The Bidding Battle for Alexander Calder's Beetle that Sold for $4.2 Million at Sotheby's New York
Why It Matters
The $3.4 million price validates Calder’s market strength and signals robust appetite for mid‑century modern masterpieces among institutional and private buyers.
Key Takeaways
- •Auction started at $2.2 million for Calder's Beetle.
- •Bidding surged past $3 million rapidly within minutes.
- •Prominent bidders included Simon Shaw and Greg War from London.
- •Final hammer price reached $3.4 million, below $4.2 million estimate.
- •Calder's 1948 metalwork remains a benchmark for kinetic art.
Summary
Sotheby’s New York hosted a high‑profile auction of Alexander Calder’s 1948 sculpture “Beetle,” a standing work of sheet‑metal, wire, and paint that has been cataloged by the Calder Foundation.
The hammer opened at $2.2 million and climbed in $200,000 increments, with the bid floor breaching $3 million within minutes. London‑based dealer Simon Shaw and collector Greg War led the competition, pushing the price to $3.4 million before the gavel fell.
The auctioneer highlighted the piece’s provenance, noting its display on a “Jackabeti” table beside works by Finidio, Fabro, and Pistiletto, and referenced the Calder Foundation’s archival support in confirming its authenticity.
The sale underscores the enduring demand for Calder’s kinetic sculptures, setting a benchmark for mid‑century modern art and signaling that top‑tier collectors will still pay premium prices for historically significant pieces.
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