Clars – Modern + Contemporary Fine Art Auction
February 20th 10 AM PST
www.clars.com
5644 Telegraph Ave. Oakland, CA 94609

OAKLAND, CALIF. — Clars’ February 20-22 auctions include a modern and contemporary art session on February 20 offering a selection of works by modern artists, including two significant pieces by one of the most celebrated Twentieth Century artists, Marc Chagall (1887-1985).

Chagall, revered worldwide for his ability to blend diverse artistic techniques into a distinct, dreamlike style, is particularly known for integrating his Jewish heritage into his art. His vivid, often surreal compositions are alive with color, and his use of blue, which has been interpreted as symbolizing spirituality and divinity, is particularly notable. Drawing from his personal experiences and Jewish folk traditions, Chagall’s works come alive with a sense of movement and emotion, making them both fantastical and deeply personal.

Among the highlights of the auction are two rare works on paper by Chagall, “L’hiver: Procession de Noël (Les quatre saisons)” (1974) and “Le Dimanche” (circa 1939), each carrying an estimate of $300/500,000.

In “L’hiver,” Chagall presents an enchanting scene filled with angelic figures in the sky, joyful dancers, a fantastical half-human, half-hen figure with her young and a procession of Christmas revelers. This eclectic composition echoes Chagall’s 1974 mosaic “Four Seasons” in Chicago’s Chase Tower, where he similarly fused vibrant, animated figures with animals and abstract forms. This work exemplifies Chagall’s later style, where his compositions often feel spontaneous and unrestrained.

“Le Dimanche,” created around 1939, depicts a tranquil rural scene with a couple strolling past a goat and a chicken. The horned goat, a recurring symbol in Chagall’s work, is often linked to his childhood in the shtetl and is sometimes interpreted as an allegory for the artist himself.

The piece also reflects Chagall’s connection to the innocent life he left behind, likely providing solace to him during the uncertain period of World War II. Both of these works, created with gouache, pastel and mixed media, are rich in color and texture, showcasing Chagall’s masterful use of materials.

In addition to Chagall, this auction will feature other exceptional works by renowned modern and contemporary artists. A standout is John Alexander’s oil painting “The Summit Conference” ($30/50,000). Born in Beaumont, Texas, Alexander is celebrated for his depictions of his hometown’s landscapes, situated near the bayous of the western Gulf Coast. His works often feature swamp birds, lily pads and mangrove trees, alongside surrealistic elements such as skeletons in formal attire and masked figures that evoke the work of James Ensor. The dark, atmospheric quality and expressive brushwork in these paintings suggest a Southern Gothic narrative, blending influences of both Francis Bacon and William Faulkner. Monkeys and apes also appear frequently in his work, adding another layer of intrigue. The painting in the February sale, from 1986, portrays two baboons facing each other, their wide eyes and scratched features rendered in deep reds and blacks against a blue-gray background. This piece, created during the Reykjavik Summit talks between Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev, may offer a subtle political commentary on the late Cold War.

Another highlight is Andy Warhol’s iconic screenprint “Vote McGovern” ($30/50,000). Warhol, a central figure in the Pop Art movement, often reworked famous portraits of celebrities and political figures. This piece, one of his most overtly political works, references the 1972 US presidential election and Richard Nixon’s opponent, George McGovern. The original photograph used for the print appeared on the cover of Newsweek, and Warhol reportedly chose his color palette based on the First Lady’s dress in the image. The result is a striking portrait of Nixon, with his pallid green skin and acidic yellow eyes and teeth — an unsettling combination that signals decay and corruption. Produced to raise funds for McGovern’s campaign, the print remains a powerful example of art as a form of political protest, even though Nixon won the election.

Another key piece in this auction is “Siddhartha’s Contemplation No. 2” ($18/24,000), an oil painting by Sri Lankan artist Senaka Senanayake (b 1951). Known for his vivid depictions of rainforest flora and fauna, Senanayake’s work combines semi-realism with a signature translucent layering technique. A celebrated figure in Sri Lanka, where he was considered a prodigy, Senanayake’s pieces are held in prestigious collections, including the White House and the United Nations. This painting, which centers a serene figure surrounded by animals and vivid bursts of color, references Siddhartha Gautama, the historical Buddha, and his practice of meditation. Senanayake’s works often reflect Buddhist themes of impermanence, interconnectedness and the cyclical nature of life.

In addition to these works, the sale will feature pieces by other renowned Modern and contemporary artists, including Roy Lichtenstein, Robert Arneson, John McCracken and Hunt Slonem.

Furniture, art, jewelry and Asian art come to auction on February 21 beginning at 9 am. This event will feature a selection of pieces from artists and craftsmen, spanning centuries and continents. It offers collectors and connoisseurs a unique opportunity to acquire works that blend elegance with craftsmanship across several categories.

The sale will include a wide range of antique and contemporary furniture, with notable pieces from Michael Taylor and Parish-Hadley-designed interiors. The decorative arts category will offer a Louis Vuitton monogram trunk, sterling silver items, Native American baskets and a selection of rugs and carpets.

This auction also features prewar Californian, American,and international art, including paintings, works on paper and sculptures in various styles. The works come from globally recognized artists, providing an opportunity to acquire pieces that reflect diverse artistic traditions and movements.

The jewelry section promises a collection of wearable gold pieces, from timeless classics to bold, one-of-a-kind statement designs. This sale will offer a range of jewelry, including rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings — each crafted to complement the wearer’s personal style.

The Asian art department offers a set of Chinese 24K gold zodiac figures, featuring all 12 zodiac animals rendered in high karat gold. The ceramic section will include a Chinese famille rose “Three Rams” vase from the late Qing dynasty, decorated in the Qianlong style with a continuous scene symbolizing the change of fortune and the arrival of spring.

On February 22 at 9:30 am, the Warehouse auction offers a diverse selection of art, prints and photographs, with each month featuring a curated mix of paintings, sculptures and works from across the globe, all with accessible estimates.

Clars Auction Gallery is at 5644 Telegraph Avenue. For information, www.clars.com or 510-428-0100.

www.clars.com 888-339-7600 (toll free) 510 428 0100 (local) info@clars.com
1. Marc Chagall, CHiver: Procession de Noel – Les Quatre Saisons (Winter: Christmas Procession – The Four Seasons), 1974, gouache, tempera, pastel, India ink, colored pencils and graphite on paper, 63 cm x 90 cm (24.80″ x 35.43″). The authenticity of this work has been confirmed by the Marc Chagall Committee. 2. Marc Chagall, Le dimanche (Sunday), circa 1939, pastel and gouache on paper, 68 cm x 52.7 cm (26.77″ x 20.75″). The authenticity of this work has been confirmed by the Marc Chagall Committee. 3. John Alexander, The Summit Conference, 1986, oil on canvas, 60″ x 66″. 4. John Harvey McCracken, Blue Post and Lintel 1,1970, painted wood maquette, 12.5″ x 4″ x 2″. 5. Andy Warhol, Vote McGovern, 1972, screenprint, 42″ x 42″. 6. Robert Arneson, Tm Looking For You Whitney, 1989, acrylic, oil stick, latex enamel on paper, 72″ x 51.75″. 7. Senaka Senanayake, Siddartha’s Contemplation No. 2,1967, oil on canvas, 35.75″ x 27.25″.
Clars Auctions | 5644 Telegraph Ave. Oakland, CA 94609
In Person + Online Bidding | Preview: February 19th, 1-5 PM PST