The late Anne H. Bass wore many hats: She was a philanthropist, investor, documentary filmmaker, mother, patron of the arts, and an avid art collector. Now, two years after her death, Christie’s will offer 12 pieces from her collection at auction. Included in this collection are pieces from prominent 19th- and 20th-century artists, including Edgar Degas, Claude Monet and Mark Rothko. Christie’s calls this the “most important American collection to arrive on the market this season” in a media release and estimates that it will exceed $250 million in sales.
Bass was known for her impeccable style, informed eye, and female perspective in a world dominated by male art collectors. Femininity is strongly represented in her collection, and two prominent works of art in this collection feature young women: Edgar Degas’ bronze sculpture Petite danseuse de quatorze ans (estimate: $20 million to $30 million) and Balthus’s Jeune fille à la fenêtre (estimate: $4 million to $6 million).
Other hallmarks in Bass’ collection include rare paintings by Mark Rothko, Untitled (Shades of Red) (estimate: $60 million to $80 million) and No. 1 (estimate: $45 million to $65 million), which she proudly displayed in her living room. In the the next room, you can see a trio of Monet paintings include Nymphéas (estimate: $35 million to $55 million), Peupliers au bord de l'Epte, automne (estimate: $30 million to $50 million), and Le Parlement, soleil couchant (estimate; $40 to $60 million). Though these paintings are from different artistic periods, they flow seamlessly together in Bass’ home and evoke provocative conversations.
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Alex Rotter, Christie’s Chairman, 20th and 21st Century Art, says in a media release, “As a collector, Anne Bass was timeless. Truly passionate about art in all of its forms, she not only appreciated beautiful objects, but she lived with them. These paintings and sculptures were more than just possessions to Mrs. Bass, they were part of her home and her day-to-day life.”
Max Carter, Christie’s Head of Impressionist and Modern Art, adds, “Everywhere in her apartment there were exquisitely calibrated affinities and dialogues, between the enigmatic windows of Balthus and Hammershøi; between the dancers of Degas in pastel and bronze; between the flowering of Impressionism and the New York School; between Monet and Rothko. When showing his great Seagram murals, Rothko said ‘They are not pictures, I have made a place.’ Mrs. Bass’s Collection was simply that: A total work of art.”
A selection of leading highlights from Bass’ collection will be on exhibition at Christie’s London from April 5 to 8 and Christie’s Hong Kong from April 20 to 21. The collection will then return to New York, where the full collection will be presented at Christie’s New York ahead of the Marquee Week sale in May. You can learn more about the auction here.
