Christie’s NY Impressionist and Modern Art Sale and previews of Post-War and Contemporary Art Sale

Christie’s, New York.

We are off to a strong start to the November sales with the Christie’s Impressionist-Modernist sale on Monday generating a $479.3 million turnover with 88% of the lots finding happy homes. The prize fish of the auction, a late Van Gogh, Laborer dans un Champ sold for $81,312,500 million surpassing its estimate by 31.3 million. Honourable mentions in the Modernist category go to Fernand Leger’s Contraste de Formes at $62 million, and a lovely Rene Magritte of the L’empire des Lumieres series sold for $20,562,500 million.

Next on our agenda, we take in the offerings on the previews floor for the contemporary evening sale, wondering who will make bigger splashes with a Da Vinci thrown in the mix? As much as we are rooting for a reaffirmation of the renaissance master and that glorious rock crystal orb in Salvator Mundi, we are also hedging that we can expect big splashes from Andy Warhol’s Sixty Last Suppers and Twombly’s Untitled from his Bacchus series. The record prices for Warhol and Twombly are $105 million for Silver Car Crash (double disaster) and $70 million for Untitled (New York City), respectively. We yawned passed the $35 million estimate on Rothko’s Saffron, preferring that particular colour in our food, to cast a cool eye over Kerry James Marshall’s Still Life with Wedding Portraits. We’ve spotted Marshall from London to Miami in recent years, so we will be keeping an eye on that $1,500,000 estimate tomorrow, as well as on Lee Krasner’s Shattered Light at $2,500,000, and Currin’s Gold Nude. But the piece that has most stolen our heart is a room filled with mylar fish by Philippe Parreno, at an approachable estimate of $350,000.   

Stay tuned for our updates from the auction house floor.

Last privately held work by Da Vinci to go to auction tomorrow in New York

Christie’s, New York.

It’s that time of the year again. Oh the bright lights of New York in November. The crowds are gathering to take in the ice skating rink under a golden art deco Prometheus, the baubles and a newly installed Christmas tree on Rockefeller. Of course some of us have come to take part in a very different sort of spectator sport, and for us it’s that time of the year again, only the most influential sale on the auction house circuit, the Evening Contemporary sale. We have turned our eyes to Christie’s to take in the offerings, the people, the installations and…. a Leonardo Da Vinci.

Yes, the latest addition to the extravaganza is a not so contemporary work by the renaissance master. It can be found situated on Christie’s ground floor, in a bizarre bout of cross marketing flanked by Andy Warhol’s Sixty Last Suppers. Whether it is a stroke of genius, or madness is open for debate, but here are the details we’ve drummed up to whet your appetite.

Salvator Mundi has an illustrious 500-year history, packed with the strange twists and turns of any work of art worth it’s salt. It is believed to have been commissioned for Louis XII of France and afterwards found a home in the famed art collection of Charles I of England. After the English restoration, it languished in gentle obscurity until the 20^th century where it re-emerges as a part of the Cook collection. Minor restorations and time out of the limelight are enough to throw authorship to Bernardino Luini, a follower of Da Vinci. In 1958 it was sold at auction for £45 GBP (adjusted for inflation approximately £990 GBP) and re-emerges in the United States in 2005.

With less than twenty paintings attributed to Da Vinci, how do we know Salvator Mundi belongs to this body of work? The painting certainly has the presence and the materiality characteristic to Da Vinci’s work. It is a small work on wood panel, specifically walnut which is a signature of Da Vinci paintings. The use of lapis is also characteristic to Da Vinci, its expense, as a pigment is indicative of the esteem for the commission and artist. The painting is very appealing for its simplicity of composition, driving all the viewers attention to the sitter and orb. The meticulous, almost mathematical rendering of the textiles and curls is another indication that the authorship is Da Vinci’s, especially when compared to sketches in his notebooks. The technique to depict the paintings recession of space also point to the experimental nature of the artist, analysis shows hand prints in the modulation of the paint to create Da Vinci’s signature sfumato effects on the face. If that all sounds woolly, there is also ample scientific analysis and historical documentation to consider. Scanning techniques reveal that the painting has several corrections (pentimenti) underneath, these are nearly always indicative of an original work, as a follower would draught what they saw at the surface level. Pigment analysis shows us that everything is consistent with the period and comparison to other Da Vinci works, especially the Mona Lisa and his St. John the Baptist. Only one detail seems to be troubling experts and that is the light penetration of the orb, and its lack of reflections on the surface. On that detail we say give the man a break! Da Vinci could have many reasons for tweaking the details a bit, from wanting to create an impression of the divine and otherworldly, to perhaps even just liking the visual effect of an opaque rock crystal surface.

Estimates for Salvator Mundi (lot 9B sale 14995) is $100,000,000 USD

David Rockefeller’s 27 Million Dollar NYC Townhouse

Originally built in 1924 by architect Mott Schmidt, the 40 foot wide townhouse located at 146 East 65th street in NYC has been occupied by none other than David Rockefeller for the past 69 years.  The philanthropist, financier, and grandson of John D. Rockefeller originally purchased the home in 1948 with his wife Peggy.  After David Rockefeller passed away at the age of 101 in March, the home was almost immediately listed for sale at 32.5M USD with Brown Harris Stevens, before receiving it’s most recent price cut.

Although, the asking price seems quite reasonable for a 40 foot wide townhouse in the upper east side; there are several characteristics that are not exactly working in the Rockefeller’s favor.  Most notably is the residence’s location on the far eastern side of the Upper East side, which is closer to the east river verses the more prime western side of the neighborhood which borders Central Park, such as the properties between Madison and Fifth Ave.

The plush pad offers eight bedrooms and eight bathrooms in a rather plain dated layout.  No gym, cinema, or indoor pool here, though, buyers looking for a project with some history may find reward in remodeling this iconic gem.  Classic amenities at the nearly 10,000 square foot townhouse include a grand spiral staircase with skylight, full width 40′ foot wide paneled living room, library, wine cellar, six staff rooms, eight fireplaces, an additional 2,500 square foot basement, two vaults, and an elegant yet somewhat modest 3,000 square foot planted garden.

Most well regarded is the home’s illustrious art collection, which famed collector and patron of the arts, David Rockefeller, amassed over his long life.  His collection, which was housed at the property, consisted of works by many modern masters including Matisse, Picasso, Cezanne to name a few, as well as a large collection of Chinese and European porcelains, which will be up for auction at Christie’s in the Spring of 2018.

Images courtesy of:  Brown Harris Stevens

Superyacht Concept: BENETTI and ROMERO Introduce “SE77ANTASETTE”

Recently, Italian Shipyard, Benetti has seized the moment by unveiling an ultramodern 77 metre concept, dubbed the SE77ANTASETTE.  The result is a rather daring concept, which pushes boundaries in an ever evolving industry.  Designed by Mexican Civil Architect and designer, Fernando Romero, the SE77 stands out in multiple dimensions, most notably being the yacht’s ability to adapt to changing needs of guests on-board.

In Romero’s perspective, Benetti has grasped the power of technology that paved the way for the shipyard to generate a completely unique yachting experience. This is directly shown in the concept’s proposed systems of navigation and propulsion, where Benetti’s talented engineers in cooperation with experts in aerospace and marine fields, discovered a new way to hide the navigation equipment inside a glass dome, without affecting the balance of the yacht or compromising on safety.

Vincenzo Poerio, Benetti’s CEO who is extremely satisfied by this new, extraordinary concept, sees this project as a special outcome of a “perfect union” between two dissimilar worlds: yachting and civil architecture.

SE77ANTASETTE combines all of the thrilling products that Benetti has ever produced, boosting the act of yacht design to a new level of luxury and modernity. Benetti and Romero have broken some traditional rules to create an unrivaled concept, which is like nothing else. At 77 metres long, it diminishes the traditional concept of the yacht, and portrays an elegant design that draws  inspiration from the marine habitat, generating harmonious connections between the design, decks, and surrounding environment.

Designed to offer a seamless blend of comfort and usability. Guests on-board will find the ultimate tranquility and serenity, where tremendous amenities include:  multiple swimming pools, massage rooms, a gym and unrivaled office space.

The heart of SE77ANTASETTE is a revolutionary central area. It can be adjusted according to the guest’s desires, making it perfect for multitasking. For example, the salon can be fully transformed into an open dining area for breakfast with family, screening room, theatre, or a dance floor with a strobe light disco ball in the middle and a DJ station for partying and having fun.

Located on the upper deck is the yacht’s most intimate area, the observatory, which features 8.5 metre glass panels, that have undergone the most rigorous stress testing.  Air conditioning ducts have been added to consistently monitor temperature and humidity to ensure a pleasurable experience.  Though, the observatory’s most remarkable feature is the augmented reality screen displayable via the dome.  Not much for virtual reality?  Then take advantage of the domes position to enjoy the view of the starry light sky during the night.

The owner’s 100 square metre apartment aboard SE77 is equally as grand as other internal spaces aboard, located forward on the main deck the stateroom also offers an additional 140 sqm external space, which serves as a perfect private escape from the rest of the yacht.  Located within the apartment are plans for an office, custom wooden bed, and elegant sitting area.  The over-sized marble bathroom allows for perfect vistas of the vessels ever changing views.  The outdoor area also allows for convenient access to the helipad which can be converted into a 1.5 metre deep plunge pool in just a moments notice.

Moving down to the lower deck guests will come across two VIP staterooms and four guest cabins, allowing accommodation for a total of 12 guests.  The VIP staterooms offer walk-in closets, his and hers bathrooms, and full glass panels which open to reveal a private terrace.  The guest cabins which are located toward the ship’s centre are also surrounded by glass panels to reveal a harmonious balance with the aquatic environment.  Crew accommodation for 19 is also located on the lower deck.

SE77 is remarkably wide at 14.20 metres; and will contain 5 variable speed Caterpillar generators, two twin counter-rotating screws pods (1700kw each), and be powered by permanent magnet motors.  Benefits of the variable speed generators will include space saving, increased efficiency, and all around lower emissions.  SE77’s propulsion systems will offer a top speed of 16 knots and a 5,000 mile range at 12 knots.

The Future of Electric Flight: Lilium

As countless organizations work toward the future of electric powered, environmentally friendly mobility, one Munich based firm seems to be leading the world in the future of electric flight.  Lilium has been backed by several major investment firms including former Twitter CEO, Evan Williams’ Obvious Ventures.  With total funding now exceeding $100 million dollars, after a recent round adding $90M to their total raised capital, it is looking increasingly likely that Lilium just may become the world leader in this genre.

Daniel Wiegand, Lilium co-founder and CEO said: “This investment is a tremendously important step for Lilium as it enables us to make the five-seat jet a reality. This is the next stage in our rapid evolution from an idea to the production of a commercially successful aircraft that will revolutionise the way we travel in and around the world’s cities. It makes Lilium one of the best funded electric aircraft projects in the world. Our backers recognise that Lilium’s innovative eVTOL technology puts us in the lead in this exciting new industry, with no other company promising the economy, speed, range and low-noise levels of the Lilium Jet.

Lilium was founded in 2015 by Wiegand and his associates Sebastian Born, Matthias Meiner and Patrick Nathen, during their studies at the Technical University of Munich.  In under two years, the founders vision has gone on to employ more than 70 engineers to develop an unrivaled fully electric vertical take off and landing Jet.  Lilium has already successfully test flown their fully autonomous 5 seat prototype, which has exhibted exceptional maneuverability and performance.

Although, the aircraft’s electric engines function similar to a conventional jet’s engines, their are some significant differences including the fact that the compressor fan is powered by an electric motor, rather than a typical petrol turbine, making for ultra quiet travel. The change over from fuel to electricity also makes for considerably more economical running costs compared to a conventional jet.  Lilium expects this fact to enable their product to compete with not only other planes, but all areas of transportation.

The Lilium Jet is expected to travel at a top speed of 300kmph for up-to one hour on just a single charge.  This allows for a 19 KM flight from Manhattan to JFK in just five minutes, at a cost which is estimated to be less than taxi fare.

Jaguar Land Rover Goes All Electric For 2020

With the opening of the Tech Fest event in London, Jaguar CEO, Dr. Ralf Speth had an announcement concerning the future of mobility for their vehicles.  Ralf stated that the luxury car brand will be incorporating electrical products to their lineup; examples include luxury sedans and dynamic SUVs, as well as plug-in hybrid & mild hybrid vehicles for the sports coupés.  Furthermore, Jaguar is going to be putting their first ever electric performance SUV, the Jaguar I-PACE, for sale in 2018.

During the Tech Fest event, Jaguar demonstrated their sheer determination and commitment towards electrical performance with the unveiling of a fully-restored and newly modified plug-in electric 3.8-litre 1968 Jaguar E-Type Roadster, which is now known as the “E-Type Zero”.  When compared with the classic Jaguar E-Type, the all-new E-Type Zero is far faster and swifter; achieving 100km/h a full second quicker, as well as covering approximately 170 miles from just a single charge.  Jaguar Land Rover’s recently reshaped E-Type Zero is not only a symbol for their future electric performance plans, but also a tribute to classic supercar enthusiasts.

The European Automobile Manufacturers Association (also known as ACEA) recorded the demand for alternative fuel-based cars around the globe from the second-quarter of 2016 with statistics in the past three months.  When the data was compared, it was discovered that in those past three months the increase in demand for alternative fuel-based cars went up 38 percent.  In addition to the alternative fuels that are provided for plug-in electric cars and plug-in hybrids, there is also vehicles power-driven by LPG, propane, or natural gas.

The current demand for battery electric and plug-in hybrid cars have been on the rise as indicated by the surge that happened last quarter, when the demand escalated and reached 1.2 percent of their overall car sales throughout Europe.  Based off data taken in Europe from ACEA, the number of electric car sales hit 62,367 and plug-in hybrid sales hit 59,813.  Furthermore, when mild hybrids were included in the data, the sales reached a total of 213,252.  This result proved that the demand for alternative fuel-based cars is becoming even more sought after, especially in the European continent where automotive development and manufacturing is constantly evolving at a breakneck speed.

For more information visit:  JaguarUSA.com/electrification

McLaren 720s Named Performance Car of The Year

Earlier this month the newly introduced $280,000 McLaren 720s was awarded the prestigious title of 2018 Performance Car of the Year by Road & Track.  Heralded as a perfect blend of performance and unrivaled luxury, the 720s, has distinguished itself from all others in its class.  The first model in McLaren’s second generation Super Series was placed up against its Italian and German rivals, such as the v10 Lamborghini Huracán Performante and the v8 Mercedes-AMG GT R, to name just a few.

“The McLaren 720S is the friendliest, least intimidating supercar I’ve ever experienced… it’s more than what’s new in supercars; it is also what’s best, what’s fastest, what’s most capable. As such, the 720S was the easy winner of our vote,”  concluded the editors of Road & Track.

Commenting on the awards, Tony Joseph, President, McLaren Automotive North America said: “We believe that the McLaren 720S is a revolutionary step forward, not only for our brand, but for the supercar segment. To be named Performance Car of the Year by Road & Track is a great validation of the car and its capabilities. From the stunning new interpretation of our design language to its comfort and usability on the street without sacrificing any performance on the track—the 720S is a special car in the McLaren supercar line-up.”

First unveiled at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, the 720s instantly captivated supercar fans with its striking design reminiscent of the fabled McLaren F1.  Statistics on the 720s include a fighter jet style cockpit, a 710 brake horsepower 4.0 liter v8 engine, as well as a unique driver engagement system developed through chassis refinements via McLaren’s all new Proactive Chassis Control II.

For more information on McLaren please visit:  cars.mclaren.com

NYC: Louis Vuitton exhibition “Volez, Voguez, Voyagez” For the First Time!

After tracing their glamorous touch across the globe, from Paris to Tokyo, Louis Vuitton has decided to bring it’s charm – for the first time – to New York City through an exclusive exhibition. Having just opened on October the 27^th of this year, the exhibition will proceed until the 7^th of January, 2018, while taking place at the American Stock Exchange building in lower Manhattan. The exhibition features the glorification of the history of Louis Vuitton, giving a chance for visitors to discover its authentic past as a luxurious fashion house since its inception in 1854 till present day. Through in-depth analysis and exploration of the display, guests can detect the connection of the House with the United States and NYC in particular, where one of the house’s rooms is devoted entirely to ‘The Big Apple’.

The event that is held in New York’s Financial District, greets customers with opened arms, mirroring the values and splendid accomplishments of Louis Vuitton’s history, starting firstly with the brand’s iconic product, the “Louis Vuitton trunk”. This product specifically offers users an unrivaled and safe experience in preserving their luggage. Other fashionable products include Louis Vuitton idealistic bags, accessories, shoes and outfits. Admission is free, so don’t miss this marvelous chance to be exposed to products through the ages of a precious and storied brand like Louis Vuitton.

Louis Vuitton exhibition “Volez, Voguez, Voyagez” 2017-2018 in the US.

For more information visit:  LouisVuitton.com

Electric Luxury: The New Range Rover

As of this month, Land Rover has just announced the revamp of their time honored flagship model, that not only received an elegant face lift but was also given an option that is more than skin deep.

The announcement came with the addition of a plugin-hybrid model to stand hand in hand with Jaguar-Land Rover’s future electric plans for all models in their line.  The plugin-hybrid Range Rover will achieve a combined fuel economy of an impressive 101mpg, and an all electric range of 31 miles.  Unique highlights for the 2018 model year also include harmonious updates which have sharpened both exterior and interior looks, along with cutting edge technological updates.

Since the beginning of the Range Rover, 50 years ago, the quintessential luxury four by four has been the go to vehicle for those who prefer not to switch vehicles when traveling from their estate in the countryside to the posh streets of Belgravia and Kensington.

“Our customers are very clear about what they want from any new Range Rover. ‘Don’t change it, just make it better,’ they tell us, so everything we’ve done has been about enhancing our flagship SUV. After nearly 50 years the fourth generation Range Rover is the finest so far, ensuring the original luxury SUV remains the choice for discerning customers the world over.”

Gerry McGovern, Chief Design Officer, Land Rover

Today, the all new Range Rover has continued to evolve with the intention of always being the finest in all around automotive capability.  Thanks to newly designed seats, comfort features now include 24 way adjustable front seats, that offer a new depth of foam padding along with heated armrests to keep your elbows and forearms warm on those chilly winter days.  Stepping in the backset, occupants will notice a complete redesign which includes a more spacious layout, with no effect to the RR’s boot space.

The sumptuous cabin now includes a spa like treatment with 25 setting massage functions for the seats, including a much desired hot stone option.  For those of us who work while being chauffeured or travel with family, seventeen connection points are at our disposal, including USB, HDMI, 12 volt, and domestic plug sockets; in addition 4G Wi-Fi awaits for up to 8 different devices.

Interior elegance has been updated through the unwavering commitment by LR’s focus on integration of some of the market’s most advanced and easy to use infotainment systems, which are engineered by JLR in house.  Codenamed ‘Blade’, the Touch Pad Duo merges two 10 inch screens to form a control panel in the Range Rover’s centre console.

The enlarged seats now offer unsurpassed comfort in the segment.  The outstanding updates include heated and cooled seats with significantly extended zones (heated arm, calf rests, and foot).  Increased recline functionality, along with a smartphone app for added functionality, complete the tech savvy interior comfort updates.

The plugin-hybrid’s efficient powertrain offers sustainable performance through the combination of a four cylinder petrol engine and a (85KW) electric motor, allowing for 31 miles of all electric drive.  The result is 640Nm of torque and 404PS of total power delivered via the full time four-wheel drive system, with a not to sixty time of 6.4 seconds and a top speed of 137 miles per hour.  Emiting only 64g/km on the NEDC combined cycle, Range Rover owners can honestly experience zero-emission driving.

“The new Range Rover takes our luxury SUV to new heights, delivering enhanced refinement, luxury and all-terrain capability. The new PHEV powertrain isn’t simply a no-compromise solution – it builds on the traditions of our flagship SUV and delivers heightened refinement and comfort with impressive performance and efficiency.”

Nick Collins, Vehicle Line Director, Jaguar Land Rover

Concerned about charge time? With rapid charging the 13.1kWh high-voltage lithium-ion battery can be fully charged in under 3 hours using a 32 amp wall box.  Additional assurances are given through an eight-year, 100,000-mile, 70 per cent state of health warranty for the Plugin-Hybrid Range Rover’s battery.

Although the all new Plugin-Hybrid model is intriguing, those of us who enjoy the most performance out of our Range Rover may want to still opt for the range topping SV Autobiogrpahy dynamic.  Range Rover’s most powerful production vehicle to date is powered by an all petrol supercharged v8 making 565PS, and delivers a not to sixty time of nearly 5 seconds flat.

The updated Range Rover will be built at the firm’s Solihull facility, and is available for order now, with first quarter deliveries scheduled for the end of 2017 depending on region.

Piero Lissoni Builds a New Ritz-Carlton Residences in Miami Beach

Italian architect Piero Lissoni is working on his first full-scale architectural project within the United States, which has been scheduled to be completed during winter this year.  This new project, the Ritz-Carlton Residences, Miami Beach, consists of 111 one-to-five-bedroom condos as well as 15 waterfront standalone villas that encompass 7.5 acres of land.  With prices ranging from around $2 million to $40 million, each Ritz-Carlton residence demonstrates a modern yet eccentric style.

For instance, a newly added 10,000-square-foot, two-story penthouse with floor-to-ceiling walls of glass frame perfectly reflects the modern meets whimsical approach.  Boasting four bedrooms and seven baths, the penthouse also features an interior garden, which is viewable from the expansive main living room.  In addition, a double-height library encompasses the room along with a beautiful fire place to add onto the harmonious atmosphere.  Another unique feature is the 20-foot-tall, 2,000-bottle wine cave, which harbors a massive jellyfish tank serving as the cellar’s main focal point.

The penthouse’s sliding-glass doors takes you to a private outside courtyard with a waterfall feature, living green walls, and a hot tub.  Furthermore, a private elevator can take you to either  a 6,000-square-foot roof terrace with a pergola or a supplementary 2,000-square-foot lower deck that includes dining and lounging areas as well as an outdoor bar.

Despite the fact that the penthouse is only for the purpose of being an aspirational example that is off the market, there are still five three-to-four-bedroom penthouses remaining on the market with prices ranging from $8.8 million to over $20 million.  The idea was to give potential buyers a look into what their own penthouse may be like so that they can envision a more extraordinary home for themselves.  Each respective penthouse contains an exceptional design layout that is capable of being personalized by the buyer.

For those future owners living at the Ritz-Carlton residence, they will be provided with full access to various amenities such as a residential art studio, a private captained day yacht, and a half-acre rooftop pool deck with private cabanas.

For more information visit:  TheResidencesMiamiBeach.com

Photo courtesy of RitzCarlton.com