NEW YORK—A group of four paintings by celebrated American abstract expressionist Clyfford Still fetched more than $114 million at auction in New York.
The paintings were sold at Sotheby’s auction of contemporary art Wednesday night. The highest bid went to “1949-A-No. 1,” which sold for more than $61 million, well above its pre-sale estimate of $25 million to $35 million.
Sotheby’s spokeswoman Laurn Gioia said the price nearly tripled Still’s previous record price of $21.2 million for a single piece that sold at auction in 2006.
All of the works came from the estate of Patricia Still and were being sold by the City and County of Denver to support the new Clyfford Still museum, which is to open to the public in Denver on Nov. 18.
Other works sold were “1947-Y-No. 2,” which fetched $31.4 million; “PH-1033” from 1976, which sold for $19.6 million; and the 1940 work “PH-351,” which sold for $1.2 million.
The buyers requested anonymity, Gioia said.
The auction brought in $43 million to $65 million more than pre-sale estimates.
“We are thrilled with the outcome of the auction,” Mayor Michael Hancock said. “This great news showcases the city’s commitment to the arts and helps ensure the new Clyfford Still Museum will become a crown jewel of the city.”
Clyfford Still Museum Director Dean Sobel issued a statement thanking the city and county for their support of the museum.
