Press & Announcements
Read the latest press coverage & announcements about Freeman's.
Read the latest press coverage & announcements about Freeman's.
Freeman’s | Hindman is proud to present the June 18th Important Jewelry auction in New York, with a spectacular showcase of exquisite diamonds, rare colored gemstones, and signed pieces from Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Bulgari,and more. The sale also showcases exceptional private collections, includingthe Estate of a Palm Beach Socialite, Property from the Estate of Helen Elliot Scott, Wayne, Pennsylvania, and Jewelry from the Private Collection of an Artist. Speaking to the sale is April Matteini, Senior Vice President and Head of Department, Jewelry: “We are excited to welcome buyers to our June Important Jewelry sale. This sale features a collection of iconic jewelry, including Van Cleef & Arpels pieces from the 1970s, enamel bangles by Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co., a Bulgari Trombino ring, and statement pieces by Lalaounis, which I am confident will inspire collectors from around the world.” Colorful Signed Jewelry and Rare Gemstones from Private Collections An extraordinary selection of signed jewelry featuring standout creations by legendary designers like Van Cleef & Arpels, Bulgari, and Lalaounis will take center stage at the June auction. At the forefront is a dazzling coral, diamond, and emerald suite by Van Cleef & Arpels (Lot 122), estimated at $120,000–180,000. Created circa 1970, the summery suite includes a detachable pendant, a pair of pendant earrings, and a matching ring—an iconic example of the French Maison’s refined craftsmanship and timeless elegance. Complementing this highlight are several exquisite-colored gemstone rings by Tiffany & Co. and Bulgari. Among them is an oval mixed-cut Kashmir sapphire and diamond ring from Tiffany & Co. (Lot 138), estimated at $40,000–60,000, and a brilliant-cut pink spinel and diamond ring by Bulgari (Lot 96), estimated at $25,000–35,000. Also featured in the sale are striking pieces from the celebrated Greek jewelry house Lalaounis, including a pair of high-karat gold cuff bracelets and a statement bib collar necklace (Lots 191 and 192). Offered as Property from a Connecticut Collector, these exceptional works showcase Lalaounis’ signature high-relief repoussé technique and the house’s deep-rooted dedication to historical and Hellenistic motifs. Additional Signed Jewelry and Gemstone Highlights: Lot 136 | BURMESE SAPPHIRE AND DIAMOND RING | Estimate: $60,000 - 80,000 Lot 108 | TIFFANY & CO., RUBY, DIAMOND, AND PLATINUM 'COBBLESTONE' NECKLACE | Estimate: $30,000 - 50,000 Lot 149 | VAN CLEEF & ARPELS, JADE AND DIAMOND NECKLACE | Estimate: $20,000 - 30,000 Lot 91 | BULGARI, YELLOW GOLD AND DIAMOND 'SPIGA' BRACELET | Estimate: $12,000 - 18,000 Other Top Lots Include: Lot 86 | 14.45 CARAT CUSHION BRILLIANT CUT DIAMOND RING | Estimate: $125,000 - 175,000 Lot 114 | EMERALD CUT DIAMOND PENDANT | Estimate: $80,000 - 120,000 Lot 132 | JB STAR, DIAMOND AND PLATINUM RING | Estimate: $50,000 - 70,000 Lot 160 | TIFFANY & CO., SCHLUMBERGER, PAILLONNÉ ENAMEL AND DIAMOND 'DOTS' BRACELET | Estimate: $18,000 - 22,000 National Exhibition Important Jewelry sale tours in June to New York and Chicago. Chicago 1550 W Carroll Ave | Chicago, IL 60607 June 5-6: 10 AM -5 PM June 7-8: 11 AM – 4 PM June 9: 10 AM – 5 PM New York 32 East 67th Street | New York, NY 10065 June 12-13: 10 AM - 5 PM June 14: 10 AM – 4 PM (Closed Sunday) June 16-17: 10 AM – 5 PM Freeman’s is a premier American auction house offering services in multiple categories including fine art, jewelry, design, books and manuscripts, furniture, decorative arts, antiquities, couture, and Asian works of art. With 16 regional locations nationwide, the firm provides auctions, appraisals, private sales, and art advisory services, connecting clients to the global art market. Freeman’s strives to bring art, history, and design to life by connecting people with extraordinary objects through exceptional service and expertise.
Freeman’s | Hindman is honored to present Master of Ceremonies: The Joel Grey Collection, a vibrant tribute to the legendary performer’s life and legacy as a collector, artist, and cultural icon. Drawn from Grey’s longtime New York residence, the sale on June 20th features an intimate selection of fine art, decorative objects, and treasured memorabilia—including a portrait by David Hockney, works by Jim Dine, R.B. Kitaj, and Betty Parsons, and iconic pieces from Cabaret. Together, these items illuminate Grey’s enduring friendships with artists and his extraordinary influence across stage, screen, and the cultural life of New York City. “Throughout my many happy decades in Manhattan, I was lucky enough to amass an art collection that speaks to the many friendships and artistic milieu that defined this era of my life and career. I’ve always thought of myself as custodian of these beautiful things and I’m excited for a new generation to find joy and inspiration in them through this auction.” — Joel Grey “Joel Grey’s life as an icon of both Broadway history and American culture is really on full display here. It is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to witness the impact both his personal and public life has had on the very fabric of the downtown New York art scene and culture at large. The longstanding and deeply meaningful relationships he has with fellow artists and creatives is evident in these special works of art and objects.” — Aaron Cator, Senior Specialist, Post War and Contemporary Art FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Top Hat Worn by Joel Grey in the 1972 Film Production of Cabaret | Estimate $500–800; Tailcoat Worn by Joel Grey for the 1987 Broadway Revival of Cabaret | Estimate: $400–600 Cherished Memorabilia: Defining Roles and Cultural Touchstones The collection features exceptional memorabilia from some of Joel Grey’s most iconic roles. At the heart is the Emcee’s retractable top hat (lot 6, estimate $500–800) from the 1972 film Cabaret, directed and choreographed by Bob Fosse. This bedazzled hat, worn during the unforgettable “Money Money” number with Liza Minnelli, complements the Emcee’s tailcoat and adds to the performance’s decadent satire on wealth. The glittering façade of the hat mirrors the illusion of affluence and the show’s haunting themes. Also included is an original film reel from the 1972 Cabaret production (lot 3, estimate $1,000–2,000), offering a rare physical artifact from one of cinema’s most visually daring musicals. The tailcoat worn by Mr. Grey in the 1987 Broadway revival of Cabaret (lot 5, estimate $400–600) is reminiscent of a circus ringleader or a parody of a well-born gentleman aristocracy. Though various actors have since taken on the Emcee role, Mr. Grey’s original image remains the most indelible—his performance continues to define the character for generations of audiences. Adding to the personal dimension of the sale is Mr. Grey’s upright black lacquer piano (lot 11, estimate $1,500–2,500), which stood at the heart of his home. This piano greeted guests and served as a gathering point for friends, composers, and castmates preparing for productions like George M!, Goodtime Charley, Chicago, Wicked, and The Normal Heart. Notably, Mr. Grey’s 1973 Oscar once sat atop this beloved instrument. The auction also features an array of costumes that reflect Mr. Grey’s creative evolution, including: · The lacquered cane and provocative Act II kickline ensemble from Cabaret (lot 7, estimate $400–600) · A rare pair of Austrian lederhosen, believed to have been worn during a production of Cabaret (lot 9, estimate $300–500) · A bold red tuxedo ensemble from Mr. Grey’s guest appearance in the final episode of Dallas, a tribute to his friendship with series star Larry Hagman (lot 10, estimate $500–700) FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: David Hockney, Portrait of Joel Grey | Estimate $20,000–40,000; Jim Dine, Heart | Estimate: $8,000–12,000 Fine Art: Personal Friendships and Powerful Works While Mr. Grey is most celebrated for his remarkable performances on stage and screen, his taste and erudition as a collector of fine art are showcased in a stunning group of works. The sale is led by a portrait drawing of Joel Grey by David Hockney (lot 88, estimate $20,000–40,000), made during one of Mr. Grey’s visits abroad. Mr. Grey reflects on the experience in Hockney’s studio: “He was drawing and I was sitting there. And he was a sweetheart, I mean a really, really simple, charming genius and I liked him a lot. And that was the result of that day.” The casual sketch session, born out of artistic instinct rather than formal portraiture, speaks to the natural rhythm of Hockney’s life: “They eat, they breathe, they draw,” Mr. Grey said, smiling. “So, I sat there like a good boy, which I am not.” The collection also includes a group of intimate and dedicated works by Jim Dine, many of which bear handwritten inscriptions. Introduced by Mr. Grey’s childhood friend R.B. Kitaj, Jim Dine and Mr. Grey formed a close, lifelong friendship. These works reflect Dine’s deep affection for Mr. Grey and his wife Jo. Among them is Heart (1982) (lot 52, estimate $8,000–12,000), a richly layered mixed-media piece on handmade paper. The iconic heart motif, inscribed by both Dine and his wife Nancy, transforms the work into a deeply personal gift that speaks to the emotional core of their friendship. FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Al Hirschfeld, George M! | Estimate $2,000–4,000; Ann Hould-Ward, Costume Design for Fiddler on the Roof | Estimate: $100–200 Onstage Reflections: Capturing Joel Grey in Character Mr. Grey’s profound influence is also evident in several unique pieces representing him on stage. A whimsical ink drawing by Al Hirschfeld (lot 13, estimate $2,000–4,000) captures him as George M. Cohan in George M!. With Hirschfeld’s signature fluid line and theatrical flair, the portrait immortalizes Mr. Grey during a transformative and triumphant moment in his career. Though he would go on to be known as a quintessential song-and-dance man, Mr. Grey approached the role with neither formal tap training nor a background in singing—only intense determination. “George M. Cohan was one of the great, great song-and-dance men of his time,” Mr. Grey reflected. “He was known as a really difficult guy… but he was a genius and he wrote great songs.” In preparing for the role, Mr. Grey worked daily with tap instructor Bob Audy, conquering his fear with tireless dedication. “I was terrified,” he admitted. “I worked every single day for hours… it was such an act of terror that I would go under the stage at the Palace Theater and run the solo—every single show.” His daughter Jennifer Grey echoed the impact of this metamorphosis: “My dad didn’t know how to tap dance before the show—and he learned to tap and became known as one of the most famous tap dancers… He wasn’t a singer when he started off, he wasn’t a dancer—and then to become known as a song-and-dance man, and he played one of the first pioneers of song and dance.” Another standout is an original 2018 costume design by Tony-winning designer Ann Hould-Ward (lot 17, estimate $100–200), created for the Yiddish revival of Fiddler on the Roof, reflecting the close creative collaboration between Hould-Ward and Mr. Grey, who was the show’s director. Additional Highlights Include: · Lot 4 | Boris Aronson, Original Stage Rendering of Cabaret, 1968 Estimate $300–500 · Lot 39 | Joel Grey, The Statue of Liberty, 2023 Estimate $7,000–9,000 · Lot 53 | Jim Dine, Double Portrait of Joel Grey Estimate $6,000–8,000 · Lot 67 | Betty Parsons, Between the Verticals, 1973 Estimate $10,000–15,000 · Lot 79 | Bruce Robbins, Plank (#3) and Plank (#7), a pair, circa 1970s Estimate $2,000–4,000 · Lot 87 | Jack Ceglic, Portrait of Joel Grey, three-quarter length, in an interior, 1967 Estimate $2,000–3,000 · Lot 89 | R. B. Kitaj, Portrait of Joel Grey Estimate $6,000–8,000 Master of Ceremonies: The Joel Grey Collection is a powerful window into the creative spirit, cultural legacy, and enduring friendships of one of Broadway’s most beloved performers. The auction offers collectors and admirers alike an opportunity to experience the artistic energy, theatrical brilliance, and deeply personal journey of Joel Grey. Sale Preview Highlights from the collection will be on view at 32 East 67th Street, New York, NY. Viewing Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Preview Dates: · Wednesday, June 4 – Friday, June 6 · Monday, June 9 – Friday, June 13 · Monday, June 16 – Wednesday, June 18 Freeman’s is a premier American auction house offering services in multiple categories including fine art, jewelry, design, books and manuscripts, furniture, decorative arts, antiquities, couture, and Asian works of art. With 16 regional locations nationwide, the firm provides auctions, appraisals, private sales, and art advisory services, connecting clients to the global art market. Freeman’s strives to bring art, history, and design to life by connecting people with extraordinary objects through exceptional service and expertise.
Roman marbles highlighted Freeman’s | Hindman Antiquities and Ancient Art action as the category led the charge to a thrilling $2.4 million day. The auction featured more than 180 works of enduring beauty and cultural significance from across the ancient Mediterranean and Near East. An impressive 90% of lots sold while the sale itself achieved 144% of its presale estimate. “We couldn’t be more thrilled with the results,” said Jacob Coley, Freeman’s | Hindman’s Vice President and Head of Department for Antiquities & Ancient Art. “It was such a joy to get to witness the marble mania in our Chicago saleroom as these ancient works of art proved that they’re just as beautiful and coveted as ever.” Marble Mania As expected, the top lot of the auction was a 1st century B.C. to 1st Century A.D. life-sized torso of a young man at the cusp of adulthood, likely belonging to a young god, which sold for $127,500 (lot 142). In a relaxed standing pose, the sculptor achieves a deft balance between adolescent softness and emerging virile strength. While the missing head and limbs make confirming the figure’s identity difficult, the two most likely candidates are the gods Apollo and Dionysos. Other marble highlights included: · Lot 140 | A Roman Marble Torso of Achilles Circa 2nd Century A.D. | SOLD FOR $108,450 · Lot 106 | A Roman Marble Cinerary Urn Circa 2nd Century A.D. | SOLD FOR $83,050 · Lot 56 | A Roman Marble Torso of a Youthful God or Satyr Circa 1st-2nd Century A.D. | SOLD FOR $64,000 · Lot 105 | A Roman Marble Cinerary Urn Circa 1st-2nd Century A.D. | SOLD FOR $64,000 Other Highlights Among the many other highlights from the auction were: · Lot 21 | An Egyptian Granite Torso of an Official Ptolemaic Period, Reign of Ptolemy II-Ptolemy VII, 285-116 B.C. | SOLD FOR $114,800 · Lot 131 | A Roman Mosaic Panel with a Theater Mask Circa 1st Century A.D. | SOLD FOR $76,700 · Lot 14 | An Egyptian Amazonite Baboon New Kingdom, 18th-20th Dynasty, 1550-1070 B.C. | SOLD FOR $70,350 · Lot 99 | A Greek Black-Figured Mug with an Octopus Circa Late 5th Century B.C. | SOLD FOR $57,600 Freeman’s is a premier American auction house offering services in multiple categories including fine art, jewelry, design, books and manuscripts, furniture, decorative arts, antiquities, couture, and Asian works of art. With 16 regional locations nationwide, the firm provides auctions, appraisals, private sales, and art advisory services, connecting clients to the global art market. Freeman’s strives to bring art, history, and design to life by connecting people with extraordinary objects through exceptional service and expertise.
Freeman’s saw standout success at its May 20 Early 20th Century and Modern Design auctions, with total sales reaching an impressive $1.6 million.
Freeman’s Lincoln’s Legacy: Historic Americana from the Life of Abraham Lincoln, presented on behalf of the Lincoln Presidential Foundation, achieved an impressive total of $7,899,994 (including buyer’s premium), far exceeding its pre-sale estimate of $4 million.
The proud Philadelphian will be honored through two new sales reflecting the collector’s experimental and bold taste. Lot 9 | Honoré Daumier | Le Buveur Chantant, c. 1856 | Estimate: $25,000 - 40,000 This June 24 and 25, 2025, Freeman's | Hindman will present more of the extensive collection What Do You See? The Collection of Sidney Rothberg, Parts III and IV. Building on the success of the premier multi-million dollar auctions of last winter, which marked the rediscovery and debut of important fine art pieces by notable artists including Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Robert Delaunay, Wayne Thiebaud, and Lee Bontecou the two upcoming events feature new paintings by Édouard Vuillard, Jean Cocteau, Charles Burchfield, Kenny Scharf, René Magritte, and many others. Lot 335 | Maria Helena Vieira da Silva | Le Cerf-Volant, 1933 | Estimate: $6,000 - 10,000 “We are excited to reveal more works from this collection that have not been on public view for decades” says Alasdair Nichol, Deputy Chairman and Director of Fine Art. “The global enthusiasm generated by last year’s sales was absolutely thrilling. Sid Rothberg had a unique perspective on life and art, which inspired his incredible collection. We are thrilled to continue honoring his legacy and impeccable taste through these new sales, which demonstrate just how original and visionary Sid was.” Collector Sidney Rothberg and Daughter Saranne Rothberg A FORMIDABLE RANGE OF ART WILL BE OFFERED More than 300 hundred works will be offered, showcasing a variety of styles, periods, mediums, sizes, and price points. “This truly reflects Mr. Rothberg’s humanist approach, as he sought to capture artists’ versatility, understand their experimentations, and compare their trajectory in light of other movements,” Says Raphaël Chatroux, Head of Sale and Head of the Impressionist and Modern Department. “This new series of sales unveils accessible works tailored to both traditional and emerging collectors. It serves as a reminder that despite Mr. Rothberg’s deep art knowledge, his collection is, at its core, a reflection of his approachable, joyful (at times playful), and ever-curious nature.” Lot 359 | Romare Bearden | Untitled (Figures in a Landscape), 1974 | Estimate: $8,000 - 12,000 Works from the substantial Rothberg collection will be offered across two sales the third week of June, following a free chronological order. The first sale will focus on 19th Century, Impressionist, and Modern Art, while the second will emphasize Mr. Rothberg’s appreciation for Post-War and Contemporary Art. Among the highlights available on June 24 will be a rare oil painting by the French caricaturist Honoré Daumier, Le Buveur Chantant (estimated at $25,000-40,000), a soft red chalk drawing by Pierre-Auguste Renoir serves as a study for his 1910 oil Le Bain (estimated at $12,000-18,000), along with a lifetime bronze of Suzon by Auguste Rodin – as a key art figure in Philadelphia and whose body of work Rothberg explored, living steps from the Rodin Museum for most of his adult life. (estimated at $6,000-10,000). Lot 1 | Auguste Rodin | Buste de Suzon (Taille Originale dite aussi Taille N°5) | Estimate: $6,000 - 10,000 On the following day, June 25th, almost two hundred works will take center stage, including several gouache and oils by Jean Hugo, a protégé of Dr. Albert C. Barnes whose market is currently on the rise (estimates range from $800 to $1,500). They will be offered alongside various oils by German-born abstract painter Carl Holty, who studied under Hans Hofmann (collective estimate of $3,000 to $5,000), two studies by Henry Moore (top estimate $4,000), as well as a 1974 watercolor by Romare Bearden ($5,000 to $8,000). Across the two events, works by global artists, Philadelphia natives, and women artists will be well-represented with examples ranging from Betty Parsons, Elsie Driggs and Maria Helena Vieira da Silva to William Glackens, Paul Cadmus, Janet Fish, Arthur B. Carles, and Jane Piper. Lot 267 | Jean Hugo | Terrasse de Café à Sète, 1939 | Estimate: $1,000 - 1,500 ROTHBERG ALWAYS ASKED: “WHAT DO YOU SEE?” Rothberg was recognized as a “collector’s collector,” using his collection to provoke, challenge, and question those around him. Rothberg was a self-made man and single dad. He came from a humble Philadelphia family. During his WWII deployment in France as a young soldier, he had his first exposure to art, sparking a lifelong curiosity and a passion for studying and collecting works. He nurtured this interest while attending classes at the Wharton School of Business in Philadelphia and later at the University of Burgundy in Dijon, France. An avid museumgoer, particularly at the Barnes Foundation where he both studied and lectured as the protégé of Violette de Mazia. Lot 258 | Jane Piper | Untitled (Still Life), early 1960s | Estimate: $5,000 - 8,000 Rothberg’s distinctive outlook serves as the overarching sale title, as Rothberg was always curious what each person saw when studying a work of art. Even as young child, his daughter Saranne remembers being continually asked, “What do you see?” She continues: “My father bought his very first painting at auction at Freeman’s in his 20s. For me, this compelling series of single-owner sale auctions are a poetic full-circle moment, watching his decades of global treasures create so much intrigue and joy for other collectors bidding from around the world and in his beloved City of Philadelphia. Through his collection, he sparks your creativity and connects you to his appreciation of beauty, movements, influences, and risk-taking. Though I wish everyone could have met my dad in person, I’m overjoyed that collectors are meeting him through this captivating and adventurous collection that reflects all the passion, joy, curiosity, and love that went into curating and appreciating it.” Lot 221 | René Magritte | Lettre Objet (Le Canal) | Estimate: $5,000 - 8,000 To honor Mr. Rothberg’s inquisitive mind, Freeman’s Hindman will carry on the successful interactive and immersive experience introduced last year during parts I and II, which made the inaugural sales of the Rothberg Collection one of the house’s most engaging, discussed, and well-attended auctions of 2024. Please note that a portion of sale proceeds from The Collection of Sidney Rothberg will be donated to support free programs helping to improve the lives of cancer patients, survivors, and their caregivers. In advance, thank you for participating. ONLINE CATALOGUE AVAILABLE: PART III PART IV LIVE EXHIBITIONS (free and open to the public) June 17 through June 23, 10am-5pm (daily) Open the morning of each sale by appointment only LIVE SALES (available for live and global online bidding) What Do You See? The Collection of Sidney Rothberg, Parts III and IV June 24 and 25, 10 AM ET 2400 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA Want to learn more about this exciting collection and be notified of the upcoming sales? Contact: Raphaël Chatroux at rchatroux@freemansauction.com Get to Know the Collector. Watch the Rothberg Art Collection Video. Covers Below From The Two Prior Successful Rothberg Sales: What Do You See? The Collection of Sidney Rothberg Parts I & II Part I: What Do You See? The Collection of Sidney Rothberg, Part I Part II: What Do You See? The Collection of Sidney Rothberg, Part II Part III: What Do You See? The Collection of Sidney Rothberg, Part III Part IV: What Do You See? The Collection of Sidney Rothberg, Part IV
Freeman’s | Hindman attracted 29% new buyers in its May 13 Post War and Contemporary Art auction, achieving an impressive $3 million in total sales with 78% of lots sold. The top lot of the day was Fritz Scholder’s seminal work, Four Indian Riders, which realized $476,750—marking the artist’s second-highest result at auction. This outcome highlights the firm’s dedication to the artist. Freeman’s | Hindman currently holds the highest two auction records for the artist and five of the overall top ten records for Scholder. Following Scholder's success, the celebrated Chicago surrealist Gertrude Abercrombie exceeded expectations, with her paintings Set for the Night and Moonlight and Landscape with Tree (Tree Lady) selling for $267,200 and $222,750, respectively. Both pieces surpassed their pre-sale estimates of $50,000 - 70,000 and $60,000 - 80,000. The collection of five Abercrombie artworks attracted competitive bids and achieved a 100% sell-through rate, highlighting the firm’s strong position in the market for this artist’s creations. These strong results reflect the expertise and dedication of the team, as well as the strong interest from collectors worldwide. Commenting on the sale, Zack Wirsum, Senior Vice President, Head of Department, Post War & Contemporary Art, said: “The Freeman’s | Hindman team rode four Fritz Scholder horses into town with saddle bags full of Gertrude Abercrombie magic tricks, bringing the best of our locally sourced home-grown flavors to the global New York marketplace table for our diverse yet cohesive May 13th Post War & Contemporary Art auction. It was exhilarating to see both artists—whose markets we have been instrumental in creating—achieve remarkable results as the top two lots of the day, each going to different new bidders to the firm. In keeping with the global reach and local option theme, the Abercrombie will now be all set for European nights, and we said goodbye horses on the Scholder to a collector who shares our New York zip code.” TOP TEN LOTS Fritz Scholder (Luiseño, 1937-2005) | Four Indian Riders, 1967 | Sold for $476,750 2nd Highest Price for the Artists’ Work at Auction Gertrude Abercrombie (American, 1909-1977) | Set for the Night, 1950 | Sold for $267,200 Gertrude Abercrombie (American, 1909-1977) | Moonlight and Landscape with Tree (Tree Lady), 1944 | Sold for $222,750 Gertrude Abercrombie (American, 1909-1977) | Landscape with Giraffe, c. 1950-55 | Sold for $165,600 Osvaldo Mariscotti (American, b. 1960) | Ensemble, 2015 | Sold for $108,450 Esteban Vicente (American/Spanish, 1903–2001) | Composition, 1957 | Sold for $108,450 Magdalena Abakanowicz (Polish, 1930-2017) | Two Moons, 1974 | Sold for $76,700 Gertrude Abercrombie (American, 1909-1977) | Three Trees and Three Clouds, 1938 | Sold for $64,000 Nabil Nahas (Lebanese, b. 1949) | Untitled, 2014 | Sold for $60,800 Gertrude Abercrombie (American, 1909-1977)| She and I, 1935 | Sold for $57,600 Freeman’s is a premier American auction house offering services in multiple categories including fine art, jewelry, design, books and manuscripts, furniture, decorative arts, antiquities, couture, and Asian works of art. With 16 regional locations nationwide, the firm provides auctions, appraisals, private sales, and art advisory services, connecting clients to the global art market. Freeman’s strives to bring art, history, and design to life by connecting people with extraordinary objects through exceptional service and expertise.
Freeman’s | Hindman is pleased to present its spring Antiquities and Ancient Art auction on May 22 at its Chicago saleroom. The auction features more than 180 works of enduring beauty and cultural significance from across the ancient Mediterranean and Near East. The sale opens with a strong selection of Ancient Near Eastern material, including inscribed cuneiform tablets and votive figures (Lots 1–10), followed by a group of finely worked Egyptian objects in bronze, wood, and stone (Lots 11–36), highlighted by An Egyptian Granite Torso of an Official (Lot 21). Greek and South Italian pottery follow, along with a curated offering of Classical bronzes, marble sculpture, and mosaics. Lot 138 | A Roman Marble Head of a God $60,000 – 80,000 A Myriad of Marble Highlighting the sale is a strong collection of marble sculptures from the Roman Empire. The top lot of the selection is expected to be a 1st century B.C. to 1st Century A.D. life-sized torso of a young man at the cusp of adulthood, likely belonging to a young god (lot 142 | estimate: $120,000 – 180,000). In a relaxed standing pose, the sculptor achieves a deft balance between adolescent softness and emerging virile strength. While the missing head and limbs make confirming the figure’s identity difficult, the two most likely candidates are the gods Apollo and Dionysos. Lot 142 | A Roman Marble Torso of a Youthful God $120,000 – 180,000 A Roman marble head of a goddess from the 2nd century A.D. is also expected to receive significant interest (lot 145 | estimate: $80,000 – 120,000). With an undeniably imperious aspect imparted by her serene countenance and lofty crown, the head belongs to a sculptural type originating in the 5th century B.C. and favored for depictions of both goddesses and imperial women. Based on several well-known similar works from the era, the sculpture is likely a depiction of Juno. Other marble sculptures of note include: Lot 138 | A Roman Marble Head of a God Circa 1st-2nd Century A.D. $60,000 – 80,000 Lot 146 | A Roman Marble Portrait Head of an Empress Circa 1st Century A.D. $40,000 – 60,000 Lot 139 | A Roman Marble Figure of Jupiter Circa 2nd-3rd Century A.D. $40,000 – 60,000 Prophet of Isis the Great The top lot of the day is expected to come from ancient Egypt in the form of an Egyptian granite torso of an official from the Ptolemaic Period (lot 21 | $150,000 – 250,000). Preserving the tradition of elite temple sculpture well into the Ptolemaic era, this finely carved granite torso depicts the official Hor-maa-kheru standing in a conventional pose of formal devotion. The surface retains crisp modeling of the pectorals and abdomen, consistent with statuary associated with Mendes in the early third century B.C. The belt, unusually free of pleats, bears an inscription naming the owner and his parents. At the same time, the back-pillar carries vertical lines of hieroglyphs enumerating Hor-maa-kheru's religious titles, including “Prophet of Isis the Great, the Mother of the God, who resides in Mendes” and priest of the ram-god Ba-neb-djedet. Other Highlights Among the many highlights of the auction are: Lot 131 | A Roman Mosaic Panel with a Theater Mask Circa 1st Century A.D. $40,000 – 60,000 Lot 76 | An Attic Black-Figured Type B Amphora Attributed to the Swing Painter, Circa 540-520 B.C. $30,000 – 50,000 Lot 48 | A Parthian or Sasanian Turquoise-Glazed Rhyton Circa 2nd-3rd Century A.D. $30,000 – 40,000 Lot 101 | An Apulian Gnathian-Ware Calyx-Krater Attributed to the Konnakis Painter, Circa 350 B.C. $30,000 – 50,000 Freeman’s is a premier American auction house offering services in multiple categories including fine art, jewelry, design, books and manuscripts, furniture, decorative arts, antiquities, couture, and Asian works of art. With 16 regional locations nationwide, the firm provides auctions, appraisals, private sales, and art advisory services, connecting clients to the global art market. Freeman’s strives to bring art, history, and design to life by connecting people with extraordinary objects through exceptional service and expertise.
Freeman’s shattered expectations at its May 7 Prints and Multiples auction, achieving an impressive $2,269,721 in total sales with 94% of lots sold.
On April 30, Freeman’s held the second edition of its Impressionist and Modern Art auction, achieving a robust $3,000,000 in total sales.
Freeman’s | Hindman is thrilled to present its highly anticipated spring auction of Post War and Contemporary Art, taking place May 13 in the firm’s New York saleroom. Headlining the sale is Four Indian Riders (1967), one of the most iconic and visually arresting paintings by celebrated Native American artist Fritz Scholder. A bold and groundbreaking work that shattered conventions and redefined Indigenous representation in American art, Four Indian Riders leads a standout lineup of Modern and Contemporary masters, including Frank Stella, Gertrude Abercrombie, Magdalena Abakanowicz, Tom Wesselmann, and Lois Dodd. Zack Wirsum, Senior Vice President, Head of Department, Post War & Contemporary Art, provides his impressions of the sale. "The Freeman's | Hindman Post War & Contemporary Art team is proud and pleased to bring a collaboratively minded sale full of visual synergies and serendipitous surprises, ranging from once local flavors turned taste making mainstays of Abercrombie and Scholder to extraordinary examples from art historical icons including Lichtenstein, de Kooning, Stella and Wesselmann, to the global stage of our New York saleroom on May 13th." Scholder’s Four Indian Riders: Transcending and Challenging Existing Traditions Bold and uncompromising, Four Indian Riders, 1967 (Lot 88) is widely considered one of the most iconic paintings ever created by Fritz Scholder. With its vivid palette and striking composition of four Native Americans on horseback, the work defies romanticized portrayals and presents its subjects with a raw, modern sensibility. Painted in the same year that Scholder first approached the subject of the American Indian, the piece is a vivid collision of identity, history, and pop-inflected color, drawing influence from Abstract Expressionism and Color Field painting. It was prominently featured in the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian’s landmark 2008–2009 retrospective Indian/Not Indian—so central that it was chosen for the exhibition’s catalogue cover. As a visual manifesto of Scholder’s boundary-breaking vision, Four Indian Riders has become emblematic of his challenge to the art world’s portrayal of Native identity. Speaking to the artist’s legacy is Alexandria Dreas, Specialist, Head of Sale, Western and Contemporary Native American Art. “The impact of Fritz Scholder’s refusal to conform to cultural expectations and artistic norms cannot be overstated; he helped to reinvent Native American art within the broader canon of Post-War and Contemporary American art. His creative synthesis of cultural identity, art history, and contemporary American art movements forever changed Indigenous art in America.” In this singular work, Scholder distills the contradictions that defined both his personal experience and the broader American narrative surrounding Indigenous people. The riders are neither stoic symbols nor nostalgic archetypes—they are complex, contemporary figures rendered in bold, expressive strokes that reject stereotypes and invite ambiguity. Scholder once said, “If a Pop artist is one who is challenging clichés, then, in a way, I must be one, because the American Indian has become the biggest of clichés.” Four Indian Riders embodies that ethos, challenging both Native and non-Native viewers to reconsider familiar tropes. Through this painting, Scholder confronts cultural mythologies and asserts a radical new space for Native representation in contemporary art—one that remains as provocative and relevant today as it was five decades ago. The presentation of Four Indian Riders follows a remarkable history of success in auctioning this artist's works. Freeman’s | Hindman continues to break its own world auction records for this artist, previously set by Hollywood Indian and Horse #2, 1973, which sold in 2022 for $500,000. The Jazz Witch Continues Her Song Gertrude Abercrombie (American, 1909-1977) | She and I, 1935 | Estimate: $15,000 - 25,000 Gertrude Abercrombie (American, 1909-1977) | Set for the Night, 1950 | Estimate: $50,000 - 70,000 Also among the top highlights of the sale is a rare group of works by Gertrude Abercrombie, a pivotal figure in the mid-20th century Chicago art scene whose enigmatic, surrealist paintings have garnered renewed critical acclaim. As the subject of the major retrospective Gertrude Abercrombie: The Whole World is a Mystery at the Carnegie Museum of Art, the artist’s market and institutional presence continue to rise. The firm is proud to offer five exceptional works by Abercrombie in the May auction, led by the early and introspective She and I, 1935 (Lot 97) and the hauntingly intimate Set for the Night, 1950 (Lot 93), estimated at $15,000–25,000 and $50,000–70,000, respectively. These works offer a rare opportunity to acquire pieces by an artist whose mystique and influence only continue to deepen. Further Abercrombie works include: · Lot 94 | Moonlight and Landscape with Tree (Tree Lady), 1944 Estimate: $60,000 - 80,000 · Lot 95 | Three Trees and Three Clouds, 1938 Estimate: $40,000 - 60,000 · Lot 96 | Landscape with Giraffe, c. 1950-55 Estimate: $60,000 - 80,000 Celebrating A Vision in Color: A Curated Session by Emily Friedman Alice Baber (American, 1928-1982) | Light Ladder, 1965 | Estimate: $50,000 - 70,000 Ethel Schwabacher (American, 1903-1984) | Ode #I, 1954 | Estimate: $30,000 - 50,000 Comprising 50 of the auction’s 114 lots, Emily Friedman's A Vision in Color: A Curated Session presents a vibrant and thoughtfully assembled selection of works by emerging and established voices in contemporary and post-war art, with a special emphasis on the Light and Space movement. Curated by Emily Friedman of Emily Friedman Fine Art, a full-service advisory known for its discerning eye and innovative approach, the session showcases a cohesive visual narrative that encourages viewers to slow down, engage deeply, and experience the emotional resonance of color and form. Highlights include striking pieces by Peter Alexander (Lot 59), Ethel Schwabacher (Lot 35), Lita Albuquerque (Lot 55), Emily Mason (Lot 33), Alice Baber (Lot 32), and Paul Jenkins (Lot 45), among others—artists whose work captures a sense of movement, energy, and contemplative beauty. Additional Highlights Include · Lot 10 | Frank Stella (American, 1936–2024) | The Mysterious Bird of Ulieta, 1977 | Estimate: $150,000 - 250,000 · Lot 7 | Mary Heilmann (American, b. 1940) | Deco, 1989 Estimate: $80,000 - 120,000 · Lot 11 | Magdalena Abakanowicz (Polish, 1930-2017) | Two Moons, 1974 Estimate: $80,000 - 120,000 · Lot 22 | Tom Wesselmann (American, 1931-2004) | Little Great American Nude #10, 1961 | Estimate: $60,000 - 100,000 Property from the Estate of Mimi Kazon · Lot 89 | Lois Dodd (American, b. 1927) | October Barn + Trees Afternoon, 1997 Estimate: $15,000 - 25,000 Property from the Collection of Eliot C. and Wilson “Roly” Nolen Sale Preview The sale preview will be on view at Freeman’s | Hindman’s New York showroom at 32 East 67th Street. Public Viewing Hours: Monday, May 5 – Friday, May 9 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Saturday, May 10 | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM Monday, May 12 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Freeman’s is a premier American auction house offering services in multiple categories including fine art, jewelry, design, books and manuscripts, furniture, decorative arts, antiquities, couture, and Asian works of art. With 16 regional locations nationwide, the firm provides auctions, appraisals, private sales, and art advisory services, connecting clients to the global art market. Freeman’s strives to bring art, history, and design to life by connecting people with extraordinary objects through exceptional service and expertise.
Freeman’s | Hindman is pleased to announce the spring auction of Prints and Multiples taking place May 7 in the firm’s Chicago saleroom. The sale features an exceptional selection of works by Modern and Contemporary masters, led by Andy Warhol’s complete Cowboys and Indians portfolio (1986), alongside standout prints by Picasso, Lichtenstein, Longo, and others. Warhol’s Cowboys and Indians: A Late-Career Masterpiece The centerpiece of the auction is Andy Warhol’s complete Cowboys and Indians portfolio, estimated at $600,000–800,000 (Lot 20). Created just before his death, the ten-print portfolio explores the mythology of the American West, juxtaposing figures like Geronimo and General Custer with commercial icons such as John Wayne. Commissioned by publishers Edmund Gaultney and Kent Klineman, the portfolio reflects Warhol’s signature Pop sensibility while critiquing the way media and consumerism have shaped public perception of Indigenous cultures and historical figures. The vibrant colors, bold outlines, and layered imagery underscore Warhol’s ability to transform serious cultural subjects into striking visual commentary. This portfolio stands as a powerful exploration of America’s historical myths and their lasting impact on contemporary culture. “We are thrilled to bring this fresh-to-market Cowboys and Indians portfolio to auction. In the same family since 1986, it is in pristine condition with bright, fresh colors,” says Monica Brown, Head of the Prints and Multiples department. “This set would be a cornerstone acquisition for any Pop or Western Art collection.” Additional Warhol Highlights Andy Warhol, Tomato Soup (from Campbell's Soup I), 1968 | Estimate $50,000–70,000 Andy Warhol, $ (4), 1982 | Estimate $80,000–120,000 Also featured is Warhol’s Martha Graham portfolio with an estimate of $60,000–80,000 (Lot 24), commemorating the legendary dancer with three expressive screenprints: Satyric Festival Song, Lamentation, and Letter to the World (The Kick) (all 1986). Based on photographs by Barbara Morgan, the series captures Graham’s dynamic emotional expression and lasting influence on modern dance. Further Warhol prints include: Lot 21 | Tomato Soup (from Campbell’s Soup I), 1968 Estimate $50,000–70,000 Lot 22 | Chicken Noodle Soup (from Campbell’s Soup I), 1968 Estimate $30,000–50,000 Lot 23 | $ (4), 1982 Estimate $80,000–120,000 Lot 25 | After the Party, 1979 Estimate $20,000–30,000 Robert Longo’s Men in the Cities Robert Longo, Edmund (from Men in the Cities), 1985 | Estimate $25,000–35,000 Robert Longo, Anne (from Men in the Cities), 1985 | Estimate $25,000–35,000 Two dynamic works from Robert Longo’s celebrated Men in the Cities series— Edmund and Anne—will be featured in the sale, each estimated at $25,000–35,000 (Lot 7 and Lot 8). These striking lithographs depict sharply dressed figures caught in moments of dramatic, almost balletic motion. To create the series, Longo photographed friends—including art world luminaries like Cindy Sherman and Larry Gagosian—reacting to sudden physical stimuli on the rooftop of his New York studio. The resulting images, with their exaggerated poses and high contrast, became icons of 1980s art, capturing a sense of urban intensity and emotional tension. Modern Masters and Picasso's Muse Pablo Picasso, Jacqueline au Bandeau de Face (Grand Tête de Femme), 1962 | Estimate $70,000–90,000 The Modern section features strong offerings by Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, Joan Miró, Henri Matisse, and M.C. Escher. A highlight is Picasso’s striking linocut Jacqueline au Bandeau de Face (Grand Tête de Femme), 1962 (Lot 75), estimated at $70,000–90,000. Depicting his wife and muse Jacqueline Roque in a Cubist style, the portrait blends multiple perspectives into a single, commanding image. Additional Highlights Include: Lot 12 | Roy Lichtenstein, Oval Office, 1992 Estimate $40,000–60,000 Lot 14 | Richard Diebenkorn, Two Way II, 1982 Estimate $8,000–12,000 Lot 18 | Alex Katz, Peonies, 2021 Estimate $12,000–18,000 Lot 51 | M.C. Escher, Sun and Moon, 1948 Estimate $20,000–30,000 Lot 65 | Joan Miró, Galathée, 1976 Estimate $20,000–30,000 Sale Preview The sale preview will be open by appointment at Freeman’s | Hindman’s flagship Chicago showroom at 1550 West Carroll Avenue. Freeman’s is a premier American auction house offering services in multiple categories including fine art, jewelry, design, books and manuscripts, furniture, decorative arts, antiquities, couture, and Asian works of art. With 16 regional locations nationwide, the firm provides auctions, appraisals, private sales, and art advisory services, connecting clients to the global art market. Freeman’s strives to bring art, history, and design to life by connecting people with extraordinary objects through exceptional service and expertise.
“If a Pop artist is one who is challenging cliches, then, in a way, I must be one, because the American Indian has become the biggest of cliches.” – Fritz Scholder A striking depiction of four Native Americans on horseback painted in vibrant hues that nod to Post-War influences, Four Indian Riders may be the most recognizable painting Fritz Scholder ever created. Prominently included in the National Museum of the American Indian’s foundational 2008-2009 retrospective Indian/Not Indian, Four Indian Riders was also chosen as the catalogue cover for the exhibition. Now emblematic to the show that encouraged greater review and highlighted the enduring relevance of Scholder’s art into the twenty-first century, Four Indian Riders perfectly articulates Scholder’s complex identity, straddling the role of insider and outsider in both his art and in his understanding of his culture. Fritz Scholder studied art at Sacramento State University under Wayne Thiebaud and earned his MFA from the University of Arizona, where he developed his bold, color-driven style inspired by the pop art, color field, and abstract expressionist movements. In 1967, while teaching painting and art history at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, Fritz Scholder painted his first Indian, thus changing the trajectory of his entire career. Inspired by his own experiences, he began painting Native Americans in ways that directly confronted and shattered long-standing stereotypes. As he explained, ‘“I vowed to myself that I would not paint Indians. Then I saw the numerous over-romanticized paintings of the ‘noble savage’ . . . and decided that someone should paint the Indian in a different context.” Rather than stoic warriors or mystical figures, his subjects were modern, complex, and often subversive: Native Americans awash in bright colors drinking beer, smoking cigarettes, eating ice cream cones, or draped in the American flag. Originally, the reception to these works was sometimes mixed, according to Scholder: My work immediately startled many people because I, part-Indian, treated the Indian differently, not as the ‘noble savage’ endlessly portrayed by White painters, and also because my technique was non-Indian. I felt it to be a compliment when I was told that I had destroyed the traditional style of Indian art, for I was doing what I thought had to be done. Scholder, of part Native American and part European ancestry, often said he was "not Indian" in the traditional sense, which gave him a unique, often controversial lens on Native identity. His provocative imagery and refusal to conform to cultural expectations made a lasting impact, helping to reinvent Native American art within the broader canon of Post-War and Contemporary American art. His fascinating and creative synthesis of his cultural identity and contemporary American art movements allowed him to redefine both. Scholder pushed boundaries and critically challenged existing traditions, working to shift Native American art from an overly romanticized category plucked from nineteenth-century stereotypes to a thriving part of the contemporary art world. Paintings like Four Indian Riders defy classification—transcending the categories of traditional, modern, Pop, Indian, not Indian—and continue to provoke intrigue and attention as the viewer ponders these contradictions alongside Fritz Scholder. Freeman’s is a premier American auction house offering services in multiple categories including fine art, jewelry, design, books and manuscripts, furniture, decorative arts, antiquities, couture, and Asian works of art. With 16 regional locations nationwide, the firm provides auctions, appraisals, private sales, and art advisory services, connecting clients to the global art market. Freeman’s strives to bring art, history, and design to life by connecting people with extraordinary objects through exceptional service and expertise.
Freeman’s | Hindman is proud to announce the sale of James Ensor’s rediscovered 1936 still life, Chinoiseries Fleuries, in its upcoming Impressionist and Modern Art auction on April 30 in Philadelphia. Estimated at $150,000–250,000, the canvas makes its first-ever appearance at auction after remaining hidden in a private New Orleans collection for over 50 years. This rare work is one of only a few oils by Ensor entirely devoted to chinoiseries—Asian decorative objects the artist often depicted with playful reverence. The pots, vases, and figurines portrayed in the oil were part of Ensor’s daily life, drawn directly from his family souvenir shop in Ostend, Belgium. “We are thrilled to offer such an important work,” says Raphaël Chatroux, Head of Sale. “Still lifes make up nearly a third of Ensor’s work. This piece is essential for understanding his personality and technique—how he perceived the world through light and color.” James Ensor In Studio Image Courtesy of Mu.ZEE, City of Ostend Collection Executed when the artist was in his 70s, Chinoiseries Fleuries showcases Ensor’s unique blend of Impressionism and Surrealism, arranged in a delicate symphony of pinks. Its reappearance comes shortly after Belgium celebrates the 75th anniversary of Ensor’s death—a timely homage to a visionary artist who is rare on the market. Modern Gems Alongside the Ensor oil, Freeman’s | Hindman's April 30 auction features a strong lineup of Post-Impressionist and Modern works. Leading the sale is Henri Le Sidaner’s serene Le Banc (1903), estimated at $200,000–300,000. Set in the artist’s garden in Gerberoy (North of France), the glowing scene captures a resting dog beneath golden summer light—a dreamlike moment typical of Le Sidaner’s poetic, pointillist style. The canvas, which boasts the hallmarks of the artist’s best oils, belonged to the Comédie Française actor “Coquelin cadet " and famed Parisian gallerist Georges Petit. Lot 13 | Henri Le Sidaner (French, 1862-1939) | Le Banc (Gerberoy), 1903 | Estimate: $200,000 - 300,000 Lot 23 | Suzanne Valadon (French, 1865-1938) | Nus à la Toilette, 1908 | Estimate: $120,000 - 180,000 Another standout is Suzanne Valadon’s 1908 canvas, Nus à la Toilette, estimated at $120,000–180,000. Executed during a pivotal year in the artist’s career, the work presents a bold reinterpretation of the classical bather motif, challenging traditional portrayals of the female nude with raw, modern candor. The painting comes to the market at a timely moment, coinciding with the significant Valadon retrospective currently on view at the Centre Pompidou in Paris—the first since 1967, when Nus à la Toilette was last exhibited there. Its re-emergence is expected to draw strong interest from both collectors and institutions worldwide. Prestigious Provenance The April 30th auction features many works from noteworthy private collections. Two surrealist works by Spanish artist Olga Sacharoff, come from the Estate of Helen Scott—an acclaimed pianist and wife of Robert Montgomery Scott, former President and CEO of the Philadelphia Museum of Art (1982-1996). Quite coincidentally, works by Ossip Zadkine and Jean Souverbie come from the Collection of Robert Sturgis Ingersoll, another former president of the Philadelphia Museum of Art (1948-1964). Lot 9 | Olga Sacharoff (Russian, 1889-1967) | La Chasse, c. 1923 | Estimate: $20,000 - 30,000 Lot 27 | Pierre-Auguste Renoir (French, 1841-1919) | Nu Allongé, c. 1890 | Estimate: $150,000 - 250,000 A luminous pastel by Pierre-Auguste Renoir and an intriguing Odilon Redon oil also come fresh to market from the Collection of Dr. John Hagelin, a renowned physicist, peace advocate, and pioneer in the study of consciousness. Hagelin, President Emeritus of Maharishi International University, has addressed the World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates in 2023 and 2024 and is recognized globally for his "Theory of Everything" and research on meditation and the brain. Additional Highlights The sale also features standout works by Roberto Matta, Louis Anquetin, Diego Rivera, Camille Pissarro, Henri Martin, and many others. Of special note are eight works by Lê Phổ, the celebrated Franco-Vietnamese artist often sold at Freeman’s | Hindman. Led by the very large La Clarté d’Été, the works reflect the artist’s East-meets-West aesthetic and long-standing collaboration with dealer Wally Findlay. Lot 44 | Le Pho (French/Vietnamese, 1907-2001) | La Clarté d'Été, c. 1975 | Estimate: $180,000 - 220,000
Freeman’s | Hindman is delighted to share early highlights from Lincoln’sLegacy:Historic Americana from the Life of Abraham Lincoln, a landmark public auction of manuscripts, letters, campaign ephemera, keepsakes and personal effects that chronicle the extraordinary life of America’s 16th President. The auction will be presented live and online on May 21, 2025 at Freeman’s | Hindman Chicago headquarters in Lincoln’s home state of Illinois. Lincoln’s Legacy is presented on behalf of the Lincoln Presidential Foundation, a national non-profit, which owns an extensive collection of Lincoln-related historic materials. The Foundation has entrusted Freeman’s | Hindman with the sale of approximately 140 carefully-selected items from the collection, while retaining 1,400 varied and important items for continued scholarly research, programming, and loan exhibitions. The objects featured in the sale are representative of all phases of Abraham Lincoln’s life – from his teenage years through to his tragic death by assassination – and underscores the widespread continuing appeal of his legacy. Individual lot estimates will range from $100 up to $800,000, and the total sale is expected to achieve in excess of $4 million. Throughout the months of April and May, Freeman’s | Hindman will host public previews of items from the sale via a five-city tour, with stops at the auction house’s locations in New York City, Palm Beach, Philadelphia, Cincinnati and Chicago. complete auction catalogue will be available in print and online prior to sale. Freeman’s | Hindman CEO Alyssa Quinlan stated: “As America’s oldest auction house, Freeman’s|HindmanishonoredtobringthisexceptionalselectionofLincolnianatomarket.Each of theitemsfeatured in this salehas been curatedwith care, toreveal anuanced and at times surprising portraitofthepersonwhowouldbecomeoneofAmerica’sgreatestleaders.Ourfirm hasalonghistoryofsuccesswithimportantAmericanmanuscriptsandPresidentialmaterial,and we look forward to welcoming both private collectors and institutions to our preview events across the country this April, leading up to the auction on May 21.” Christopher Brink, Senior Specialist and Head of Sale, Books & Manuscripts, noted, “Inthehistoryofthe category of American presidential material, this selection is among the most significant to come to auction. The sale includes a number of items previously acquired directly from Lincoln’s descendants,andmanymore that will be makingtheirfirstappearanceatpublicauction.” Tour Highlights The earliest known example of Lincoln’s writing, dating from when he was about 15 years old, is featured on a double-sided sum book leaf covered in long division practice sums and signed three times. In one corner, he displays a wry, teenaged humor, writing: “Abraham Lincoln ismyname /And with my pen I wrote / the same /I wrote in both hast and speed / and left it here for fools / to read” (detail image at right; estimate: $300,000-$400,000). Lincoln’s early endeavors in state-level politics are documented through rare printed materials. In 1837, he was the author of the anonymous Adams Handbill, a printed notice to the public that was distributed on the streets of Springfield, Illinois in the run-up to that year’s contentious local elections. Printed on a single sheet in three columns, the handbill is the only known surviving copy of the first printed work by Abraham Lincoln (estimate: $200,000-300,000). Personal effects from Lincoln and his family will be featured throughout the sale, including wearable items, early photographs, and small keepsakes. Among the tour highlights are two items President Lincoln wore to Ford’s Theatre on the night of his assassination on April 14, 1865: a single cuff button (estimate: $200,000-300,000) and a pair of white kid gloves stained with blood (pictured at left: estimate: $800,000-1,200,000). Also featured is a white marble sculpture, completed by the sculptor Leonard Wells Volk in 1869, which elegantly memorializes Lincoln with a depiction of his right hand (estimate: $5,000-7,000). Among the important historical documents featured in the sale is a rare first printing of Lincoln’s celebrated Second Inaugural Address (pictured at right; estimate: $40,000-60,000). Consisting of only 701 words, Lincoln’s speech remains one of the most admired of his writings, in which he calls for national unity and compassion, encapsulated in his famous words: "With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation's wounds". In his essay on President Lincoln, General Carl Schurz referred to the speech as "a sacred poem” in which "[Lincoln] poured out the whole devotion and tenderness of his great soul.” Historic Americana at Freeman’s | Hindman Among auction houses, Freeman’s | Hindman is a clear market leader in the broad category of historic Americana, which seeks to illuminate the political, social and cultural history of the United States. Building on the nationally-recognized excellence of Cowan’s Auctions in the category, Freeman’s | Hindman Books & Manuscripts and American Historical Ephemera Departments bring to market exceptional artifacts, printed materials, early photography, ephemera and more, working with private collectors and major institutions across the U.S. Recent top prices for highly-sought-after historical documents include $4.4 million for a Signer’s copy of the DeclarationofIndependence– the highest auction price ever achieved for an American document printed in the 19th century; $2.4 million for an 1787 letter from George Washington toThomasJeffersontransmitting a copy of the U.S. Constitution, doubling its pre-sale estimate; and most recently, $2 million for a rare ink wash drawing gifted to PresidentGeorge Washington by the Marquis de Lafayette, which nearly quadrupled its low estimate after an intense ten-minute bidding battle in the saleroom. Lincoln’sLegacy:HistoricAmericanafromtheLifeofAbrahamLincoln Exhibition Schedule: New York: April 1 – 4 Palm Beach: April 10 – 11, April 14 – 17 Philadelphia: April 23 – 26 Cincinnati: April 29 – May 2 Chicago: May 12 – 21 Auction: May 21 at 10am CT (live and online bidding) Freeman’s | Hindman Chicago 1550 W Carroll Street, Chicago, IL PressPreviewandPhoto Opportunity: April 1, 2025 from 10am – 1pm Freeman’s | Hindman New York 32 East 67th Street, NY, NY RSVP to press@hindmanauctions.com Freeman’s is a premier American auction house offering services in multiple categories including fine art, jewelry, design, books and manuscripts, furniture, decorative arts, antiquities, couture, and Asian works of art. With 16 regional locations nationwide, the firm provides auctions, appraisals, private sales, and art advisory services, connecting clients to the global art market. Freeman’s strives to bring art, history, and design to life by connecting people with extraordinary objects through exceptional service and expertise.
Freeman’s | Hindman made quite the impression in its first appearance as an official auction house partner in Asia Week New York as its March 21 Asian Works of Art auction sailing past its high estimate on the way to a $1.7 million total. The auction featured a remarkable array of Chinese ceramics, gold jewelry, jade, and textiles, alongside Japanese bronzes, Korean paintings, and Indian and Himalayan Buddhist figures, showcasing the richness and diversity of Asian art. “It was truly an honor for us to be in such esteemed company as an official auction house partner of Asia Week New York,” said Annie Wu, Vice President and Head of the Asian Art department. “We were thrilled not only by the overall auction result, but by the overwhelmingly positive response to our events and previews, not to mention the attendance of the auction itself. It was so good to see a crowded saleroom filled with enthusiastic bidders.” LEFT TO RIGHT A Rare Yixing 'Eggplant' Coupe with Impressed Seal 'Yuan' and Wood Stand | Sold for $254,500 A Rare Yixing Zisha Pottery Octagonal Cup with Impressed Seal 'Chen Mingyuan' | Sold for $241,800 A Rare Yixing Peach-Form 'Figure' Puzzle Cup with Impressed Seals 'Chen', 'Mingyuan' and Wood Stand | Sold for $140,200 The Work of a Master Without doubt, the highlight of the auction was a trio of extraordinary Yixing Zisha pottery pieces attributed to the renowned 17th-century master Chen Mingyuan offered in a row just 30 lots into the auction. As Lot 31, the first of the trio to be offered, was introduced, the phone bank came to life as bidders from around the world in both English and Mandarin began enthusiastically bidding on the pieces against several interested parties in the room. The buzz in the room was palpable for the better part of 15 minutes as the three lots in quick succession created a flurry of activity. When the hammer fell on the last of Chen Mingyuan pieces, the auction house had achieved $636,500. The top lot of the group was an exquisitely modeled Yixing ‘Eggplant’ Coupe (Lot 33), which sold for $254,500, more than quadruple its presale estimate moments after a Yixing Zisha Octagonal Cup (Lot 32) also quadrupled its presale estimate when it sold for $241,800. a rare Yixing Peach-Form 'Figure' Puzzle Cup (Lot 31) had started the frenzy by more than doubling its estimate, selling for $140,200. These exceptional works, once part of the renowned collection of Shanghai collector Pang Yuanji (1864-1947), exemplified Chen’s masterful trompe l’oeil craftsmanship and intricate detailing that have captivated collectors for centuries. Pang, a pivotal figure in the early 20th-century appreciation of Yixing wares, documented his collection in a rare two-volume compendium, in which rubbings and descriptions of these pieces are included. Most recently held in the distinguished collection of Mr. Jay Butterman—acquired from legendary dealers Edith and Joel Frankel—these pieces hold a fascinating provenance and a direct link to an important era of collecting. Blue and White Surprises Among the many pleasant surprises on the day was a pair of blue and white porcelain vases from the Transitional Period that shattered their estimates and set the early tone of the auction. A 17th-century Chinese blue and white porcelain cylindrical vase (Lot 16) immediately eclipsed its presale estimate of $3,000 – 4,000 before ultimately selling for $70,350. The enthusiasm carried over to the next lot, sending another 17th-century Chinese blue and white porcelain vase, this one a “Figure” Gu vase (Lot 17), to nearly 10 times its estimate before selling for $38,400. Other Highlights The auction saw lots from across the entire spectrum of the category exceed their estimates and sell for impressive prices. Among the many highlights were: Lot 93 A Pair of Chinese Gemstone and Pearl-Inlaid Gold ‘Butterfly and Chrysanthemum’ Earrings, Erhuan, Ming Dynasty Sold for $70,350 Lot 18 A Pair of Chinese Yellow Glazed Incised Porcelain 'Dragon' Dishes, Qianlong Marks and of the Period Sold for $64,000 Lot 125 Attributed to Lee Taek-Gyun (Korean, 1808-after 1883) Books and Scholars’ Accoutrements (Chaekgeori) Ink and color on paper, four-panel floor screen, ebonized wood frame Sold for $51,200 Lot 50 A Chinese Carved Pale Celadon Jade Tripod Vessel, Jia, Late Qing - Early Republic Period Sold for $35,200 Freeman’s is a premier American auction house offering services in multiple categories including fine art, jewelry, design, books and manuscripts, furniture, decorative arts, antiquities, couture, and Asian works of art. With 16 regional locations nationwide, the firm provides auctions, appraisals, private sales, and art advisory services, connecting clients to the global art market. Freeman’s strives to bring art, history, and design to life by connecting people with extraordinary objects through exceptional service and expertise.