Copper in the Arts

November 2010

Frank Lloyd Wright Copper Urn and Other Rarities up for Auction at Christies

Copper Urn Frank Lloyd Wright, An important copper urn, circa 1903. Estimate: $800,000-1,200,000

Photograph courtesy of Christie's

On Dec. 14 and 15, Christie's New York will be auctioning off several rare copper and bronze works at DeLorenzo: Thirty Years, a sale of 20th Century Decorative Arts & Design from the collection of renowned New York gallerist Anthony DeLorenzo. Over 127 pieces from the Art Deco, modernist, mid-century and contemporary periods offered. Highlights from artists such as Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann, Armand-Albert Rateau, Eileen Gray, Frank Lloyd Wright, Charlotte Perriand, and Jean Prouvé will be featured in the sales. There will also be works from the collection on offer from DeLorenzo: Thirty Years in Christie's Interiors sale in December. The collection in total is expected to realize upwards of $10 million.

A native New Yorker, DeLorenzo is a trend-setter credited with bringing French Art Deco to the forefront. DeLorenzo's affinity for copper Tiffany lamps was reflected in his early holdings, but he eventually expanded his collection with Art Deco, Modernist, and French Mid-Century period designs in his first gallery in Manhattan. In 1980, he opened his eponymous gallery on Madison Avenue followed by additional galleries in downtown New York that are frequented by top collectors, museums and institutions. Also to DeLorenzo's credit, he mounted the first U.S. exhibits of Dunand, Rateau, Prouvé and Serge Mouille, introducing those artists to America. v"This sale marks a milestone for me," said DeLorenzo. "I attribute my success over the past thirty years to anticipate the next trend in 20th Century Decorative Arts and I expect to continue doing the same for thirty years."

"Tony has been the driving force behind the global appreciation for every category of 20th Century Decorative Arts, in particular French Art Deco," said Joshua Holdeman Senior Vice President International Director, 20th Century Art at Christie's. "We could not be more thrilled to have been entrusted with the sale of certain key objects that he has acquired over his 30 year tenure in the field."

Highlights from the 50 lot Evening Sale include an important copper urn by Frank Lloyd Wright, a pair of patinated bronze torchères by Armand-Albert Rateau, and a bronze and cut glass chandelier by Gilbert Poillerat.

Resources:

Christies, 20 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY, (212) 636-2000

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