The star jewelry item in the sale was this GIA-certified 4.02-carat pear-shaped diamond and platinum engagement ring, which went out at $53,400.
Review by W.A. Demers
DANIA BEACH, FLA. — Among 14 of David Gerstein’s (Israeli, b 1944) limited edition three-layer wall art featuring painted metal figural sculpture, a clutch of marathon runners sold online for $3,276 at Kodner Galleries’ October 16 auction. The piece was artist-signed and numbered 113/150; it measured 35½ inches high. According to the artist biography on Invaluable, Gerstein is one of Israel’s most revered artists. These sculptures were purchased in Israel directly from Gerstein from the consignor, a local Dania Beach private collector, according to Kevin Taylor, Kodner’s general manager. Born in Jerusalem, Gerstein developed his artistic skills at the Ecole Superieure des Beaux Arts in Paris, the Arts Students League in New York and St Martin’s School of Art in London. He likes to create prints and sculptures that range from a vanguard of cyclists to flowers to abstract pieces. What is chief in all of them are bright colors and a sense of energetic movement.
The sale totaled approximately $275,000 on 315 lots.
These marathon runners in miniature were colorful and exhibited high energy in David Gerstein’s limited edition three-layer wall art featuring a painted metal figural sculpture. Crossing the finish line at $3,276, the piece was artist-signed, numbered 113/150 and measured 35½ inches high.
More Modern art came to the fore with an “Agamograph” kinetic optic diptych serigraph by Yaacov Agam, (Israeli/American, b 1928), which realized $3,780. Agam is known for his three-dimensional paintings and sculptures and often incorporates light, sound and viewer participation into his work.
American artist Andy Warhol (1928-1987) was represented by “Flowers,” which depicted white flowers in a black vase. The hand-colored screen print, framed under glass, was signed by Warhol in the bottom right-hand corner. A gallery label was affixed to the back, and the image, excluding the frame, measured 40 by 26½ inches. From the estate of Jacqueline Kott, Miami, Fla., it found a buyer for $5,670.
Fetching $3,528 was Dennis A. Oppenheim’s (American, b 1938) mixed media on paper, “Second Sight for a Staircase, 1980-1981.” Oppenheim was a conceptual artist, given to performance, sculpting and photography. This enigmatic piece was signed in pencil “Dennis Oppenheim,” dated 1981 and measured 38 by 50 inches.
Dennis A. Oppenheim is known for his enigmatic, conceptual works. This mixed media on paper, “Second Sight for a Staircase, 1980-1981,” was dated 1981 and signed in pencil by the artist garnered $3,528. It measured 38 by 50 inches
The star item in the sale was a GIA-certified 4.02-carat pear-shaped diamond and platinum engagement ring, which will grace another hand at $53,400. Also in the jewelry winner’s circle was a 2-carat sapphire, 10.5-carat diamond and 18K gold bracelet going out at $10,285.
Estate sterling silver flatware continues to be an auction staple, and this sale was no exception. A Gorham King Edward sterling silver flatware set comprising 160 pieces and a case sold for $4,598. The total weight (excluding the dinner knives) was 159.5 troy ounces.
Prices given include the buyer’s premium as stated by the auction house. Kodner hasan important sale scheduled for December 4, said Taylor, featuring blue-chip names in jewelry and watches. The star will be a 21.9-carat Graff diamond. For information, www.kodner.com or 954-925-2550.
