The Life and Passion of Emily Fisher Landau
Emily Fisher Landau became an art collector in the late 1960s after a break-in at her home stole her jewelry collection. This made her want to try something new. With the money from the insurance, she started on a new road and started to build an amazing art collection that would become her legacy.
As a director of the Whitney Museum of American Art, Landau’s love of art went beyond the pieces she had in her own collection, and she gave the museum more than 300 pieces.
Sotheby’s and the Landau Collection
Sotheby’s highly anticipated auction of the Emily Fisher Landau Collection will take place on November 8 and 9. The statement was made in Manhattan at the Breuer Building, which has a long history with both Landau and the Whitney Museum. Sotheby’s has gotten a financial guarantee to make sure the sale, which is expected to bring in more than $400 million, goes well.
Picasso’s Femme à la montre
Femme à la montre (1932), a portrait of his friend Marie-Thérèse Walter by Pablo Picasso, is one of the most-anticipated pieces in the collection. This masterpiece, which is thought to be worth $120 million, is likely to be one of the most popular pieces of art at the sale. Picasso’s depictions of Walter have consistently fetched high prices at auction, making this painting a centerpiece of the collection.
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Ed Ruscha’s Securing the Last Letter (Boss)
Another notable work is Ed Ruscha’s Securing the Last Letter (Boss) (1964), a seminal piece from the artist’s early career. This work exemplifies Ruscha’s unique blend of text and image, and its estimate is available upon request. Mark Rothko’s untitled 1958 painting, part of his famous series commissioned for the Four Seasons Restaurant, is also expected to attract significant attention from collectors.
Jasper Johns’ Flags
Jasper Johns’ Flags (1968) is another highlight of the collection, with an estimated value of $35-45 million. This iconic work reflects Johns’ exploration of American symbols and his distinctive approach to the medium of painting.
Other Highlights of the Collection
In addition, Andy Warhol’s Self Portrait (1986), an acrylic and silkscreen on canvas, is expected to sell for $15-20 million. The collection also features works by Willem de Kooning, Georgia O’Keeffe, and other renowned artists. With a wide range of styles and mediums represented, the Emily Fisher Landau Collection offers something for every art enthusiast.