Freeman’s | Hindman is delighted to announce Center Stage: The Laura Pels Collection, a series of single-owner auctions beginning on June 20 in New York. The suite of sales will kick off with a live fine art auction held from Freeman’s | Hindman’s new Upper East Side location at 32 East 67th Street. It will be followed by concurrent online sales of American and European furniture and decorative arts as well as important handbags and couture by luxury makers such as Chanel, Pierre Cardin Haute Couture, and Hermès.
ACT I | Center Stage: Fine Art from The Laura Pels Collection
A dedicated philanthropist and supporter of nonprofit theater through her eponymous foundation, Laura Pels forged important relationships with playwrights, actors, and creative directors in the United States and abroad. She was also a close friend and confidante of artist Françoise Gilot, whose paintings and drawings feature prominently in this stunning River House collection alongside works by contemporaries Jean Cocteau, Joan Miró, Alexander Archipenko, and Sam Francis.
Gemma Sudlow, Executive Vice President and Managing Director for the New York region comments: “We are honored to be the auction house of choice for this distinguished River House collection. Laura Pels was a dedicated supporter of the dramatic arts, and we are delighted to pay tribute to her philanthropy and connoisseurship through this suite of sales where her legacy will be celebrated center stage. The recent announcement of a new room dedicated to the life and work of Françoise Gilot at the Musée Picasso in Paris is the perfect context to re-evaluate the importance of Gilot’s work and there are many fine examples in this sale that speak to the unique and enduring friendship Ms. Pels enjoyed with the artist.”
Among the 16 works by Françoise Gilot to be offered is The Model (estimate: $40,000-60,000), a stunning female nude standing against a Matisse-inspired red background.
Executed in 1958, the work bears strong Fauvist and Cubist influence, and is a testament to Gilot’s ever-changing, creative style. This is especially evident when comparing it to the later examples of the artist's work included in the sale, which consist of a variety of portraits and landscapes from the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s.
To honor this historic friendship with Françoise Gilot and pay tribute to Ms. Pels’ French origins, a selection of highlights will travel to Paris for a special exhibition this spring. Raphaël Chatroux, Head of the American Art Department, comments: “Ms. Pels was born near Bordeaux and studied acting in Paris, where she owned an apartment and ran Le Théâtre de l’Atelier together with her daughter. Her collection undoubtedly reflects how much of a Francophile she was. It was particularly important for us to celebrate her legacy and commitment to the arts by exhibiting treasured works from her collection in her home country, which granted her the Légion d’Honneur in 2002."
Additional Fine Art Highlights Include:
- A graphite on paper self-portrait, Françoise and Geneviève, from 1944 (estimate: $6,000-8,000)
- A rare, blue-colored crayon composition by Constantin Brancusi from (estimate: $150,000-200,000)
Two organic sculptures by Jean Arp (estimates: $50,000-80,000 and $30,000-50,000) Pictured above: Fleur de Rêve au Musaeu
- L'Oiseau à L'Œil de Verre, a whimsical tempera by Max Ernst framed in an impressive brass structure (estimate: $150,000-200,000)
ACT II | Center Stage: Furniture and Decorative Art from The Laura Pels Collection
The furniture and decorative objects collected by Ms. Pels illustrate her broad interest in this category. From colonial American furniture to the Chinese export ceramics and modernist silver by Elsa Peretti, Ms. Pels appreciated the beauty and craftsmanship of artisans across the globe.
Furniture and Decorative Art Highlights Include:
- An American Sterling Silver Flatware Service, Mark of Tiffany and Company (estimate: $5,000-8,000)
- A Chippendale Carved Cherrywood Desk and Bookcase (estimates: $3,000-5,000)
- A Set of Four Elsa Peretti 'Bone' Sterling Silver Candlesticks (estimate: $3,000-5,000)
- A Chinese Porcelain Lobed Double Gourd Vase (estimate: $5,000-7,000)
ACT III | Center Stage: Luxury Handbags and Couture from The Laura Pels Collection
The couture collection of Laura Pels features runway pieces from Karl Lagerfeld’s collections for Chanel, Pierre Cardin Haute Couture from the 1980-90s, and an important collection of Geoffrey Beene. Many of the pieces were custom-made for Ms. Pels’ specifications. The collection also features forty plus Chanel handbags. Much like the art and jewelry collections of Ms. Pels, her couture reflects her deep appreciation for French culture.
Luxury Handbags and Couture Highlights Include:
- Chanel Medium Flap Bag in Quilted Navy Lambskin Leather (estimate: $3,000-4,000)
- Chanel Skirt Suit, Spring 2008 (estimate: $1,000-2,000)
- Pierre Cardin Haute Couture Butterfly Gown (estimate: $700-900)
In addition to the single-owner sales of fine art, furniture and decorative arts, andhandbags and couture, Ms. Pels’ peerless taste is also reflected in a beautiful collection of jewelry highlighted within the May 14 Important Jewelry auction in Chicago. Her jewelry includes pieces by renowned and timeless French makers such as Cartier and Boucheron, alongside more avant-garde works designed by artist Jean Cocteau.
