The Wingate Collection, a remarkable assembly of modern and contemporary art curated by David and Shoshanna Wingate over seven decades, is set to be auctioned at Sotheby's in New York and London on May 19 and 20. This collection features over 50 significant works from renowned artists such as Alberto Giacometti, Wassily Kandinsky, Roy Lichtenstein, Kenneth Noland, and Mark Rothko, with total estimated sales ranging from $37 million to $53 million.
At the forefront of this collection is Giacometti's masterpiece, La Clairière (Composition avec neuf figures), created in 1950 and cast in 1960, which alone is projected to fetch between $18 million and $25 million. Another notable piece from Giacometti, Buste d'homme (New York I), is valued at $2 million-$3 million.
Allegra Bettini, head of the modern evening auction at Sotheby's New York, describes La Clairière as a work that captivates viewers entirely. She notes how the composition, born from a moment of serendipity, encapsulates Giacometti's artistic exploration throughout his career.
Giacometti's creative process often involved arranging individual figures on his worktable, leading to the formation of this iconic piece. Other editions of La Clairière can be found in prestigious collections, including the Kunstmuseum Winterthur in Switzerland and the Fondation Maeght in France.
Additionally, Rothko's Untitled (circa 1959), characterized by his signature style of layered color rectangles, is estimated to sell for $5 million to $7 million. This piece was acquired by the Wingates at Sotheby's Parke Bernet in London in 1976 and was featured in a prominent exhibition dedicated to Rothko's works on paper.
The Wingates began their art collection journey under the mentorship of influential New York dealer Edith Halpert, acquiring works by artists like Ben Shahn and Abraham Rattner. Over the years, they expanded their collection to include masterpieces from 20th-century icons such as Picasso and Kandinsky, often purchasing directly from European galleries.
David Wingate, who passed away in 2011, was the president of Hi-Shear Industries and began his collecting journey with stamps before transitioning to art. His wife, Shoshanna, a sculptor herself, lived until the age of 104 and shared his passion for art.
As Ealan Wingate, their son, reflects on the collection's legacy, he emphasizes that his parents collected primarily for enjoyment rather than investment. This auction not only represents a significant moment in the art world but also continues the Wingate family's tradition of appreciating and celebrating art.
This auction marks a pivotal moment in the art market, as the Wingate Collection's sale may inspire a renewed interest in modern and contemporary artworks, shaping future collecting trends.