Christie’s auctioned artworks ― modern masterpieces ― from Anne Bass’ home in Fort Worth on May 12. The Jewelry Collection of Anne H. Bass will be offered this month as part of its Magnificent Jewels auction, which will be held live at Christie’s Rockefeller Center on June 17.
A nine-lot collection of magnificent modernist artworks from her Fort Worth home already shattered its auction estimate at Christie’s Spring Marquee Week on Monday, May 12.
According to Christie’s, “The second sale of the night, the 20th Century Evening Sale, began with nine lots from the single-owner collection Art from the Bass House. The group was 100-percent sold, achieving $73.2 million, with Mark Rothko’s No. 4 (Two Dominants) [Orange, Plum, Black] leading the group with a price of $37.8 million.”
“We were proud to steward the exquisite selection of works from Anne and Sid Bass’s home in Fort Worth, Texas tonight in our 20th Century Evening Sale and were thrilled by such a positive reception from the market, said Rachael White Young, co-head of the 20th Century Evening Sale. “Totaling $73.2 million against an estimate of $60 million, the results are a testament to the demand for singular works hailing from esteemed collections.”
The Jewelry Collection of Anne Bass To Be Auctioned on June 17
Like her taste in art and architecture, Bass’ eye for exceptional jewels was unparalleled.
“During her lifetime, Anne Hendricks Bass was celebrated not only for her philanthropic spirit and enduring commitment to the arts, but also for her refined taste, timeless elegance, and exceptional eye for beauty,” Christie’s says. “It represents one of the most impeccably curated private jewelry collections to appear on the market.”
These 26 exquisite jewels, were collected over the course of decades, and come from Mrs. Bass’s personal collection. Famous jewelry houses include the likes of Van Cleef & Arpels, Bulgari, Cartier and JAR.
“An important pair of Van Cleef & Arpels diamond pendant earrings” are estimated to bring between $1.2 to 1.8 million. Eleven jewels in the collection are by JAR, including a JAR sapphire, emerald and diamond necklace which is expected to fetch somewhere between $200,000 and $300,000.
“The jewelry collection of Anne H. Bass is a testament to impeccable taste and refinement,” says Claibourne Poindexter, senior specialist jewelry department, Christie’s New York.
“Each piece is a superlative example—thoughtfully selected and deeply personal. From an important pair of white diamond pendant earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels to a bold, carved ruby and emerald collar by David Webb, the collection reflects a woman of extraordinary style and discernment. Most notably, it features one of the finest private assemblages of jewels by the legendary Joel Arthur Rosenthal, known as JAR. Many of these exceptional works are featured in the landmark 2002 publication JAR Volume I, making this sale a rare opportunity to acquire creations of profound beauty and historical importance.”
Additional Jewelry and Furnishings For Sale
Christie’s has even more from the Anne Bass estate for sale alongside the Magnificent Jewels sale. Anne H. Bass: The New York Interiors and Jewelry will be held online between June 4 and June 18. The collection “includes further jewelry alongside the furniture and decorative arts from Anne Bass’s iconic Mark Hampton designed New York apartment.”
Antique silver, porcelain China, rugs, furniture piece and artworks by Hockney and Picasso are among the 185 lots for sale. The extensive jewelry available in this separate sale includes many statement pieces by David Webb, plus Bulgari, Mikimoto, Cartier and Dior.
Get your bidder numbers on file now, to take part in either Christie’s sale.