Sotheby’s has announced a significant auction featuring works from the esteemed Abrams Family Collection, set to take place in September 2024. For over seven decades, the Abrams family, known for their influential contributions to the art publishing world, has amassed a collection that mirrors the high standards and scholarly depth for which they are renowned.
The live auction, scheduled for September 27th, will spotlight notable pieces, including Isamu Noguchi’s 1971 marble sculpture Study for Energy Void. Other highlights include works by prominent artists such as Alex Katz, Bob Thompson, Marisol, Chryssa, Tom Wesselmann, Robert Indiana, and Fernando Botero. Additionally, an online auction from September 20th to 30th will feature further selections from the collection, with works by John Wesley, Kenneth Noland, Christo, Lee Bontecou, and others, many of whom were close associates of the Abrams family.
The Abrams Collection, built over multiple generations, showcases a fearless approach to collecting, eschewing boundaries of style, nationality, and identity in favour of a commitment to quality. The collection primarily focuses on the 1960s and 1970s contemporary art, offering a rich cross-section of artistic production. This auction allows collectors to acquire pieces from a collection deeply intertwined with modern art and publishing history. With works from the collection to be offered throughout the season, Sotheby’s event is poised to attract significant attention from collectors and art enthusiasts. It will celebrate the Abrams family’s legacy and enduring passion for art.
The Abrams family has impacted the art world through their pioneering work in art book publishing. Founded in 1949 by Harry N. Abrams, the publishing house became one of the first American companies to specialize in high-quality art books, making fine art accessible to a broader audience. The company’s focus on beautifully illustrated and meticulously written volumes set a new standard in the industry, helping to introduce millions of readers to the works of great artists.
Under the leadership of Harry and later his son Robert (Bob), Abrams published a wide array of books covering a wide range of art forms and movements. Their catalogue included monographs on individual artists, comprehensive art history surveys, and lavishly produced coffee table books that became cherished items in households worldwide. The books were visually stunning and intellectually rigorous, often accompanied by scholarly essays that provided more profound insights into the art and artists featured.
The Abrams publishing house was instrumental in bringing the works of many contemporary artists to a broader public. Their publications on artists such as Norman Rockwell, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Andy Warhol helped to cement these figures in the public consciousness. The company also ventured into photography, architecture, and design, further broadening its influence.
Today, Abrams continues to be a leader in art book publishing, maintaining the high standards set by its founders. The company’s legacy is one of democratizing art appreciation, making the beauty and knowledge of the art world accessible to people from all walks of life.
Top Photo: Isamu Noguchi, Study for Energy Void (1971). Courtesy Sotheby’s