A rare sculpture by British artist Barbara Hepworth (1903-1975) caught the attention of buyers from this continent and abroad at 333 Auctions October 1 and 2.

The brass and string sculpture on wooden plinth was titled “Stringed Figure (Curlew) Version I,” 1956 and was estimated at $50/80,000. It measured 181/2 by 22 by 20 inches and was numbered 7 of 9.

With four overseas bidders on the line and several dealers and collectors in the gallery, the piece was subjected to a bout of active bidding, with the lot realizing $176,250 from an English telephone bidder. A complete review of the auction will appear in a future issue.

-DSS