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These Modern Artists’ Pieces Are Popular at Auctions

Saturday, July 15th, 2023
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When you think of art auctions, you might picture a big, dusty room filled with out-of-touch rich people mulling over the price of art pieces from the 1800s or earlier. Although old art pieces certainly have value, modern art has its place in auction houses as well. Discover some of the most popular and expensive modern art pieces sold at auctions.

Biggest Modern Hits at Art Auctions

If you aren’t passionate about classical art, you might get a kick out of contemporary pieces. Contemporary came into being within the past century. Take a look at some of the most iconic and expensive pieces of modern art sold through auctions.

“Femme au chapeau rouge” (1927)

In 1927, Joan Miro produced a timeless masterpiece known as “Femme au chapeau.” It features striking colors and abstract lines for a minimal yet quirky style. Deep azure drowns the background as stately reds, yellows, and whites command the foreground.

This piece inspired a bidding battle that lasted more than 10 minutes. It ultimately sold for 28.7 million in 1966.

“No. 5” (1948)

Jackson Pollock’s “No. 5” features oil paintings on a fiberboard canvas. It is a busy, dark mess of haphazard splatters in gray, blue, yellow, and red. The colors writhe aimlessly across the canvass, forever entangled in a confused dance.

David Martinez purchased this 1948 masterpiece for $140 million. This study into the postmodern mentality is one of the most expensive pieces in the world.

“Violet, Green, and Red” (1951)

“No. 5” is surpassed by “Violet, Green, and Red.” As its name suggests, the artwork is exactly that: a blocked amalgam of colors featuring blurred, watery lines and subtle glances of orange. Mark Rothco, the creator of this masterpiece, created a string of artwork that earned millions.

It comes as no surprise that this particular piece would earn $186 million in 2014. Do you think the buyer used a payment plan?

“Three Studies of Lucian Freud” (1969)

This bizarre series of paintings features a male subject sitting in a chair. His disheveled appearance makes him look as though he just finished a creative task. Paint covers his face and clothes. Each portrait portrays a different angle. Each angle shows a similar level of satisfaction and productive fatigue.

This set of paintings by Francis Bacon sold for $142.4 million in 2013. The buyer, Elaine Wynn, had a final bid that would hold the record for the most expensive auction purchase until 2015 during other high-profile art auctions.

“Nichols Canyon” (1982)

One of the more recent pieces of art is “Nichols Canyon.” Painted by David Hockney, this charming 80s portrait features rudimentary, organic shapes, colors, and lines. These elements come together to create a pastoral painting of a colorful countryside.

Can you blame the buyer for purchasing it for $41 million? The painting’s disarming allure certainly makes it a classic!

Join Upcoming Auctions with High Plains Auctioneers to Discover Unique Finds

Looking to start your own collection of fine art? High Plains Auctioneers’ estate and art auctions are a great place to start. Call us at (806) 244-6776 to learn about upcoming auction dates.