IMPORTANT DESIGN
Auction Total: $9.1 Million
An icon of modern American architecture, The Walker Guest House by Paul Rudolph sold for $920,000 to lead Thursday’s auction. A carefully planned structure designed as a beach cottage on Sanibel Island in Florida, the Walker Guest House was commissioned by Dr. Walter Willard Walker in 1952 and has remained in his family ever since. The commission represented the first solo project for architect Paul Rudolph, following his split from the firm of architect Ralph Twitchell.

The appearance of this historic structure in the December sale continues Sotheby’s tradition of presenting iconic examples of architecture: in December 2003, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe's Farnsworth House was sold to the National Trust and today operates as a public museum; earlier this fall, we sold an example of Jean Prouvé’s famed Demountable Houses in our Hong Kong auction series.

Exemplary works of French design also achieved top prices, led by a superb Rare “Kangourou” Armchair by Jean Prouvé that brought $400,000 – more than double its $180,000 high estimate. The armchair was on offer from the collection of storied financier, collector and philanthropist, Robert Rubin, and his wife, Stéphane Samuel, with all proceeds to benefit The Center on Global Justice at UC San Diego and the work of Teddy Cruz and Fonna Forman.

In addition, a striking “Flaque” Coffee Table by Jean Royère sold above estimate to achieve $475,000 (estimate $200/300,000). The low table was first presented to the public at the Salon des Artistes Décorateurs in 1949. A rapid commercial success, the piece became one of Royère’s most iconic and influential designs, and a blueprint for future versions in different sizes, colors and materials.

Underscoring the demand for French design, an Important Two-Door Cabinet led an impressive group of furniture by Alexandre Noll, selling for $500,000. Created by Noll circa 1955 specifically for his villa in Fontenay-aux-Roses, this superb cabinet displays impressive sculptural elements and a richly tactile wooden surface that are representative of Noll’s most successful creations.

In addition, Harry Bertoia’s Untitled (Cloud) circa 1962 and Untitled (Wire Construction) from 1956 achieved $400,000 (estimate $100/150,000) and $300,000 (estimate $150/200,000), respectively. An Untitled (Bush) circa 1970 soared past its $35,000 high estimate to sell for $200,000, rounding out the December sale.

DREAMING IN GLASS: MASTERWORKS BY TIFFANY STUDIOS
Auction Total: $5.3 Million
The selection of masterworks on offer by Tiffany Studios was led by an Important Hanging Head “Dragonfly” Table Lamp that topped its $700,000 high estimate to sell for $884,000. Exemplary of the model, the present work illustrates Tiffany’s affinity for this striking dragonfly subject, which was incorporated in myriad designs throughout the firm’s illustrious production, and its symbolism in both Japanese and Chinese cultures. This particular lamp is masterfully executed in a richly saturated color palette of purples, blues and greens, and complemented by its highly sculptural, reticulated “Queen Anne’s Lace” base.

10085 Marc Jacobs - A Life of Design

10170 Dreaming in Glass

Chefs-d’œuvre d’une Collection Privée

10169 Important Design