Campbell’s Soup II (Chicken n Dumplings ), 1969Color screenprint
From the numbered edition of 250
Signed in ink on verso with edition number with rubber stamp
Printed by Salvatore Silkscreen Co, Inc., New York; Published by Factory Additions, New York
Image: 32 x 18.5 inches; Sheet: 35 x 23 inches; Unframed
By Patty Tedesco
Art auctions are not new. According to Wikipedia, one of the first recorded art auctions took place on March 8, 1742, in Covent Garden, England. Throughout the
years, fine art auctions have become an incredible buying opportunity for art lovers, collectors, and dealers alike.
The internet has opened up online art sales to the general public, but it has also opened the doors to unscrupulous people. Finding an established reputable
auction house is important.
Santa Monica Auctions is the longest running independently owned and operated auction house in Los Angeles, exclusively dealing in fine art.
Created in 1984, the established company has consistently offered high quality fine art to the public. Santa Monica Auctions verifies the authenticity of each work and stands by its reputation.
Robert Berman, owner of Santa Monica Auctions, is always on hand at the gallery, ready to speak with would be art collectors as well as returning collectors. He encourages collectors to first check online, then visit the gallery prior to the auction to see it in person and ask questions.
Andy Warhol is one of the most popular artists to collect.
“We have two of Warhol’s soup cans that are in incredible condition,” said Berman. “One has never been framed and has been kept in an archival drawer since 1969 – the colors are beautiful.”
Berman revealed that when a work is not framed, it increases in value.
“The Campbell’s Soup II (Chicken ’n Dumplings), which we will be auctioning, has never seen daylight and is in the same condition as it was in 1969 when it was
printed.”
Other highlights from the auction are a suite of six John Baldessari prints, a David Wojnarowicz painting, and a Herb Ritts photograph of Richard Gere (which launched both the actor’s and the photographer’s career).
This year’s auction will also feature the work of iconic artists such as Carlos Almaraz, Shepard Fairey, Sam Francis, Jeff Koons, Ed Moses, Terry O’Shea, Robert Rauschenberg, John Register, James Rosenquist, Frank Stella, and many more.
This Sunday, Nov. 15, the Santa Monica Auctions event starts at 12 pm (runs through the afternoon) at the B-7 gallery at Bergamot Station Arts Center (2525 Michigan
Ave., Santa Monica).
Check out the auction preview on view now at the B-7 gallery at Bergamot Station. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday from 11 am to 6 pm. On Saturday,
Nov. 14, the gallery will be open from 11 am to 8 pm.
Can’t make it to the auction in person? Bidding is available via phone, absentee and internet bidding.
For more information on this, visit https://content.liveauctioneers.com/catalog/81485_santa-monica-auctions-fall-auction.
The full catalogue is available at www.smauctions.com.
