Paul Manship, “Flight of Europa,” 1925, bronze,
203⁄8 by 31¼ by 8½ inches, sold for $213,500.
WOODBURY, CONN. — A rare gilded bronze sculpture by noted American sculptor Paul Manship (1885–1966) was the top selling lot at Schwenke Auctioneers’ fall estates auction on October 4. The bronze was cast by Manship in 1925 and had been acquired directly from the sculptor and was being sold to benefit a charitable foundation established by the executors of the owner’s estate. After several minutes of spirited competition among three phone bidders, the lot was finally knocked down by auctioneer Tom Schwenke for $213,500 to the successful phone bidder. The estimate set by the firm was $100/200,000. The work, titled “Flight of Europa,” measured 203⁄8 by 31¼ by 8½ inches and had parcel-gilt patina. It was mounted on a 1 3⁄8-inch-high onyx base, was signed “P. Manship” and inscribed “A. Kunst FDY NYC.”
A complete report on this sale will follow in an upcoming edition.
