Christie’s Willem De Kooning Auction Offers An Opportunity To Own A Piece Of East Hampton’s Artistic History

Bidding for Willem De Kooning’s Works on Paper from the Estate of Dr. Henry Vogel opened on Wednesday, June 5 and will continue through the Wednesday, June 19. The timed online auction is being held exclusively by Christie’s, and features 33 distinct, untitled works from the estate of De Kooning’s good friend and psychiatrist, Dr. Henry Vogel. In his time, De Kooning was seen as a founding father of abstract expressionism and belonged to an art movement referred to as the New York School, which included the likes of Jackson Pollock.

Originally known for spatial ambiguity, elegant and decisive lines, and a focus on the human (especially female) form, De Kooning’s style evolved and changed upon his settling in East Hampton during the 1960’s. De Kooning was drawn to the area after visiting his friend and colleague, Jackson Pollock, in East Hampton. He saw the area as a quiet, reflective place to escape the fast-paced bustle of New York City, and was particularly enamored with the landscape because it reminded him of his native Holland.

An oil on paper piece estimated to go for $60,000-$80,000. (courtesy photo)

His arrival in the Hamptons inspired De Kooning to such a degree that his paintings after that period are sometimes considered to be a distinct body of work from his earlier pieces. The seclusion and openness of the country, alongside his fascination with light and the shimmering reflections on the water, were manifested by a more open concept of space and an often colorful style. His work continued to depict the female figure, but these new pieces were informed by the rolling beaches, wide marshes, and expansive skyline of East Hampton. Kristen Force, an art specialist at Christie’s New York, noted that while De Kooning’s earlier works were harsh, “in Woman Sag Harbor, painted during his time in Long Island, the figure depicted is more lush and voluptuous, and the colors are softer and more delicate.”

Now, art collectors from all levels have the opportunity to own a piece of this artistic transformation. With starting bids ranging from $1,000 to $40,000, the sale presents a diverse selection of the author’s works, all on paper and all offered from Dr. Vogel’s personal collection. “This special online-only sale presents a tremendous collecting opportunity for enthusiasts of both de Kooning and of works on paper, as well as a wonderful jumping-off point for those looking to begin a collection,” said Force.

As with all of Christie’s exclusive online-only auctions, all browsing and bidding for the works featured in the two-week sale is done completely online, with the click of a mouse. Registration and bidding are open to both new and established clients located anywhere in the world.


To bid on the De Kunning collection visit www.christies.com.