Lot 5

PROPERTY FROM THE COLLECTION OF HELEN AND DAVID B. PALL


Helen and David B. Pall were great enthusiasts of American and European Modern works of art. What began as a way to spend time together quickly blossomed into a passion for collecting.

Dr. Pall was a physical chemist who invented much of the filtration technology used today, most notably a filter for purifying blood for transfusions. In 1990, Dr. Pall received the National Medal of Technology. While a very private man, Dr. Pall thoroughly enjoyed looking at art with Helen (especially works by Paul Klee, as the scientist in him and found Klee's approach to drawing extremely appealing) and they were very committed to collecting together.

Helen Pall was very social, outgoing and ebullient. She opened a private print gallery in the 1970's, later taking a public space on 57th Street in the 1980s. Mrs. Pall's natural gregariousness made her an excellent saleswoman and the gallery flourished for seven years.

Dr. and Mrs. Pall were major supporters of the arts and medicine, including founding the North Shore Hospital Child Guidance Association Art Festival. Mrs. Pall was also on the Whitney Museum of American Art Print Acquisitions Committee.

Dr. and Mrs. Pall exhibited a lifelong interest in educating themselves about American and European Modern works of art and their collection is a wonderful reflection of their passion. Christie's is pleased and honored to offer masterworks of paintings, drawings and prints from the Collection of Helen and David B. Pall.
Also see lots 17, 20, 103, 121-4, 142, 157-9, 207, 291 and 481.