If there is a consistent thread that runs through all sales hosted by Palm Beach Modern Auctions (PBMA), it’s the level of great quality that comes from thoughtful curation. Each of their lively auction events includes the best of modern and contemporary art, furniture, and fine jewelry from consignors in Palm Beach and other upscale Florida communities, as well as the Hamptons and New York City. 

PBMA’s June 2, 2018 auction features more than 520 lots of expertly selected fine art, including original works, editions, and sculptures; furniture by important 20th century designers, Picasso pottery, and a single-owner collection of prestigious timepieces. Their catalog is every modern and contemporary collector’s wish book, with its accurate descriptions, photos taken from multiple angles, and a strong emphasis on providing each item’s line of provenance.

The mid-century modern furniture category is led by select pieces from a Coral Gables, Florida, collection; Saridis furniture from an estate in Athens, Greece, and additional rare designs by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings. The latter grouping is led by a monumental dining table and large pedestaled console table, each estimated at $15,000-$30,000.

“Just when it looks as though Paul Evans furniture might have peaked, it hits an even higher price point at auction,” said PBMA auctioneer and partner Rico Baca. “There isn’t a hotter name in furniture at the moment.” PBMA’s June 2 sale features a rare Paul Evans Studio for Directional mid-century modern Skyline dining table and set of eight chairs. Made in 1971, the signed, bronzed-resin dining table comes from the same consignor as the chairs, which have bronzed resin-over-steel frames and upholstered seats. The consignor states that the table and chairs were purchased by his father and have remained in the family for more than 30 years. Offered as two consecutive lots, the table is estimated at $10,000-15,000; while the chairs carry a $30,000-50,000 estimate. An Evans faceted cabinet is entered with a $20,000-30,000 estimate.

Additionally, there are 15 lots of Karl Springer furniture, including several pieces from a Palm Beach residence that were originally purchased from the Springer showroom. Springer lots include a pair of Lucite and chromed-metal floor lamps, $7,000-9,000; and a parchment console table, $4,000-6,000. A sampling of other furniture highlights includes: a large Philip & Kelvin Laverne CHIN YIN coffee table, $10,000-15,000; and from an especially large and diverse selection of Italian furniture, a rare pair of Gio Ponti & Orlando Orlandi lounge chairs, $40,000-$60,000.

Two dozen pieces of coveted Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1881-1973) pottery made at the Madoura studio in Vallauris, France, will be available for the ever-growing legion of fans who admire the appealing, offbeat ceramics. A large Visage de Femme platter from a prestigious French private collection is estimated at $25,000-35,000, while an 11-1/4-inch Visage aux Points pitcher, ed. 257/350, is poised to reach the $10,000-16,000 mark. A striking 12-inch-high Visage pitcher, ed. 58/500, is one of many exceptional artworks consigned to the sale by the Norman S. Jaffe Art Trust of Coral Gables, Florida. Its estimate is $3,500-5,500

The highest-estimated artwork in the sale is a painted, chromed, and coppered steel sculpture, surmounted on a wood base, by John Angus Chamberlain (American, 1927-2011). A unique original work, it was originally gifted by the artist to Xavier Fourcade, owner of Xavier Fourcade Gallery, New York, and has since remained in private hands. Measuring 14-1/2 inches high by 19 inches wide, it is expected to sell in the vicinity of $250,000-450,000.

A stainless steel sculpture in one of Harry Bertoia’s (1915-1978) most desirable forms, WILLOW, was inspired by willow trees on the artist’s Pennsylvania property. An example is shown in the reference book Knoll Fine Furniture by Rouland & Rouland. Standing an impressive 65 inches high and 32 inches in diameter, the WILLOW sculpture to be offered on June 2 could reach $50,000-70,000. 

Two other sculptures attracting presale interest are Lynn Chadwick’s (British, 1914-2003) RAD LAD II, and a large Deborah Kay Butterfield (American, b. 1949-) metal horse. Both are from the aforementioned Norman S. Jaffe Art Trust and carry individual estimates of $25,000-35,000. 

There are many noteworthy editions by such artists as Jasper Johns, Sean Scully, James Rosequist, Robert Motherwell, Tom Wesselman and other widely collected names. A Roy Lichtenstein (American, 1923-1997) lithograph titled Modern Art, from a 1971 edition signed by both the artist and printer, is estimated at $6,000-9,000. Three Keith Haring (American, 1958-1990) drawings will be auctioned consecutively. Two are artist-signed depictions on wood tile from Prospect Park Rec Center (Brooklyn, NY) and carry individual estimates of $15,000-25,000.

Contemporary paintings, photos and editions from a prestigious Miami private collection include a monumental (71 by 89-1/4 inches) Spencer Tunick (American, b. 1967-) C-print, ed. 3/6, titled 23RD STREET & 10TH AVE NYC. Executed in 1999, it comes to auction with a $5,000-10,000 estimate.

With utmost precision, 17 luxury timepieces are counting down the hours and minutes till they cross the auction block. Most are from a fine one-owner private collection. The lineup includes such sought-after brands as Cartier, Hermes, Piaget, Ulysse Nardin, and Girard-Perregaux. An 18K gold Henning Koppel for Georg Jensen men’s watch with three subdials and an alligator strap is estimated at $4,000-6,000. 

All auction guests are invited to enjoy a complimentary spring-theme catered lunch, snacks and beverages. As always, there will be free valet parking. Those who cannot attend in person are encouraged to bid absentee, by phone or live via the Internet through LiveAuctioneers.com.

The Saturday, June 2, auction will begin at 12 PM ET. PBMA is located at 417 Bunker Road, West Palm Beach, Florida 33405. Previews are 10 AM to 5 PM Tuesday, May 29 through Friday, June 1, or on auction day from 9 AM till 12 PM. They are closed on Memorial Day. For additional information call (561) 586-5500 or email info@modernauctions.com.