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#WorthPoint #AuctionInsights #ArtSales #LePho #FreemansHindman #CollectingTrends #ArtMarket #EnigmaMachine #VintageFinds #DianeArbus #RareCollectibles #ArtLovers #InvestmentArt #HistoricArtifacts #SilkAndFire
Will Seippel, CEO of WorthPoint, has shared his insights on some of the most intriguing items recently sold by WorthPoint’s Industry Partners, offering a glimpse into current buying and selling trends in the collectibles and art market. On May 9, WorthPoint expanded its Price Guide by adding 227,625 items, totaling an estimated value of $19,339,104.98—averaging $84.96 per listing. Here are some standout sales that caught Seippel’s attention:
Le Pho’s Artistic Triumph at Freeman’s Hindman
Freeman’s Hindman’s art sale was dominated by eight works by Le Pho, the Vietnamese-French painter renowned for his serene and poetic style. Born in 1907, Le Pho’s work beautifully blends Eastern tranquility with Western techniques, making him a favorite among collectors. The top Le Pho lot sold for $432,300, with the group of eight paintings collectively bringing in just over $1 million, accounting for about 25% of the total $4.18 million sale.
Seippel highlights three of these paintings:
- La Clarté d’Été (circa 1975): This piece captures the essence of a sunlit day, likely depicting Vietnamese women in traditional áo dài, bathed in a soft, luminous glow.
- Composition de Fleurs (circa 1983): A floral still life that exudes a lush, textured mood, with blossoms that seem to breathe life into the canvas.
- Le Vase Opaline Bleu: A study in grace, featuring an opaline vase that stands as a serene focal point, surrounded by Le Pho’s signature softness.
Le Pho’s works are celebrated for their quiet drama and masterful use of color and line, making them both visually and emotionally resonant.
The Enigma Machines from MaxSold
In a fascinating turn of events, a pair of Enigma coding machines from the 1920s sold for $17,110 at MaxSold. These machines, tied to the rum-running exploits of Harry and Edna Rifle during Prohibition, come with original coding books, adding layers of historical intrigue. While not the WWII-era Enigma machines used by the Nazis, these pieces carry their own mystique, embodying a blend of history and storytelling that captivates collectors.
Diane Arbus’s Provocative Photography at Rago
Diane Arbus’s 1968 photograph, A Naked Man Being a Woman, sold for $9,525 at Rago. This silver gelatin print, numbered 27 of 75 and printed in 1972 by Neil Selkirk, is signed by Doon Arbus, Diane’s daughter and the steward of her estate. The photograph, known for its raw and intimate portrayal, remains as bold and controversial today as it was over fifty years ago. With strong provenance and minor signs of aging, this piece continues to make a powerful statement.
Will Seippel: A Lifetime of Collecting and Preserving History
Will Seippel, founder, president, and CEO of WorthPoint, has been a passionate collector and dealer since 1974, with a particular focus on ephemera. He is also the creator of HIP, a platform dedicated to preserving the world’s history through film. Through WorthPoint, Seippel aims to empower collectors and sellers by providing valuable insights and resources to navigate the market with confidence.
In summary, these standout sales highlight the diversity and depth of the collectibles market, from Le Pho’s serene paintings to the mysterious Enigma machines and Diane Arbus’s provocative photography. Seippel’s insights offer a unique lens through which to understand the trends and stories that drive this dynamic industry.
