Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world's largest and most renowned auctioneers, offering fine art and antiques, motor cars and jewelery. The main salerooms are in London, New York, Los Angeles and Hong Kong, with auctions also held in Knightsbridge, Edinburgh, Paris, San Francisco and Sydney. With a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in twenty-two countries, Bonhams offers advice and valuation services in sixty specialist areas. For a full list of forthcoming auctions, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments, please visit the Bonhams website.
Courtesy Bonhams.
Romare Bearden (1914-1988), Morning, 1979. Estimate: $4,000-6,000
Los Angeles — On September 28, Bonhams will offer the Collection of Dr. Sarah Gray, which comprises a wonderful selection of prints and original media by African American artists. Dr. Sarah Gray was a member of the UC Davis Department of Human Physiology for nearly forty years, standing as the sole African American woman on staff. She spent her life championing Black artists, building up a collection over decades of works by primarily African American contemporary artists—many of whom have recently become art market stars. Among the many wonderful highlights in the collection are two lithographs by Charles White I Have a Dream (1976) and Juba (1965). The sale also features incredible work by Jacob Lawrence, Romare Bearden, Elizabeth Catlett and more. In total, the 50-lot collection is expected to realize $100,000 - $150,000.
Bonhams Director of Prints and Multiples Morisa Rosenberg commented, “Dr. Sarah Gray’s academic achievements and pioneering career are inspiring. She was a decorated scholar, earning a bachelor’s degree from Barnard, a master’s degree from New York University, and a PhD from UCSF. These accolades were matched by a limitless kindness and generosity of spirit. Dr. Gray was an advocate for the arts, and spent her life supporting Black artists. She wanted to tell the stories untold, celebrate her ancestry, and keep history alive. We are proud and honored to offer a selection of work from her phenomenal collection in our upcoming sale.”
