MASTER OF POP ART TURNS HEADS AT AUCTION

Posted on 29th March 2017

A painting by one of the most famous of all living artists and a global pop culture icon has sold for an impressive £10,000 at our Spring Fine Art Sale. 

‘Umbrella Man’ by the German-born American Peter Max (b. 1937) went under the hammer to an online bidder from Florida, greatly exceeding its price estimate of £3,000 - £4,000. 

Known for his bold figures and vibrant, colourful images, Peter Max’s artistic diversity has touched almost every part of American culture and inspired generations. He rose to fame in the sixties and was widely known for his ‘psychedelic’ style expressed through posters, advertising and graphic works.

During his career, he has painted for six US presidents and his art is on display in Presidential Libraries and in US Embassies. He is the official portrait artist for the Statue of Liberty and famously created six poster images in response to the 9/11 attack in New York with proceeds going to the 9/11 relief funds. 

The Umbrella Man is one of the artist’s favourite character icons, appearing in numerous works in varying styles. The portrait that ended up in our sale was a framed acrylic on canvas, measuring 189.5cm by 75.5cm. 

Jewellery also did well at the Spring Fine Art Sale, with two pieces in particular making five-figure sums. A spectacular enamel, pearl and diamond pendant by Carlo Giuliano, circa 1870 to 1880, sold for £13,000, soaring above its guide price of £7,000 to £9,000 and a natural saltwater pearl, enamel and diamond necklace with matching bracelets reached £12,000, far exceeding its price estimate of £7,000 - £9,000. 

The Spring Fine Art Sale set a company record for Thomas Watson as it achieved the highest total made at any of our auctions to date, with top prices across all the sale categories.