What kind of artwork is included in First Open sales?
Across the sale series you’ll find painting, sculpture, drawings, prints and photography from the early 20th century to today. Featured artists include blue-chip names like Pablo Picasso and Alexander Calder, established contemporary artists like Cindy Sherman, and up-and-comers like Ida Ekblad. We’re also offering a new contemporary home sale that features furniture, lighting and design – perfect complements to the artwork in our other First Open sales. Consult our calendar for the complete list of auctions.
Alexander Calder (1898-1976), Tricolored Horse. signed and dated 'Calder 74' (lower right); gouache and ink on paper; 29 3/8 x 43 in. (74.6 x 109.2 cm.). Painted in 1974. Estimate: $40,000-60,000. This work is offered in the First Open | Post-War and Contemporary Art sale on 4 March at Christie’s New York
How much do the works cost?
Estimates range from $800 to $700,000, although bidding usually starts just below the estimates.
Cindy Sherman (B. 1954), Untitled (As Marilyn Monroe). Signed with the artist's initials, numbered and dated '10/125 CS '82' (lower edge); chromogenic print; image: 15 1/2 x 9 1/8 in. (39.5 x 23.3 cm.); sheet: 20 x 16 in. (50.8 x 40.6 cm.). Executed in 1982. This work is number ten from an edition of one hundred twenty-five. Estimate: $20,000-30,000. This work is offered in the First Open | Post-War & Contemporary Art sale on 4 March at Christie’s New York
Laura Owens (B. 1970), Untitled, 2002. Lithograph in colours with three collaged elements (one hand-coloured in watercolour) on tan Rives BFK paper. Sheet: 18 x 12 in. (457 x 305 mm.) Estimate: $800-1,200. This work is offered in First Open | Editions on 1 March at Christie’s New York
What are the advantages of buying at auction?
While buying at auction might seem a bit intimidating, it actually offers many advantages for newer art buyers, including pricing transparency and access to the expertise of our specialists. You also have ample time ahead of the sale to consult our catalogs, historical auction data and other online information – and to set a budget – so that you’re well-informed and confident when auction day arrives. And of course, there’s nothing quite like finding a great “steal” at auction – or winning an intense bidding war over a coveted piece.
Keith Haring (1958-1990), Untitled. Dated '1984' (upper left); signed twice, inscribed and dated 'K. Haring MARCH 1 - 83 K. Haring TOKYO' (on the reverse); sumi ink on paper; 31 1/8 x 42 7/8 in. (79 x 108.9 cm.); Drawn in 1983-1984. Estimate: $200,000-300,000. This work is offered in the First Open | Post-War & Contemporary Art sale on 4 March at Christie’s New York
Are the most expensive works the ones by the big-name artists?
Not necessarily. We’re offering a Joan Miro linocut with a low estimate of $1000, and many of the higher-priced works come from artists that are less well-known to the general public. Estimates depend on many things, including the size and medium of the work, the current market for the artist, and provenance.
Ida Ekblad (B. 1980), Untitled. Signed with the artist's initials 'I.E.' (lower right) oil on canvas; 78 3/4 x 63 in. (200 x 160 cm.). Painted in 2011. Estimate: $20,000-30,000. This work is offered in the First Open | Post-War & Contemporary Art sale on 4 March at Christie’s New York
Joan Miro (1893-1983), XXe Siècle, from XXe Siècle No 4, 1938. Linocut in colours, on red wove paper. Image: 12 x 9 ¼ in. (305 x 235 mm.) Sheet: 12 5/8 x 9 ¾ in. (321 x 248 mm.). Estimate: $1,000-1,500. This work is offered in First Open | Editions on 1 March at Christie’s New York
What is provenance and why is it important?
In simple terms, provenance is the record of ownership for a work of art. Interesting provenance – for example, if the work came from a relative of the artist or from an important collector – can increase the price of the work. Provenance, if it is of note, will be listed in sale catalogs and online.
What does “editions” mean?
A contemporary edition is any work made from paper, ink and an image source, such as a woodcut or a lithograph. In many cases, they have been touched by the artist’s hand. Commonly referred to as “prints,” they give collectors the chance to acquire art from well-known names at more accessible prices, and are exciting works in their own right.
Marc Chagall (1887-1985), Affiche d'Exposition. Lithograph in colors, on Arches paper, 1967, signed in pencil, numbered 108/150, published by Maeght Editeur, Paris, with full margins, in very good condition, framed; Image: 19 x 25 1/8 in. (483 x 638 mm.); Sheet: 30 x 22 ½ in. (762 x 572 mm.). Estimate: $5,000-7,000. This work is offered in First Open | Editions on 1 March at Christie’s New York
Shepard Fairey (B. 1970), The Writings on the Wall. Screenprint in colors on cream wove paper, 2010, signed and dated in pencil, numbered 123/300, published by Obey, Providence, Rhode Island, generally in very good condition, framed; Image: 22 5/8 x 16 ¼ in. (575 x 413 mm.); Sheet: 24 x 18 in. (610 x 457 mm.). Estimate: $3,000-5,000. This work is offered in First Open | Editions on 1 March at Christie’s New York
How do I bid?
You can bid live in person, over the phone or online. You can also leave an absentee bid prior to the sale. To learn more, visit our buying guide.
Our February 25 to March 8 online sale is available entirely online. Online-only bids can be submitted throughout the duration of the bidding period.
Where can I find out more about the works in these sales?
You can browse the sales below. The works will also be on view at our Rockefeller Center galleries in Manhattan from February 26 to March 3, from 10am to 5pm (1pm to 5pm on Sunday February 28). If you’re in the area, please come see us. The view is free and open to the public.