‘Ottawa’ Rothko, Basquiat Highlight Christie’s Contemporary Sale
NEW YORK — A large blue and green painting by Mark Rothko and a monumental self-portrait by Jean-Michel Basquiat (zhahn mee-SHEHL’ BAH’-skee-aht) are among the major highlights of Christie’s contemporary art sale.
Other top lots at Tuesday evening’s sale include an important work by the abstract expressionist artist Clyfford Still and a group of nine sculptures by Alexander Calder that were inspired by his visit to India in 1955.
Rothko’s “No. 17” is estimated to bring $30 to $40 million.
Basquiat’s self-portrait, “Untitled, 1982,” portrays the young artist as a fiery demonic figure. It has a $40 million pre-sale estimate.
The Still painting, “PH-234, 1948,” has had only two previous owners. It could bring $25 to $35 million.
Most of Still’s works are in collections and museums, including at the Clyfford Still Museum in Denver, Colorado.