Wayne Thiebaud’s “Portrait of Jean Lee Porter,” 1951/52, achieved $31,500.

OAKLAND, CALIF. — Clars’ Summer Modern + Contemporary Art + Design Auction on June 15 brought in active bidders from across the globe vying for artwork from world famous artists and design master woodworkers.

The sale began with modern and contemporary art. A featured highlight was Wayne Thiebaud’s (American, 1920-2011) “Portrait of Jean Lee Porter,” 1951-52, whose provenance was strong and led to a hammer of $31,500. The subject, Jean Lee Porter, was a big band singer in San Francisco and her own notoriety certainly contributed to the interest in the piece.

Another featured highlight was March Avery’s (American, b 1932), “Resting Nude,” 1989, oil on canvas. Her stark style of painting, with bold colors and simple linework, appeals to the Twenty-First Century minimalist aesthetic. This particular work depicts a female nude — a subject that is highly sought-after — and sold for $28,980.

“Resting Nude” by March Avery finished at $28,980.

The sale also included a fine example of Alecos Fassianos’ (Greek, 1935-2022) work, “Figure in Blue,” 1963, oil on canvas, which sold for $20,160. The piece features a quite graphic and color-saturated palette. Several phone bidders fed the competitive bidding.

Squeak Carnwath’s (American, b 1947), “Not Fact,” 1996, oil and alkyd on canvas, sold for $18,900 — achieving the fourth highest record price for the artist. Carnwath, like Thiebaud, is another Bay Area figure. She lives in Oakland and taught art at both UC Davis and UC Berkeley, so her name is notable in Northern California. Her paintings are playful and youthful, appealing to the younger audience buying contemporary art.

Squeak Carnwath’s (American, b 1947), “Not Fact,” 1996, oil and alkyd on canvas, sold for $18,900.

Jasper Johns’s (American, b 1930), “Flag (Moratorium),” 1969, offset lithograph in colors, edition 97/300, sold for $17,640. This piece was made as a political and anti-war expression, and in the highly politicized climate we live in now, powerful imagery and strong statements feel pertinent and valuable to collectors.

The Design department had strong prices realized across categories in the same sale. Leading the day was an Arthur Espenet Carpenter dining suite, consisting of eight Wishbone dining chairs and a dining table. The chairs and table realized a combined $40,950, with numerous bidders vying for the lots. Also, a Philip and Kelvin Laverne “Marriage Whirl” table realized $12,600.

Cristina Campion, associate director of Twentieth Century Design noted, “we’re certainly seeing strong results for American master woodworkers, including Espenet — as well as other American icons like the design duo Philip and Kelvin Laverne.” The sale included master craftsmanship from across genres and cultures; a highlight was a Tony Hunt totem pole dating to 1990, measuring at a mighty 8 feet 11 inches.

There were several telephone bidders on the totem pole that brought the final sale price to $20,160.
Danish Modern furniture preformed quite well, with a pair of Finn Juhl NV-45 lounge chairs selling for $25,200, and a single Finn Juhl NV-45 lounge chair that realized $16,380. “There’s always a market for noteworthy and iconic Danish Design at auction,” commented Campion.

This dining suite by Arthur Espenet Carpenter, consisting of eight Wishbone dining chairs and a dining table, soared to $40,950.

The highlight of Clars’ Fine Interiors and Collections auction on June 16 was William Keith’s (American, 1838–1911), “Into the Yosemite Valley,” circa 1895-1906, oil on canvas, 36 by 60, which had remained in the family of the original owner for more than 125 years. It achieved the highest price of the weekend: $113,400.

“Into the Yosemite Valley” by William Keith, 1895-1906, oil on canvas laid down to panel had been in the family of the original owner for more than 125 years. It achieved $113,400.

Prices quoted include the buyer’s premium as reported by the auction house.
Clars’ next auction will take place on July 14-15. For more information, 510-428-0100, www.clars.com or info@clars.com.