A Rare Opportunity to Acquire Priceless Artworks from the Music Executive’s Collection
In a highly anticipated art event this fall, a remarkable collection of 13 works owned by American music executive Jerry Moss is set to go under the hammer at Christie’s, with an estimated total value of $50 million. This collection, which does not carry a financial guarantee, will be auctioned at Christie’s New York, encompassing a dedicated evening sale next month, as well as a contemporary day sale scheduled for November 9 and 10.
Jerry Moss, who passed away at the age of 88 in August, was a prominent figure in the music industry. He co-founded A&M Records with musician Herb Alpert, eventually transforming it from an independent label into a powerhouse that supported the careers of major American artists, including the Carpenters, Joan Armatrading, Quincy Jones, and Janet Jackson.
The Highlight: Frida Kahlo’s “Portrait of Cristina, My Sister”
One of the most prominent artworks in this collection is a 1928 painting by the iconic Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, titled “Portrait of Cristina, My Sister.” This piece is significant as it is the only work by Kahlo to feature her younger sister. Painted during the early stages of Kahlo’s career, it depicts a time when the artist still had a strong relationship with her sister, Cristina. However, their bond would eventually fracture after Cristina became involved in an affair with Diego Rivera, Frida’s husband.
Christie’s estimates that this valuable piece could fetch a price between $8 million to $12 million, making it one of the most valuable Kahlo paintings ever to be offered at public auction. Moss acquired this artwork in 2001 for $1.7 million during a Latin American Art sale at Sotheby’s in New York.
The Soaring Market for Kahlo’s Art
Frida Kahlo’s art has seen a remarkable surge in value over the past two decades. In 2021, a self-portrait by Kahlo achieved a record-breaking sale of $34.9 million at Sotheby’s in New York, surpassing her previous record of $8 million. If “Portrait of Cristina, My Sister” meets its estimate, it will become the second-most expensive work by Kahlo ever sold at a public auction.
An Understated Estimate
Despite the estimated value, Max Carter, Christie’s Vice Chairman of 20th and 21st Century Art, and Marysol Nieves, Christie’s Senior Specialist in Latin American Art, believe that the estimate for the Kahlo piece is rather conservative. They argue that the artwork’s rarity should be considered when evaluating its potential worth.
A Testament to Jerry Moss’s Unique Taste
Tina Moss, Jerry Moss’s widow, is overseeing the sale of her late husband’s estate at Christie’s. She emphasizes Jerry’s unique approach to collecting art, driven by personal preferences rather than external influences. “He did not want to purchase something because someone told him he should,” she noted.
Additional Highlights in the Collection
The Moss collection also includes a painting by Tamara de Lempicka, an artist whose auction prices have seen a recent upsurge. The artwork, titled “Fillette en rose,” depicts Lempicka’s young daughter Kizette reading a book. With an estimated value of $7 million to $10 million, this piece, held by Moss since 1982, is poised to become one of Lempicka’s most valuable paintings ever to be auctioned.
In addition to these gems, the collection features works by renowned artists such as Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, Thomas Hart Benton, and Max Ernst. Prices for these lots range from $2 million to $10 million, offering collectors a unique opportunity to acquire exceptional works of art.
The upcoming Christie’s auction of the Jerry Moss collection promises to be a landmark event in the art world, offering art enthusiasts and collectors a chance to acquire a diverse range of priceless artworks that reflect Jerry Moss’s unique taste and the enduring appeal of iconic artists like Frida Kahlo and Tamara de Lempicka.
Feature Image: Frida Kahlo, Portrait of Cristina, My Sister, 1928.COURTESY CHRISTIE’S
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