Sales at AstaGuru's 'The International Iconic Masterpieces and Editions' Auction of Works by Prominent Western Artists Surpass Expectations

AstaGuru concluded the second edition of its Iconic International auction.

Titled 'International Iconic: Masterpieces & Editions,auction was scheduled for July 20-21, 2023 with impressive results generating a total revenue of INR 22,51,92,711.

Artists like Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Bernard Buffet, Marc Chagall, René Magritte, and Joan Miró were included in this carefully curated collection that spanned the early 20th century to the cutting edge of contemporary art.

The collection also included three medium-specific pieces by the legendary pop art icon Andy Warhol, as well as many works by the surrealist artist Salvador Dal. In addition, works by such well-known contemporary artists as Jeff Koons, Damien Hirst, Fernando Botero, Anthony James, and KAWS were on display.

"We are happy with the success of our International Iconic Auction at AstaGuru," Sneha Gautam, Senior Vice President, Client Relations, said. The success at auction demonstrates the lasting allure and high worth of these works of art. This auction is a reflection of the dedication of our staff and the enthusiasm and taste of our art lovers. This auction is a perfect example of our commitment to pushing the art market to new heights by providing a venue where collectors and admirers of fine art may meet.

Highlights from the sale

Lot no. 20

This signature style work by Marc Chagall was sold for INR 4,95,08,082. Titled Profile, it was executed in 1959 with gouache, colour pencil, Indian ink, colour inks and oil pastel on Japanese paper.

Lot no. 10:

This famous sculpture titled Horse Saddled with Time, belongs to a limited edition of eight. Executed with bronze in 1980, this work blends two significant themes recurrent in Salvador Dalí’s career: horses and clocks. The motif of the melted clock, embodying the passage of time, is synonymous with Dalí 1931 painting, The Persistence of Memory, considered one of the most important works in the history of Surrealism. It was sold for INR 4,73,55,557.

Lot no. 3:

This work by Spanish Master Picasso was sold for INR 4,09,38,920. The figurative work was executed with a pencil on paper in 1969. It was also published in a book titled Pablo Picasso by C. Zervos in 1976.

Lot no. 18:

This is portrait work, a style central to Warhol art practice. Titled Portrait Of Joseph Beuys, the work was derived from a single Polaroid photo that Warhol took of German conceptual artist Joseph Beuys. It was acquired for INR 1,46,41,440. 

Lot no. 21:

This is a signature style creation by renowned Colombian artist Fernando Botero, executed with pencil watercolour on paper in 2009. The artistic prowess of Fernando Botero resonates globally owing to this signature style of rotund and inflated forms. It was sold for INR 75,33,838.

Lot no. 12:

Nu Allonge ( Odalisque) by Henri Matisse Titled Nu Allongé (Odalisque)

 This is a work by Henri Matisse. Executed with pencil on paper in 1920, the nude work depicts a figure in a reclining pose. It was acquired for INR 74,47,404.

All figures are inclusive of auction house margin.

About AstaGuru:

In 2008, AstaGuru Auction House was conceived as a means of holding online auctions of Modern and Contemporary Indian Art in a protected environment. AstaGuru's portfolio comprises art, jewellery, fine silver, clocks, textiles, celebrity memorabilia, rare books, numismatics, philately, and antique automobiles, just to name a few of the many types of auctions we've staged over the years. AstaGuru presented the first Indian auction house to provide a special edition dedicated to antique and vintage automobiles in 2018. "AstaGuru has worked hard to overcome the constraints of live auctions in order to effectively bridge the gap between potential purchasers and consignors. AstaGuru makes buying and selling paintings and other rare artefacts completely transparent and easy. The internet component allows prospective buyers to place bids whenever and wherever they choose.

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