Los Angeles Modern Auctions (LAMA)

The March 6, 2011 Modern Art & Design Auction featured property from the estate of computer billionaire Max Palevsky and works from the collection of James Byrnes, the first curator of Modern Art at LACMA. Over half of the 500 plus items offered in the March 6th auction had never before traded hands on the open market.

Highlights from the Estate of Max Palevsky included a number of Ettore Sottsass custom designs such as a marble entry table, a custom headboard with built-in nightstands, and a unique marble and steel coffee table.  In addition to the Sottsass designs, four Murano glass windows, a selection of Venini glass, and a rare Carlo Scarpa vase for Venini were also offered for sale. All property from the Palevsky Estate was sold with no reserve.

Highlights from a selection of over 40 lots from the James Byrnes collection include a unique drawing by Alexander Calder, a Harry Bertoia brooch, a Roberto Matta drawing, an Elaine de Kooning painting from 1949, and dozens of works this collector has acquired over a span of nearly 70 years.

In addition, the original maquette of The Unknown Political Prisoner (1952-1953) by Reg Butler was offered for the first time since it was sold at Sotheby’s in London in 1963. Replicas of this important work are in the collections of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and the Tate Gallery.