African and Oceanic Jewelry Owned by Louise Nevelson Group of Seven Necklaces, 20th century

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Art and Design

By Freeman's

Sep 15, 2021

Set Reminder 2021-09-15 10:00:00 2021-09-15 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Art and Design https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/freemans/art-and-design-7380
A collection of 20th century design furniture and decorative objects and contemporary art featuring property from the Estate of Gabriele Lee. Freeman's info@freemansauction.com

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• Lot Description

  Comprising four African necklaces, the first composed of glass beads, carved stone, bronze pendant, and natural fibers, the other three composed of glass and/or carved coral and shell beads and natural fibers; and three necklaces from Oceania (possibly Papua New Guinea), composed of worked shells, boar tusks, and natural fibers.

  (Dimensions: L: 18 in. (longest necklace, extended))
  
  (L: 18 in. (longest necklace, extended))
  
  

  Provenance

  African necklace with bronze pendant and three Oceanic necklaces: Louise Nevelson (1899-1988), to the Estate of Louise Nevelson, to Maria Nevelson
  Three African necklaces: Louise Nevelson (1899-1988), to Maria Nevelson.

  
  
  Footnote:

  Note

  Louise Nevelson, born in 1899 in Pereiaslav, Russia, emigrated to the United States as a child, and later established herself as an artist in New York. Known for her large-scale wall and outdoor sculptures, she also was known for her skilled mixing of ethnic and couture clothing in layers, collaging herself much like her sculptures. According to her gallery dealer Arne Glimcher, Louise once said, “I’m an atmospheric dresser.” Her love for things imperfect is reflected in the ethnographic and modernist jewelry offered in this sale. The necklaces and pendants provide a snapshot of the kinds of things Nevelson collected and wore in daily life.

  In 1977, Nevelson made Eleanor Lambert’s “Best Dressed International Women” list. Her style and freedom to dress as an individual continue to influence women today in their own fashion choices. The following quote perhaps best sums up her outlook on dressing:

  “When the sculptor (Louise Nevelson) came to his salon, Scaasi showed her a series of black suits and other conservative clothes. After a while, she stopped him abruptly. ‘I’m not a Scarsdale matron,’ she told him. He was taken aback, but recovered. ‘Of course you’re not,’ he told her. ‘You’re the Empress of Art and we will dress you as an Empress.’ He swiftly switched to brocade dresses and other more flamboyant designs.’” (Arnold Scaasi, Scaasi, A Cut Above, p. 79)

  A photograph of Louise Nevelson wearing one of the Oceanic necklaces was sold at RR Auction, Boston and Amherst, Massachusetts, August 10, 2011, Lot 576.

  
  
  Condition report:

  nice condition throughout; some retaining original earthen encrustation; one glass necklace with a broken bead, and the cowry shell necklace with two partially detached beads.

• Shipping Info

  • No lot may be removed from Freeman’s premises until the buyer has paid in full the purchase price therefor including Buyer’s Premium or has satisfied such terms that Freeman’s, in its sole discretion, shall require. Subject to the foregoing, all Property shall be paid for and removed by the buyer at his/ her expense within ten (10) days of sale and, if not so removed, may be sold by Freeman’s, or sent by Freeman’s to a third-party storage facility, at the sole risk and charge of the buyer(s), and Freeman’s may prohibit the buyer from participating, directly or indirectly, as a bidder or buyer in any future sale or sales. In addition to other remedies available to Freeman’s by law, Freeman’s reserves the right to impose a late charge of 1.5% per month of the total purchase price on any balance remaining ten (10) days after the day of sale. If Property is not removed by the buyer within ten (10) days, a handling charge of 2% of the total purchase price per month from the tenth day after the sale until removal by the buyer shall be payable to Freeman’s by the buyer. Freeman’s will not be responsible for any loss, damage, theft, or otherwise responsible for any goods left in Freeman’s possession after ten (10) days. If the foregoing conditions or any applicable provisions of law are not complied with, in addition to other remedies available to Freeman’s and the Consignor (including without limitation the right to hold the buyer(s) liable for the bid price) Freeman’s, at its option, may either cancel the sale, retaining as liquidated damages all payments made by the buyer(s), or resell the property. In such event, the buyer(s) shall remain liable for any deficiency in the original purchase price and will also be responsible for all costs, including warehousing, the expense of the ultimate sale, and Freeman’s commission at its regular rates together with all related and incidental charges, including legal fees. Payment is a precondition to removal. Payment shall be by cash, certified check or similar bank draft, or any other method approved by Freeman’s. Checks will not be deemed to constitute payment until cleared. Any exceptions must be made upon Freeman’s written approval of credit prior to sale. In addition, a defaulting buyer will be deemed to have granted and assigned to Freeman’s, a continuing security interest of first priority in any property or money of, or owing to such buyer in Freeman’ possession, and Freeman’s may retain and apply such property or money as collateral security for the obligations due to Freeman’s. Freeman’s shall have all of the rights accorded a secured party under the Pennsylvania Uniform Commercial Code.

• Buyer's Premium

  • Hammer Price	Premium (%)
    $0	29.00
    $600,000	23.00
    $3,000,000	15.00