Property from the collection of Carol H. and Richard M. Levin of Kansas City, Mo., brought an important collection of 33 American paintings to Leslie Hindman Auctioneers for an evening sale held May 20 in Chicago, Ill. Five works by Thomas Hart Benton were sold, including his 1967 “Discussion,” which brought $1,052,500 against a pre-sale estimate of $200,000-$400,000.
With significant interest, phone bidders battled it out for the work, attempting to secure the quintessentially American scene of a laborer and union recruiter of the mid-20th century. Also offered was “Study for Discussion,” which was reproduced in a 1937 issue of “Life.” It sold for $11,250 against a pre-sale estimate of $6,000-$8,000.
Two additional Benton studies sold well above high estimates, including the 1951 “Study for Flood Disaster (Homecoming - Kaw Valley),” drawing $362,500 against a pre-sale estimate of $120,000-$180,000, and the 1956 “Study for ‘Portrait of Carl Sandburg,’” which brought $68,500 against a pre-sale estimate of $30,000-$50,000.
Highlights from other American artists included John Steuart Curry’s 1946 “Self Portrait,” which drew $62,500, and Charles Burchfield’s 1948 “Basswood Tree in Winter,” which sold for $98,500.
Important American paintings also sold well in the May 20 day sale. The hallmark of the sale was Ralston Crawford’s 1937 “Pennsylvania Barn,” which sold well above its high estimate, realizing $572,500. The modern painting had been in the collection of the Brown Shoe Company Inc., of St. Louis, Mo., since 1971 and drew aggressive telephone bidding. Another lot from the sale that experienced enthusiastic bidding was Charles Courtney Curran’s 1891 “Peach Blossoms.” The painting quickly surpassed its high estimate and sold for $104,500.
Leslie Hindman Auctioneers was thrilled to have brought such a significant collection of American paintings to the auction market. Both the May 20 day and evening sale results offer a testament to the deep interest collectors continue to exhibit for good early to mid-20th century American artists.
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