of his early career, Joseph's sculptural work seeks to deliver moral messages through animal forms in the manner of Haitian folklore. Art historian Gerard Alexis once said, "while art should no doubt not be moralizing, an exception should be made for the lessons given by Jasmin Joseph." Pictured above, the stunning works included in last week's sale managed to bring over ten times their estimates.
From left: Georges Liautaud, Mermaid, Price Realized: $7,475; Georges Liautaud, Seven Figures, Price Realized: $8,125
Liautaud's pieces also surpassed expectations, each selling for nearly eight times their original estimates. The self-taught sculptor's metal forms, often made from found materials such as empty oil drums, can be found in the permanent collections of prominent institutions around the world, such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
7 Vintage Automotive Tin & Metal Advertisements, Price Realized: $4,550
The Seymour Stein Collection
2022 saw enthusiastic interest for objects of all kinds from the collection of music executive Seymour Stein: if Litchfield's recent single-owner sale, The Collection of Seymour Stein, is any indication, 2023 will follow suit. Highlights from the January auction include a remarkable bronze Tiffany lamp, model airplanes, and groups of vintage advertisements. The lot pictured above brought over ten times its original estimate of $200-$400.
From left: Mathias Goeritz, Estrella, Price Realized: $6,563 ; Mathias Goeritz, Los Amantes del Alma, Price Realized: $18,125; Mathias Goeritz, UntitledPrice Realized: $4,250
The Graciela Kartofel Collection
Works from the collection of art historian Graciela Kartofel made for some of the most exciting bids of Capsule's more, more, more! sale. Mathias Goeritz's Los Amantes del Alma took the top lot slot, realizing $18,125. Benjamin Dominguez's Untitled (Four Figures) as well as collages and sculptural pieces by Rodolfo Morales also brought considerable interest. Additional artworks from Dr. Kartofel's vast collection will continue to sell at Capsule over the course of the year.
