Press & Announcements
Read the latest press coverage & announcements about Freeman's.
Read the latest press coverage & announcements about Freeman's.
On November 14, Freeman’s | Hindman brings to market a strong selection of 24 works by renowned 20th and 21st century artists as part of the inaugural Post War and Contemporary Art auction in the firm’s New York saleroom. The sale features significant pieces by Helen Frankenthaler, Wayne Thiebaud, Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, and Salvo, alongside contemporary innovators such as Mark Grotjahn, Stanley Whitney, Kenny Scharf, and Glenn Ligon. Aaron Cator, Senior Specialist in the Post War and Contemporary Art Department and Head of Sale, expressed his excitement: “I am delighted to present the firm's inaugural Post War and Contemporary Art Sale in New York at 32 East 67th Street—a group of tightly curated works across 24 lots by leading artists from the 1940s to the present day. This sale ranges in both medium and period, with best-in-class works from 20th-century luminaries and masters, alongside salient examples by the most acclaimed and innovative artists working today.” Auction Highlights Lot 6 | Mark Grotjahn, Untitled (Violet and Canary Yellow Butterfly 43.78), 2012 Estimate: $700,000 – 900,000 Leading the sale is Mark Grotjahn’s Untitled (Violet and Canary Yellow Butterfly 43.78), a remarkable piece from a series of large-scale paintings and drawings that the artist initiated in 2001. This series investigates multiple-point perspective and explores vibrant color in innovative ways. The focal point of Untitled (Violet and Canary Yellow Butterfly 43.78) serves as an anchor, embodying Grotjahn’s belief that the creative process is as much about chance as it is about meticulous abstraction. As he noted during his 2010 exhibition at the Portland Art Museum: “I changed the focal points because it changed the composition of the works and found that it was visually interesting and worthwhile… the only problems I was trying to solve were visual ones.” Grotjahn often revisits forms within series like Butterfly, employing similar shapes and perspectives while experimenting with different colors, frequently exhibiting them together. The grand scale of his works envelops viewers, commanding the entire visual field and drawing comparisons to the immersive effect of Mark Rothko’s paintings. The large-scale drawing on offer, with its rich canary yellow and violet tones, creates a pulsating visual experience that captivates the eye and highlights the artwork's dynamic surface and materiality. Lot 20 | Wayne Thiebaud, Slice of Lemon Meringue Pie, 1961 Estimate: $600,000 – 800,000 Though known for touching on a wide variety of quintessentially American subject matter throughout his career—landscapes and cityscapes of his local California, portraits, lipstick containers, and paint cans—Thiebaud is best known for his playful and highly recognizable depictions of food, especially sweets and baked goods. This painting brilliantly transforms a simple slice of pie into a vibrant abstraction, with the meringue rendered in swirling, textured strokes. “Pie has a long history and it has other implications: the idea of ‘Pie in the Sky,’ the old American preoccupation with Mom and Apple Pie,” Thiebaud once remarked. Thiebaud’s influences span Disney animation, advertising, and the Pop Art movement. However, unlike his Pop contemporaries, he emphasized the artist’s hand, using bold color contrasts to animate familiar subjects. The result is a painting that feels more nostalgic and personal than commercial, inviting viewers to reflect on food’s cultural symbolism. Lot 2 | Salvo, Senza Titolo, c. 1997 Estimate: $50,000 – 70,000 In Senza Titolo, Salvo (the pseudonym of Salvatore Mangione) explores the transformative power of light. A bright sun illuminates parts of the landscape with stylized hues of fuchsia, orange, and blue, while shadowed areas showcase natural greens and browns. Initially part of the Arte Povera movement, known for challenging traditional notions of "high" art through unconventional materials and concepts, Salvo shifted his focus in 1973 to these vibrant, pictorial works rooted in landscape, mythology, and art history, employing exaggerated forms and colors. Renowned for revisiting scenes at different times of day, Salvo captures moments of transition, reflecting his fascination with the miraculous nature of everyday life. These otherworldly landscapes, like Senza Titolo, bursting with color, are now in high demand and sure to attract intense interest on the day of the auction. Lot 11 | Stanley Whitney, Stay Song #37, 2019 Estimate: $200,000 – 300,000 Celebrated for his vibrant color grid paintings, Whitney has established himself as one of the foremost abstract artists of his time and a masterful interpreter of color, as it evokes emotion, triggers nostalgia, transforms spaces, and fuels artistic creation. Dancing with vibrant hues of green, blue, red, yellow, and orange, Stay Song #37 exhibits the quick, gestural, and spontaneous application of color for which Whitney is known. While he paints, Whitney immerses himself in a soundtrack of experimental jazz, drawing inspiration from artists such as Miles Davis, Ornette Coleman, and Charlie Parker. Stay Song #37 exemplifies his ability to transform abstraction into an emotional and sensory experience. Additional Highlights Include: Lot 3 | Albert York, Untitled, 1982 | Estimate $60,000 – 80,000 Lot 5 | Helen Frankenthaler, Relay II, 1976 | Estimate $60,000 – 80,000 Lot 8 | Andy Warhol, Grace Kelly, 1984 | Estimate $100,000 – 150,000 Lot 10 | Kenny Scharf, JUDY JUDY JUDY...AKA JUDY INFINITUM, 2013 | Estimate $70,000 – 90,000 Sale Preview The sale preview will be on view from November 4 through November 13, 10AM – 5PM, at Freeman’s | Hindman’s flagship showroom at 32 East 67th Street. How to Bid The Post War and Contemporary Artauction will be offered on November 14 in Freeman’s | Hindman’s New York saleroom. Bidding will be available in person, over the phone and via absentee or live online bidding. For more information, please visit hindmanauctions.com. About Freeman’s | Hindman Freeman’s | Hindman merged in 2024 to create a global team of experienced specialists who embrace tradition and innovation, creating a truly client-centric auction house. As America’s oldest auction house, Freeman’s has been an active part of the auction world and art market for nearly 220 years. Hindman, established in 1982, brings an expansive cross-country network, wealth of expertise, and strong relationships with fiduciaries nationwide to build a market-leading auctions and appraisals firm in Freeman’s | Hindman.
Freeman’s | Hindman’s November Fine Printed Books and Manuscripts, Including Americana auction features nearly 350 lots of highly sought after works of Americana and Natural History, including color plate books, a fine selection of bindings, and other fine works of literature and economics. FROM LEFT TO RIGHT GOULD, John. A Monograph of the Trochilidae...Humming-Birds. L., [1849-] 1861. | Estimate: $60,000 – 80,000 The Federalist. NY, 1788. FIRST EDITION, THICK PAPER COPY. | Estimate $60,000 – 80,000 LEROUX, Gaston. The Phantom of the Opera. FIRST AM. ED, FIRST ISSUE IN THE VERY RARE DUST JACKET. 1911 | Estimate $6,000 – 8,000 “We are excited to bring together such a remarkable offering of rare and historically significant works for this sale,” said Gretchen Hause, Head of Department, Books and Manuscripts. “Each object in the auction tells a story that resonates across time, whether it is a unique first edition, an author’s transformative contribution to literature, a visually stunning ornithological masterpiece, or a foundational work in American history. We anticipate these works will spark lively interest and connect collectors with extraordinary moments in history.” Among the most significant lots is a thick paper first edition of The Federalist (NY, 1788) (Lot 299) from the Library of Dr. John Talbot Gernon, estimated at $60,000–80,000. Written primarily by Alexander Hamilton, with contributions from John Jay and James Madison, The Federalist essays were pivotal in shaping public opinion during the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. This rare thick-paper issue, intended for presentation, is one of only seven to appear at auction in the last 50 years. It bears a watermark similar to those found on 1789 Connecticut banknotes made by early American papermaker Samuel Levis. The copy is believed to have been owned by Captain David Olmstead, a Revolutionary War veteran who served at West Point and the Battle of Ridgefield. Natural History Masterpieces Offered with an estimate of $60,000 – 80,000, John Gould’s masterpiece A Monograph of the Trochilidae...Humming-Birds. L., [1849-] 1861 (Lot 234) is "an incomparable catalogue and compendium of beauties," according to Fine Bird Books. Most of the subjects came from Gould's own collection of Hummingbird specimens, a number of which he exhibited at the Regent's Park Zoological Gardens during the Great Exhibition of 1851. The plates gave Gould the chance to display the new technique of imitating the birds' iridescent plumage by the use of brilliant metallic coloring. In total, the auction includes eight monographs by Gould reflecting his pioneering contributions to art and natural history. Literary High Spots A complete run of Limited Editions Club publications (1929–2010) (Lot 131) is another highlight, with an estimate of $50,000–60,000, the only complete run of these works to ever appear at auction. Founded by George Macy, the Limited Editions Club produced works of world literature with accompanying illustrations by renowned artists such as Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and Thomas Hart Benton. Each title was issued in numbers of 1,500 exactly and was sold to club members for an annual subscription fee of $10.00 (roughly $150.00 today). Under later leadership, the club continued this tradition, adding works by modern artists like Faith Ringgold, Robert Motherwell, Phoebe Beasley, Balthus, and others. Also presented in the auction is the first American edition, first issue of Gaston Leroux’s The Phantom of the Opera (1911) (Lot 130), estimated at $6,000–8,000. This copy retains its exceedingly rare original dust jacket, one of only a handful known to survive, and only the second time this dust jacket design variant, showing Christine staggering and swooning, has appeared at auction. Another literary highlight is George Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four (1949) (Lot 168), estimated at $6,000–8,000, the first edition in an exceptionally fine dust jacket. Orwell’s final novel introduced concepts such as "Big Brother," "Doublethink," and "Newspeak" which have become integral in modern discourse. Additional Highlights Include: Lot 13 | [ARTIST'S BOOKS]. FOUJITA, artist. JOSEPH. A Book of Cats. NY, 1930. LIMITED EDITION, SIGNED. | Estimate $15,000 – 20,000 Lot 80 | [ECONOMICS]. GRAHAM and DODD. Security Analysis... NY&L, 1934. FIRST EDITION INSCRIBED BY GRAHAM. | Estimate $15,000 – 20,000 Lot 86 | EINSTEIN. THE THREE PARADIGM-SHATTERING PAPERS OF EINSTEIN’S “WONDER YEAR.” 1905. On relativity, photons & the atom. | Estimate $10,000 – 15,000 Lot 230 | [NATURAL HISTORY]. GOULD, John. The Birds of Europe. L., 1837. FIRST EDITION. | Estimate $40,000 – 60,000
Freeman’s | Hindman is pleased to announce the upcoming auction Design for Living: A Private Collection of Georg Jensen Silver, taking place on December 11 in New York City. This extraordinary single-owner collection brings together iconic and rare examples of Georg Jensen’s silver hollowware—representing the very best of the Danish silversmith’s craftsmanship—giving bidders the opportunity to acquire works that exemplify the firm’s enduring legacy and continued relevance. Assembled over decades with an expert eye for quality and historical significance, Design for Living reflects a deep appreciation of Georg Jensen’s contributions to design over the past 100 years. “This collection brings together formative works from Jensen and his team of designers that illustrate the development of the eponymous ‘Jensen Style’ that would define the firm’s aesthetic throughout the 20th century and into the future,” says Nick Coombs, Senior Specialist, European Furniture and Decorative Arts, and Head of Sale. “Throughout the sale, designs by Johan Rohde, Sigvard Bernadotte, and Harald Nielsen join works designed by Georg Jensen himself to create a vision of modernity and craftsmanship that collectors, decorators, and designers will recognize as the pinnacles of the Danish firm’s oeuvre.” Speaking to this historic sale, Gemma Sudlow, Executive Vice President and Managing Director New York Region, states, “We are delighted to be the auction house of choice for this beautiful collection and are looking forward to partnering with Danish designer and tastemaker Helene Blanche (@heleneblanche) to include her beautiful and timeless fabric and wallpaper designs in our sale promotion. Our 1905 townhome on New York’s Upper East Side, with its architectural and design features from the 1930s, will be the perfect setting to showcase this prestigious private collection.” Design for Living: A Private Collection of Georg Jensen Silver draws from the zenith of Jensen’s oeuvre, featuring a diverse array of forms—ranging from timeless classics to rare and desirable pieces—that will resonate with decorators, seasoned collectors, and newcomers alike. Many of the items in this collection bear marks dating their creation to the lifetime of Georg Jensen (1866-1935) and celebrated designers such as Johan Rohde (1856-1935), Harald Nielsen (1892-1977), and Sigvard Bernadotte (1907-2002). The collection also highlights how motifs and styles have evolved over the years while preserving the Jensen firm’s core artistic identity. Showcasing recognizable designs like the iconic grapevine, blossom, cactus, and louvre motifs, it also includes rare, standout works that typify the unique vision of the designers who contributed to the firm’s global reputation. Among the highlights of the auction are a pair of large five-light silver candelabra designed by Johan Rohde (estimate: $50,000 – 70,000), blending classical themes with Jensen’s distinctive grape cluster and dolphin motifs— embodying the firm’s vision of harmonizing modernity with classicism. Almost fifty years after the Rohde candelabra were created, Sigvard Bernadotte’s No. 855B candlesticks (estimate: $5,000 – 7,000) echo the same fluted columns and refined details, exemplifying the craftsmanship and design that defined the Jensen firm. Exhibitions The top lots from Design for Living: A Private Collection of Georg Jensen Silver will be showcased internationally, starting with a special exhibition at Freeman’s | Hindman’s sister auction house, Lyon & Turnbull, in London from October 8 to 10. The collection will then return stateside where it will be displayed in Freeman’s | Hindman’s New York gallery beginning on December 6 through to the auction on December 11. How to Bid Design for Living: A Private Collection of Georg Jensen Silver will be offered on December 11 in Freeman’s | Hindman’s New York saleroom. Bidding will be available in person, over the phone and via absentee or live online bidding.
Freeman’s | Hindman’s highly anticipated, dedicated sale of Pablo Picasso prints and multiples, Picasso: Master of Multiple, launched a dynamic day of edition sales in Chicago on September 26. The auction, which paid homage to Picasso’s commitment to experimentation and pushing the boundaries of media, was impressively nearly 100% sold, showcasing rare and unique works that captivated collectors. Among the standout lots was Visage au nez noir (A.R. 609) (Lot 32), which soared to $82,550—well above its pre-sale estimate of $30,000 - 50,000—thanks in part to the inclusion of its original wooden crate from the Madoura studio. Another highlight was a canceled copper plate of Femme Blonde de Profil (from Vingt Poèmes de Góngora), 1947 (Lot 6), etched directly by Picasso, which realized $41,275 against an estimate of $15,000 - 25,000. The exceptional results underscored the strong demand for Picasso’s works and the enduring appeal of his revolutionary approach to printmaking. The firm’s subsequent Prints and Multiples auction catered to a wide range of collectors, featuring everything from Old Master prints to sought-after Contemporary editions. Albrecht Dürer led the Old Masters session with St. Anthony Reading (Lot 148), whose distinguished, noble provenance helped it more than double its low estimate, achieving $53,975. The top lot of the sale was Jasper Johns’ Target, 1974 (Lot 45), a captivating piece that reflects the artist’s preoccupation with the merging of abstraction and representational forms, as well as the interplay between the mechanical and the handmade. The print, from the collection of Velma Engels in Denver, Colorado, sold for $174,300. Another highlight was Roy Lichtenstein’s vibrant and ever-popular Reflections on Soda Fountain, 1991 (Lot 59), which realized $76,200. Other top performers in the sale included works by Marc Chagall, Joan Miró, Alex Katz, Andy Warhol, David Hockney, and Keith Haring. Monica Brown, Managing Director of Fine Art and Head of the Prints and Multiples Department, says: “We couldn't be more thrilled with the results of Picasso: Master of Multiple. The sale presented a focused selection of artworks with exceptional attention to detail. The auction included property from each of our national offices, and being able to combine the artworks into a single cohesive format is certainly a strength for our firm which I was excited to showcase. Later in the day, our Prints and Multiples auction continued playing from strength to strength from Pop Art to Old Masters.” Additional Highlights | Picasso: Master of Multiple Lot 5: Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1881–1973) | Le Repas Frugal, 1904; printed 1913| Sold for $95,250 Lot 11: Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1881–1973) | Minotaure caressant une dormeuse (from La Suite Vollard)| Sold for $69,850 Lot 15: Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1881–1973) | Jacqueline au Bandeau de Face (Grand Tête de Femme), 1962| Sold for $88,900 Additional Highlights | Prints and Multiples Lot 44: Andy Warhol (American, 1928-1987) | Flowers, 1964| Sold for $41,275 Lot 75: Alex Katz (American, b.1927) | Samantha, 1987| Sold for $31,750 Lot 125: Marc Chagall (Belarusian/French, 1887–1985) | Nu et Coq, 1966 | Sold for $50,800 Lot 134: Joan Miró (Spanish, 1893-1983) | One Plate from Série Noire et Rouge, 1938 | Sold for $41,275
A captivating surrealist painting, The Magician, by Chicago artist Gertrude Abercrombie levitated past expectations at Freeman’s | Hindman’s September 25 Post War and Contemporary Art auction, achieving a remarkable $469,900—over six times its pre-sale estimate of $70,000–90,000. The sale, fueled by an intense bidding war via phone from the firm’s Chicago saleroom, marks yet another record-breaking moment for Abercrombie's work. Freeman’s | Hindman, the leading auction house for Abercrombie, surpassed its own record for the artist for the second time, following the sales of The Dinosaur for $387,500 in February 2022 and Untitled (Woman with Tethered Horse and Moon) for $437,500 in December 2022. Commenting on the sale, Zack Wirsum, Senior Vice President and Head of Department, Post War and Contemporary Art, said: "The title of the work withstanding, it was no magic trick to realize a new world record price for the artist with the sale of Gertrude Abercrombie’s spellbinding painting The Magician. Masterpieces just have a way of rising above and beyond any occasion and even lofty expectations.” Making Magic The Magician, housed in its original frame, features a woman levitating above a sleek black chaise lounge reminiscent of one from Abercrombie’s own apartment. The scene is set against a backdrop of an austere interior, complete with a vibrant green rug and a black cat seemingly raising its paw to conjure the act of levitation—a testament to Abercrombie’s sharp wit and imaginative vision. This work is part of a broader exploration of levitation in Abercrombie's oeuvre, alongside notable pieces such as Floating Lady (1958)and Untitled (Levitation) (1964). The sale of The Magician highlights Freeman’s | Hindman’s commitment to promoting Abercrombie’s legacy and leadership in the market following the success of the Casting Spells: The Gertrude Abercrombie Collection of Laura and Gary Maurer auction in September 2022, which represented the most extensive offering of her work at auction to date. The heightened interest in Abercrombie's art is further amplified by the upcoming major retrospective titled Gertrude Abercrombie: The Whole World is a Mystery, set to debut in early 2025 at the Carnegie Museum of Art before traveling to the Colby College Museum of Art. Additional Highlights | Post War and Contemporary Art Auction · Magdalena Abakanowicz (Polish, 1930-2017) | Dark, 1970-80 | Sold for $177,800 · Louise Nevelson (American, 1899-1988) | Night Image 1, 1964 | Sold for $165,100 · Lynn Chadwick (British, 1914-2003) | Maquette II for Jubilee III, 1984 | Sold for $133,350 · Claire Falkenstein (American, 1908-1997) | Untitled (Large Fusion) c. 1960 | Sold for $95,250
To Our Dear Clients and Friends, The first half of 2024 marked a period of robust growth for Freeman’s | Hindman, the nation's oldest auction house with one of the largest footprints. The firm held 75 auctions, achieving an average sell-through rate by lot of 90%. Bidder activity spanned 97 countries, with a 16% average increase in registrations per sale. This growth is highlighted by the ongoing success of single-owner offerings, robust sale results, and new appointments within the firm. We began 2024 with the sale of What Do You See? The Collection of Sidney Rothberg on February 27 and 28, achieving a two-day total of $4.9 million. After a global tour that exhibited the collection in Paris, New York, and Chicago, more than 240 works were sold in Rothberg’s beloved hometown of Philadelphia before a packed saleroom. Over the two days, 93% of the lots sold, with 1,099 bidders vying for works within this esteemed collection. This momentum continued throughout the spring with strong results for property from notable collectors including Michael Mennello, Richard C. McKenzie, Philip Pearlstein, Donald H. Wonder, Aline Elwes McDonnell, Laura Pels, and many more. Following the announcement of our permanent gallery and saleroom in the heart of New York’s Upper East Side, Freeman’s | Hindman was honored to present The Private Collection of Secretary Madeleine K. Albright on May 7 and 8. The diverse selection of fine jewelry, furniture, decorative arts, ephemera, books, and more from this respected politician achieved more than quadruple its pre-sale estimate. Over 1,000 bidders registered for the sales, with over 37% being first-time clients. The year has also brought new faces to our team, including Roger Ward as Head of Design, Leslie Calero as Director of Trusts, Estates & Private Clients in Naples, and Christopher Brink as Senior Specialist of Books and Manuscripts. As we continue building our team, we applaud their ability to bring exceptional property to market while providing our clients with a full-service auction experience. In the second half of 2024, our team is poised to build on our strengths as a firm with a fall season of various and single-owner sales slated across our six salerooms. We thank you as clients, new and old, for your continued support and welcome you to explore the full auction schedule here. Sincerely,
Freeman’s announces that Roger Ward has joined the merged firm as Head of Department, Design, expanding the team of experts in the Chicago office. Ward will lead the development of Freeman’s Design department nationally across 18 locations.
Personal Gift from the Marquis de Lafayette to President George Washington Comes to Auction at Freeman’s | Hindman this Fall Freeman’s | Hindman is honored to announce that it will bring a unique piece of American and French history to the auction block this September in its Books and Manuscripts auction in Philadelphia. The Destruction of the Bastille is an ink-wash drawing made at the onset of the French Revolution and only weeks after the Bastille fell. It was gifted to George Washington by famed French military commander and hero of the American Revolution, the Marquis de Lafayette, who was one of Washington’s most trusted military commanders during the Revolutionary War. The drawing would become one of Washington’s most cherished possessions, hanging prominently in the presidential house during his two terms, and then in the entryway of his Mount Vernon home, even after his death. It is estimated to sell for $500,000 - 800,000. Lafayette’s gift will retrace its original steps in an international tour leading up to the auction starting with a stop in Paris from June 21 through June 29. Its appearance at Didier Aaron & Cie will mark the first time the drawing has been on French soil since it departed for the newly United States in 1790. The drawing will then return stateside where it will be displayed in New York, Chicago, and Philadelphia. “Freeman's | Hindman is extraordinarily proud to offer this incredible testament to the power of liberty over oppression,” said Darren Winston, Freeman’s | Hindman’s senior vice president and co-head of the Books and Manuscripts department. “It seems only fitting that it returns to Paris, the heart of French democracy, before being sold in Philadelphia, the cradle of American democracy. I can only imagine Washington and Lafayette would have appreciated the symmetry.” A Tribute to the Patriarch of Liberty At the onset of the French Revolution, the Marquis de Lafayette sent his dear friend and former commander, and the first President of the United States, George Washington, two gifts on behalf of the French people in appreciation of his embodiment of worldwide liberty: a drawing of the demolished Bastille, and the main key to the prison. As the prison served as a symbol of French royal oppression, the drawing of it, capturing its demise, was Lafayette’s way of signaling to his mentor his gratitude and indebtedness in light of their shared victory against British oppression during the American Revolution. After the fall of the Bastille, Lafayette was placed in command of the Paris National Guard, thanks in large part to his heroism and experience in the American Revolution, and was then tasked with keeping order throughout the city. In August 1789, less than a month after Parisians stormed it, Étienne-Louis-Denis Cathala, an architect and inspector overseeing the prison’s demolition, captured the historic moment of its destruction. After months in transit, the drawing and key were finally presented to President Washington in New York in August 1790, a little more than a year into his first term. Upon receiving them, Washington would enthusiastically declare them tokens of “victory by Liberty over Despotism.” Washington would prize this drawing for the rest of his life, keeping it, along with the key, first at his Presidential homes in New York and Philadelphia during his time in office, and later sending them to his home, Mount Vernon, after serving his two terms as president. The drawing was proudly displayed in the entrance hall of his residence for all to see, a symbol of his relationship to Lafayette, his commitment to justice and liberty, and its meaning for America. In October 1824, 35 years after he gifted the Bastille relics to Washington, and 25 years after the death of Washington, Lafayette was finally reunited with them when he visited Mount Vernon during his triumphant tour of the United States. For Lafayette, it was an emotional moment and a deep reminder of the closeness with which the two held each other, and whose bond established the continuing friendship between France and the United States.
New York – Freeman’s | Hindman announces that Dianne Batista has joined the merged firm as Senior Vice President, Jewelry & Watches, expanding the team of experts in the firm’s New York office. Batista will lead the development of Freeman’s | Hindman’s jewelry and watch presence in New York and the greater Northeast region. Batista will work closely with SVP, Head of Department, Jewelry, April Matteini, and the Chicago, Philadelphia, Palm Beach, Denver, Detroit, and San Diego Jewelry and Watches team to build the firm’s Important Jewelry auctions. Batista brings 30 years of deep and wide-ranging jewelry experience to this role. Before joining Freeman’s | Hindman, she was the Director of Jewelry & Watches and Senior Specialist at Rago/Wright Auction House. Prior to joining Rago/Wright, she consulted independently as Archive Manager at David Webb amongst other roles. With her vast experience in the industry, she has held positions as both a Senior Jewelry Specialist and consultant at Christie’s. In the retail jewelry sector, she was the US Head of Dior Fine Jewelry and Cinta Jewelry Director at John Hardy. She has lectured extensively and has appeared as an original jewelry expert on PBS's Antiques Roadshow. Batista has worked with significant estates and brought many historic fine jewelry pieces to market. Most recently she was responsible for presenting many important pieces of artist jewelry, including pieces by Calder, Lalanne, Burle Marx, Loloma, Margaret De Patta, and Jean Despres to the auction market She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Art History from Randolph Macon Woman’s College and is graduate of the Gemological Institute of America’s diamonds, diamond grading, and gem identification. "It is an exciting time to join Freeman's | Hindman! With the recent merger of two formidable auction houses and our new location on the Upper East Side, I am thrilled to be back in New York City to lead our growth in Jewelry and Watches. Working closely with our well-established Trusts, Estates, and Private Clients team and other specialists throughout the country, I look forward to sharing my expertise and passion for jewelry and watches to bring exciting pieces to auction," commented Dianne Batista. A calendar of upcoming Jewelry and Watches auctions can be viewed online here.
NEW YORK – Freeman’s | Hindman sold a portion of The Private Collection of Secretary Madeleine K. Albright on May 7 and 8 reaching more than quadruple its pre-sale estimate. All lots in the live and online sales found a buyer, with pieces fetching as much as 20 times their pre-sale estimates. The sale featured a diverse set of items ranging from designer pieces to costume jewelry and small keepsakes. More than 1,000 bidders registered for the sales and over 37% were first-time clients to Freeman’s | Hindman. “It was a privilege to serve as the auction house of choice for this prestigious collection,” says Gemma Sudlow, EVP, Managing Director, New York Region. “Secretary Madeleine K. Albright remains an inspiration: her life of service, leadership, and ‘firsts’ was encapsulated in the broad range of property offered and excited a global audience of collectors. We are particularly delighted with the results for her jewelry and pins for which she was so celebrated.” Similarly, Gretchen Hause, SVP, Co-Head of the Books and Manuscripts department, indicates: “Presenting Secretary Madeleine K. Albright’s biography in objects at auction has been a profound professional honor. Her remarkable legacy of diplomatic service and trailblazing accomplishments are mirrored in each item of her fine collection, and the global interest it has garnered speaks volumes about her impact on the world stage.” The property offered by Freeman’s | Hindman presented the rare opportunity for collectors to obtain pieces from the private collection of one of the most important women in American history. Madeleine K. Albright was appointed U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations in 1993 and shattered a glass ceiling when she was sworn in as the nation’s first female Secretary of State in 1997, becoming at the time the highest serving woman in the history of the United States government. A “Diplomatic Arsenal” of Jewelry Secretary Albright’s love of jewelry was legendary. To Secretary Albright, jewelry could be so much more than a fashion statement—it could be a subtle, or sometimes not so subtle, form of diplomacy. She famously referred to her extensive brooch collection as her “personal diplomatic arsenal.” It was no surprise, then, that Secretary Albright’s jewelry attracted great interest. This included the collection’s top lot, a Bulgari white gold and diamond ‘Fireworks’ choker necklace (Lot 17) that doubled its estimate to realize $24,130. As expected, Secretary Albright’s renowned pin collection was the true highlight of the sale as bidders were eager to bring home a small part of her illustrious career. Highlights include: A Diamond, Ruby, and Sapphire Patriotic Leopard Pendant/Brooch (Lot 4) featuring an American flag sold for four times its estimate for $10,795. A Collection of Suffragette Themed Jewelry (Lot 2) that realized $6,985, or nearly ten times its $700-900 estimate. The ‘Jailed for Freedom’ pins included in the lot were awarded to suffragettes who were imprisoned after picketing in front of the White House in 1917, while green, white, and violet were worn by suffragettes as a constant reminder to “Give Women the Vote.” A Yellow Gold, Cultured Pearl and Corn Husk Pin (Lot 39) that was given to the Secretary by her former chief of staff as a 75th birthday gift, realized $6,985 against a $500-700 estimate. In a nod to her native Czechoslovakia and emblematic of her wisdom, an elegant Art Nouveau Silver and Enamel Owl Pin (Lot 25) based on the designs of Alphonse Mucha sold for nearly 20 times estimate for $6,033. Given the large and important role that jewelry played in her diplomacy, Secretary Albright’s Burlwood Standing Jewelry Box (Lot 49) from her Georgetown home commanded robust interest. This jewelry box that was used to hold her “diplomatic arsenal” and other cherished pins, necklaces, and bracelets collected throughout her life fetched $8,890, or 22 times the $400-600 estimate. Rare Items from the Personal Office and Library of Madeleine Albright Of the diplomatic and political memorabilia included in the auction and prominently displayed in her office, a set of painted nesting dolls of Soviet political leaders (Lot 55) drew significant attention, easily surpassing its $100-200 estimate to sell for $5,398. These animated nesting dolls serve as a reminder of Madeleine Albright’s profound ties to Eastern Europe, as she reflected, “Although I had become an American, I couldn’t separate myself from the struggles in Europe…the Cold War struggle was very real to me, and I followed events closely.” Additional highlights include: A First Edition of Back to Work: Why We Need Smart Government for a Strong Economy (Lot 77), inscribed on the title page by President Clinton to Madeleine Albright with “To Madeleine with thanks Bill” realized $2,858 against a pre-sale estimate of $300-400. A Collection of Thirteen Writing Instruments (Lot 112), including numerous commemorative Presidential and limited-edition pens sold for $4,763 against an estimate of $200-300. A Set of Twelve Wedgwood Plates with Landscapes of Wellesley College (Lot 109) reflected Madeleine Albright’s affection for her alma mater and her gratitude for the friends she made there sold for over 15 times the estimate for $3,175. Iconic Outfits, Trailblazing Style Like her jewelry, Madeleine Albright’s couture, handbags, designer scarfs, and hats were all powerful means to express her mood, and often a pointed message at events, diplomatic meetings, and special occasions. Highlights include: A Christian Dior Lady Dior Bag (Lot 94) that sold for $5,080. Two Red Western Hats and Hat Case (Lot 105) estimated at $400-600 realized $1,524. From her teenage years in Colorado, Secretary Albright developed a fondness for Western hats, and rekindled this affection when traveling as Secretary of State, both because she liked the look and because, as she said, “I had more bad hair days than I could count.” Further information about the sale of The Private Collection of Secretary Madeleine K. Albright is available upon request.
Hindman’s first ever New York auction season and a record number of single-owner sales drove Hindman to one of its most memorable years. The firm held 17 single-owner auctions throughout the year across a wide variety of collecting categories including Fine Art, Furniture & Decorative Arts, Watches, Books & Manuscripts, and more. All told, the sales accounted for more than $14 million of the company’s $99.7 million total in 2023. “This past year the team redoubled our focus on showcasing remarkable single-owner collections at auction,” said Alyssa Quinlan, CEO of Hindman. “I’m proud our efforts resulted in the presentation of property with truly outstanding provenance driving multiple ‘white glove’ collections and a record number of single-owner sales in 2023.” Hindman Makes New York Debut After opening a New York office in the fall of 2022, Hindman was thrilled to host its inaugural auction season in October 2023 featuring four auctions across three days. All told, the season achieved a combined total of $5.3 million with 295 lots sold from Hindman’s pop-up saleroom in SoHo. Over 2,000 bidders from 49 countries registered for the four sales and over 40% of buyers were first-time clients to Hindman. “We were thrilled with the excitement surrounding our very first New York auctions. The strong results achieved across a diverse range of collecting categories demonstrates Hindman’s strength in the region and the New York team’s deep bench of expertise, art-world connections, and ability to curate a compelling offering for our clients in the Northeast,” said Gemma Sudlow, Hindman’s Managing Director, New York Region. “Hindman’s strategy is about connecting with our communities, and we were delighted by the warm welcome we received here in New York for our series of events and auctions. We look forward to continuing this strong momentum with additional New York sales planned for Spring 2024.” The standout of the New York auctions was Time & Space: Watches from the Collection of Glen de Vries, which soared well past its pre-sale estimate achieving a total of $3 million and saw 95% of its lots sell. The top lot of the auction was a rare F.P. Journe, Platinum 'Tourbillon Souverain Black Label' that realized $415,800 against a low estimate of $250,000. The New York season also saw two lots achieve auctions records. In Forever Young: Photographs from the Joe Baio Collection, a 2008 piece by LaToya Ruby Frazier entitled Momme sold for $50,400 while Francis Speight’s 1930 work White House with Variations sold for $126,000 in Canvas & Clay: The Collection of Judith and Philip Sieg. World Class Collections from Across the Country Hindman’s 2023 was driven by a record number of single-owner auctions and sessions across the entire breadth of its collecting categories and sourced from coast to coast. All told, the auction house held 17 single-owner auctions throughout the year, a record for the firm, which achieved a combined total of $14,173,933. In March, Hindman offered Property from the Fred and Kay Krehbiel Collection in three parts in both its Chicago and Palm Beach salerooms. The remarkably provenanced and diverse collection from the Krehbiels’s Chicago and Palm Beach homes brought in bidders from 39 countries and realized over $3.5 million, more than double its pre-sale estimate. In the Books & Manuscripts category, the Fine Books from the Dorros Family Collection achieved a result of $1.5 million headlined by a remarkable complete copy of Edward S. Curtis’s seminal The North American Indian, which sold for $882,000. November also saw a pair of single-owner sales in the Cincinnati saleroom exceed their pre-sale estimates. Beyond a Cincinnati Legacy: The Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Fleischmann III achieved a combined total of $956,095 while The Donald F. Moylan, M.D. Collection of American Furniture, Folk & Decorative Arts netted $830,372. Curated Single-Owner Sessions Spur Various-Owner Sales A number of extraordinary collections also spurred on several of Hindman’s various-owner auctions. The year ended in dramatic fashion with a pair of white glove collections which sailed past their pre-sale estimates in back-to-back days. First, the collection of Ernest and Ella Brummer more than quadrupled its pre-sale estimate selling for a combined total of over $2 million in the December Antiquities & Ancient Art auction. The standout of the collection was a Roman marble head of a youth wearing a laurel wreath, which sold for $504,000 against an estimate of $40,000 to $60,000. The next day, the incredible jewelry collection of Marguerite Hark of Chicago and Surfside, Florida sold for $2.4 million in Important Jewelry, headlined by an important Kashmir unheated sapphire and diamond ring that sold for a staggering $1.29 million. The Asian Art Department had the pleasure of handling the Estate of Hisazo Nagatani, a world-famous collector and dealer. The collection was offered in the September Asian Works of Art auction and achieved a total sales price of $1.1 million and saw all lots in the collection sell. The top lot of the collection was a Chinese ink and color on silk ‘cats’ painting which sold for $327,600. Notable Highlights Across All Collecting Categories Hindman held 134 auctions offering 34,301 lots in 2023 and saw impressive highlights in a wide variety of collecting categories. Some of the other standouts from the year included: In October’s American Art, a 1919 oil on canvas by Norman Rockwell entitled One More Week of School and Then... sold for $529,200. Hindman continued to establish itself as a leading auction house for works by Gertrude Abercrombie when 1950’s Four Trees and Three Owls sold for $352,800 in the April Post War & Contemporary Art Fritz Scholder once again topped a Hindman Western & Contemporary Native American Art auction when Indian at the Bar sold for $239,400 in May. Gustave Loiseau’s Le quai du Pothuis à Pontoise sold for $201,600 in May’s European Art auction, making it the top lot in the category for the year. In November, a Navajo classic second phase blanket topped the Native American Art auction selling for $100,800. An exceedingly rare 1910 Tip Top Bread Honus Wagner baseball card sold for $114,000 in the June Sports Memorabilia The standout in the Arms & Armor category was a Singer U.S. Model 1911A1 cutaway prototype which sold for $78,000 in Cowan’s, a Hindman Company’s October Arms, Armor & Militaria
Objects from the collection of Ernest and Ella Brummer more than quadrupled its presale estimate selling for a combined total of over $2 millionat Hindman on December 5. All 38 lots from the legendary collection sold on the day with lots fetching as much as 25 times their presale estimates. The Brummer collection was offered as a single-owner session to begin Hindman’s Antiquities & Ancient Art auction, which achieved a sales total of $2.95 million. “The results today show just how impactful the Brummer legacy remains even decades after their legendary gallery closed its doors,” said Jacob Coley, Hindman’s Director and Senior Specialist of Antiquities & Ancient Art. “The carefully curated collection, spanning various artistic periods and styles, embodied the Brummers' discerning taste and passion for art. We are thrilled to have played a part in continuing the legacy of appreciation and scholarship that the Brummer Galleries so ardently championed.” Early 20th Century’s Preeminent Tastemaker Ernest Brummer was a renowned art dealer who, along with his brother Joseph, founded the historically significant Brummer Galleries, which held paramount importance in both New York and Paris during the early to mid-20th century. The galleries played a pivotal role in shaping the tastes and collections of art enthusiasts and museums alike. With locations in two of the world's artistic hubs, the Brummer Galleries became vital conduits for introducing European art to American audiences and vice versa. Their carefully curated exhibitions and extensive collection of artworks, ranging from ancient artifacts to modern masterpieces, not only enriched the cultural landscape of both cities but also fostered a deeper understanding of art history among the public. Moreover, the Brummer Galleries acted as influential intermediaries, connecting prominent artists and collectors, thereby contributing significantly to the global art market, and paving the way for artistic exchange and appreciation across continents. A Rare Glimpse into the Ancient World The property offered in the Hindman auction presented a unique opportunity for connoisseurs and scholars alike to add pieces with a lineage traceable through some of the most esteemed collections and notable exhibits in history to their collections. Bidders were all too eager to seize the moment. The top lot of the day was a Roman marble head of a youth wearing a laurel wreath (lot 18), which sold for a staggering $504,000 against an estimate of $40,000 to $60,000. The head depicted a youth with uniformly idealized features and classicizing proportions which suggest that in all probability this piece was inspired by the work of the famed fifth-century B.C. works of Polykleitos. Variants of well-known Greek originals became fashionable with the Roman elite during the Republican period who utilized these loose "copies" to create mythological ensembles to decorate their gardens and villas. Another Roman marble head that drew significant attention was a second century A.D. head of a triton (lot 19) that sold for $226,800, easily surpassing its $80,000 to $120,000 estimate. Much like with the marble head of the youth, the features of the figure are far too perfect to be a representation of a real person. Unlike the youth, however, the depiction of the face suggests that in all likelihood the subject is mythological rather than human. Indeed, the head very closely resembles the pair of tritons at the Musei Capitolini that originally flanked the famed Commodus portrait of Horti Lamiani, leading to the logical conclusion that the head is also meant to belong to a mythological creature with the torso of a man and an elaborate fishtail. Leading the Egyptian category was a 19-inch wood sculpture depicting the head of Osiris (lot 22) selling for $315,000, more than 10 times its presale estimate of $30,000 to $50,000. For having survived more than two millennia, the wood sculpture from the 26th Dynasty was in remarkable condition with the fine details and craftsmanship of the piece still on full display. Other highlights from the Brummer Collection include: Lot 11 | An Unfinished Greek Marble Head of a Woman Hellenistic, Circa 4th-2nd Century B.C. Sold for $176,400 Lot 15 | A Hellenistic Bronze Hypnos Circa 1st Century B.C.-1st Century A.D. Sold for $138,600 Lot 9 | A Romano-Egyptian Black Basalt Male Portrait Bust Circa Late 1st Century B.C.-Early 1st Century A.D. Sold for $138,600 Lot 17 | A Roman Green Schist Bust of Jupiter Circa 1st-2nd Century A.D. Sold for $126,000 Lot 16 | A Gallo-Roman Bronze Apollo Circa 2nd-3rd Century A.D. Sold for $100,800 Other Notable Lots from the Sale In addition to the Brummer Collection, the Antiquities & Ancient Art auction featured more than 200 lots from various owners sourced throughout Hindman’s national network of regional offices. Other notable collections included property from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, which was sold to benefit future acquisitions and saw all 27 of its lots sell. Among the highlights from various owners were: Lot 203 | A Roman Mosaic Panel Depicting Summer Circa 2nd-3rd Century A.D. Sold for $37,800 Lot 112 | A South Arabian Stone Idol Bronze Age, Early 3rd - Early 2nd Millennium B.C. Sold for $34,650 Lot 88 | An Egyptian Serpentine Ushabti for May New Kingdom, 19th Dynasty, 1307-1196 B.C. Sold for $31,500 Lot 180 | A Roman Bronze Figure of Isis-Aphrodite Circa 1st-2nd Century A.D. Sold for $28,350 More Property from the Brummer Collection Additional property from the Brummer Collection will be offered in various Hindman auctions for the remainder of 2023 and early 2024 including a mid-15th century French limestone figure of the Foolish Virgin in the February 2024 European Furniture & Decorative Arts auction and a dazzling array of wearable art and engraved gems in the March 2024 Jewelry Through the Ages auction.
An important Kashmir unheated sapphire and diamond ring (lot 275) more than quadrupled its presale estimate selling for $1.29 million, headlining Hindman’s Important Jewelry auction. The ring was the crown jewel of the exceptional collection of Marguerite Hark, of Chicago and Surfside, Florida and the top lot of the December 6 auction, which achieved a total sale price of $4.4 million. The Best Shines Brightest The sapphire ring managed to vault past already lofty expectations buoyed by substantial interest from all manner of bidder. Eleven phone bidders battled absentee, floor, and online bidders for the better part of five minutes. Bidding rose in steady $25,000 increments from a $300,000 opening absentee bid all the way to the final hammer of $1,025,000 with the lot selling to an online bidder on Hindman’s Digital Bid Room. The inclusion of the buyer’s premium resulted in the final sale price of $1,290,000. The ring featured an unheated, Kashmir sapphire weighing approximately 8.90 carats, set in a Spaulding & Co. mounting. “The combination of the size, deep blue color, and the fact that the sapphire was untreated, made it one of the rarest stones,” explained April Matteini, Hindman’s Associate Director of Jewelry. “It was an honor for all of us to work with such a true gem!” Jewelry from an Adventurous Woman The Collection of Marguerite Hark offered in Wednesday’s sale represented the pieces she collected throughout her world travels and that caught her eye in her beloved Chicago. Her exceptional eye for rarity and quality created a collection that proved irresistible to bidders. The ‘white glove’ collection saw all 75 lots sell and achieved a combined total of $2.4 million, more than triple its presale estimate. Hark was a giving woman in every sense of the word. She was a patron of many organizations throughout Chicago and beyond. She supported cultural institutions, hospitals, social service organizations, and non-profits dedicated to the furry and feathered friends in the natural world which she so cherished. She was an active member of the Service Club of Chicago for 67 years, a proud member of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association, and a generous supporter of Rush University Medical Center where her late husband, Dr. William A. Hark, practiced orthopedic medicine. Hark also had an extraordinary passion for life. Nothing put a smile on her face more than making new friends or sharing a meal with old ones in beautiful new locations. She loved travelling, going on thrilling adventures to exotic locations around the globe even into her eighties. In addition to the sapphire and diamond ring, highlights from the Hark Collection included: Lot 250 | Spaulding-Gorham, Unheated Burmese Ruby and Diamond Ring Sold for $176,400 Lot 249 | A Diamond Ring, Containing One Emerald Cut Diamond Weighing 6.33 Carats Sold for $163,800 Lot 270 | A Diamond Ring Set, Consisting of a Ring Containing One Emerald Cut Diamond Weighing 6.52 Carats and a Baguette Cut Diamond Eternity Band Sold for $138,600 Lot 276 | Oscar Heyman & Brothers, Multicolor Sapphire, Emerald and Diamond Parure Sold for $69,300 Incredible Collections from Across the Country In addition to the Hark Collection, the auction featured a number of remarkable collections from across the country. Standout collections included the Estate of Dorothy M. Press of Chicago, which sold for a combined $424,620, and the Estate of Linda O'Neil Porteous of Thousand Oaks, California, which fetched $230,549. Highlights from these incredible collections included: Lot 216 | An Important Diamond Ring, Containing One Emerald Cut Diamond Weighing 10.05 Carats Property from the Collection of a Lady, Atlanta, Georgia Sold for $201,600 Lot 117 | Van Cleef & Arpels, Ruby and Diamond ‘Mystery Set’ Flower Brooch Property from the Estate of Dorothy M. Press, Chicago, Illinois Sold for $176,400 Lot 236 | A Harry Winston Diamond Ring, Containing One Brilliant Cut Diamond Weighing 4.12 Carats Property from the Estate of Dorothy M. Press, Chicago, Illinois Sold for $157,500 Lot 57 | A Diamond Necklace, Containing One Cushion Brilliant Cut Diamond Weighing 5.08 Carats Property from the Estate of Linda O'Neil Porteous, Thousand Oaks, California Sold for $69,300
NEW YORK – Hindman’s first ever New York auction, Time & Space: Watches from the Collection of Glen de Vries, achieved a total of $3,017,511 surpassing the low estimate with 95% of 101 lots sold and realizing 106% hammer above low estimate. Over 800 bidders from 45 countries registered for the sale and over 50% of buyers were first-time clients to Hindman. Combined with the afternoon various owner sale of Watches, the two auctions, which were held at Hindman’s pop-up space in SoHo, achieved a total of $3,340,134. There was active participation across all sales channels, absentee, online, and energetic bidding in the room from clients of all ages. “It was an honor to launch our inaugural New York sale season with this collection”, comments Gemma Sudlow, Hindman’s Managing Director, New York Region. “Glen de Vries’ passion for horology and innovation come together in this compelling group of timepieces and our clients responded with enthusiasm. We were thrilled with the excitement in the room for our very first New York auction and we look forward to the continued momentum for our sales which go through next week.” The top lot of the auction was a rare F.P. Journe, Platinum 'Tourbillon Souverain Black Label' that realized $415,800 against a low estimate of $250,000. Produced between 2006 and 2015, it features a mechanism wholly unique to F.P. Journe revealed through a crystal backing and featuring the distinctive gold dials synonymous with the brand. Other top performers included a F.P Journe 18K Rose Gold ‘Octa Chronograph’ which sold for $176,400; a Richard Mille RM-6101 Yohan Blake that achieved $163,800; and A. Lange & Sohne Datograph Up/Down Platinum ‘Lumen’ that realized $163,800. Notable prices were additionally achieved for timepieces by makers Ulysse Nardin, De Bethune, Patek Philippe, Urwerk, Audemars Piguet, Hublot, Vacheron Constantin, and H. Moser & Cie. “The watches in the de Vries collection reflected the interests of the collector – innovative time pieces from many independent and forward-looking makers. It was truly one of the most remarkable collections I have ever had the pleasure of handling,” said Reginald Brack, Hindman’s Senior VP, Director, Jewelry & Watches. “Mr. de Vries had such a deep appreciation for the science of watchmaking, being drawn to some of the most sophisticated complications like tourbillons, perpetual calendars, flyback chronographs, and other groundbreaking mechanical achievements. He was ahead of his time in his collecting and curated a collection that our clients responded to with enthusiasm.” Notable sale results from the de Vries collection: Lot 91 | A. Lange & Söhne, Ref. 720.025 Platinum 'Lange 1 Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar.' Sold for $138,600. Lot 93 | A. Lange & Söhne, Ref. 139.035f 'Grand Lange 1 Moon Phase Lumen.' Sold for $100,800. Lot 7 | De Bethune, Ref. DB28XP Titanium. Sold for $88,200. Lot 16 | Patek Philippe, Ref. 5990, Stainless Steel 'Nautilus.' Sold for $88,200. About Hindman Hindman is a leading fine art auction house connecting cities nationwide to the global art market. With offices and salerooms throughout the country, Hindman conducts over 140 auctions annually in all major fine art and luxury collecting categories, while offering buyers and sellers an exceptional experience across multiple selling channels and price points. Hindman’s team of experts is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of ethics and integrity in the industry. Driven by this client-first approach, Hindman provides collectors, fiduciaries, and institutions with a comprehensive suite of services including auctions, appraisals, private sales, and art advisory. Hindman was formed through the merger of two premier auction houses, Leslie Hindman Auctioneers (est. 1982) and Cowan’s Auctions (est. 1995). For over 40 years Hindman has built a reputation as a market leader by providing outstanding service and achieving record results. Hindman is headquartered in Chicago with 15 additional locations serving clients coast to coast.
Hindman is pleased to announce the appointment of industry veteran Reginald Brack as Senior Vice President, Director of Jewelry & Watches. An avid collector and entrepreneur, Brack has held several pioneering positions in the luxury sector, including Senior Vice President, International Head of Retail, Watches at Christie's, where he successfully launched and managed both the private sales program and the e-commerce business. His tenure as the Founding General Manager of Watches at StockX played a pivotal role in transforming the platform into a multi-billion-dollar luxury marketplace. Prior to joining Hindman, Brack served as the Executive Director, Industry Analyst – Watches & Luxury at The NPD Group (now Circana) where he provided data and market insight to luxury C-suite brand and retail executives. "Reginald Brack's appointment signifies a pivotal moment for Hindman Auctions, reinforcing our commitment to elevate our Jewelry & Watches department to develop brand awareness and growth in the luxury sector,” said Alyssa Quinlan, CEO at Hindman. Brack expressed his enthusiasm for his new role, stating, "I am delighted to join the team at Hindman and look forward to bringing innovative accessibility to our clients, collectors, and the wider luxury community." Brack will hit the ground running at Hindman with the high-profile auction of the incredible watch collection of Glen de Vries at Hindman’s new New York location on October 18. As an American entrepreneur focused on medical sciences and technology, de Vries dedicated his life to providing the public with smarter treatments and creating a healthier world. Excellence in the disciplines of science and technology led de Vries to an interest in timekeeping. Over the course of his adult life, he assembled an enviable collection of watches from the most esteemed manufacturers around the globe, seeking out some of the rarest and most sought-after examples from independent makers and highly sophisticated complications. The first Important Jewelry auction under Brack will be held on December 6.
CHICAGO – This month, Hindman will present property from the Estate of Fred and Estelle Spector, Chicago, Illinois. A longtime Chicago Symphony Orchestra violinist and lifelong Chicagoan, Spector’s passion for music was reflected in his collection that included violins and string instrument-related decorative arts. Spector began violin lessons at the age of five with his uncle J.B. Mazur, concertmaster of the Czar’s Imperial Orchestra in Saint Petersburg. He attended Hyde Park High School and Chicago Musical College before eventually joining the U.S. Army. He flew as a bombardier and navigator in Japan during World War II, during which time he also became the first American violinist to concertize there after the war ended. Upon returning to Chicago, he became concertmaster of the Civic Orchestra and studied conducting with Rudolph Ganz. Later on, he was also a member of the Lyric Opera of Chicago Orchestra. Spector was a member of the CSO for 47 years (1956 – 2003) but was actually first hired by the orchestra in 1948. Unfortunately, just after accepting the position, the CSO fired its music director and all new offers were revoked. Eight years later, he was invited to audition again and ended up returning to Chicago to join the symphony and start a family with his wife, Estelle. A chamber music enthusiast, Spector also performed with numerous ensembles in the Chicago area and was a member of the Chicago Strings, the Chicago Symphony Quartet, and the Chicago Arts Quartet for many years. He was also assistant conductor of the Highland Park Music Theatre. Ben Fisher, Vice President & Senior Specialist, American Furniture, Folk & Decorative Arts commented: “We are delighted to be offering items from someone who has such a rich connection with Chicago’s cultural history. The instruments and objects are made even more special knowing how much care was taken with building this collection over the course of a lifetime.” Highlights of the estate include a 19th century silver-mounted violin cane (Lot 136; estimate: $2,000 - 4,000) and a 1930s aluminum and tiger maple violin and bow in the manner of John Burdick (Lot 155; estimate: $2,000 - 4,000). The collection also includes a number of porcelain figures, such as a group of four Meissen violin players (Lot 131; estimate: $1,000 - 1,500). A Silver-Mounted Violin Cane | Estimate: $2,000 - 4,000 Four Meissen Porcelain Violin Players | Estimate: Estimate: $1,000 - 1,500 Bidding for the auction is available now through June 14, as a portion of Hindman’s The Collected Home auction. The full auction can be viewed online here, and the Spector estate is lots 129-160. Featured image: Lot 155, An Aluminum and Tiger Maple Violin and Bow, Estimate: $2,000- 4,000