On the 30th June Chiswick Auctions pulled off a rare, white glove, 100%-sold online sale of 21 works by the Viennese emigré artist Marie-Louise von Motesiczky. The fresh-to-market collection was sold by the Motesiczky Charitable Trust and sold for a combined price of £109,687.50 (inc. BP), against an aggregate pre-sale low estimate of £26,100.
Ishbel Gray, Head of sale commented: ‘We were thrilled with the results in a sale that spanned four decades of the artist’s life, ranging from portraits and still-lifes to works from the artist’s travels in Mexico and Tunisia. The sale attracted immense and wide-ranging interest from private collectors keen to secure lots on the day.’
The star of the auction was a 1960 Still-life, bowl of fruit with pomegranate which sold for £21,875 (inc. BP), establishing a new record price for the artist and was the highest price in the sale. Another highlight was the mysterious Snake charmer (1964), which triggered fierce competition online selling for six times the pre-sale low estimate, achieving an impressive £17,500 (inc. BP).
Marie-Louise von Motesiczky (1906-1996) emigrated to England from Austria with her mother just before the Second World War and lived in Hampstead for over 50 years. Her wistful, often amusing and ever idiosyncratic style was informed by her upbringing in Vienna, German Expressionism, and in particular her life-long friendships with both Max Beckmann and Oskar Kokoschka.
We are now consigning for our next Autumn 2022 Season.
If you are interested in a valuation or consigning to the sale, please contact Ishbel: ishbel.gray@chiswickauctions.co.uk
