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8 Highlights from Bonhams Modern Design & Art Auction

Works by David Hockney, Salvador Dalí, and Sam Francis went under the hammer

By Ashley Petras
Abstract painting with teal background, featuring red, yellow, blue, and black splatters and streaks.
Sam Francis, *Rug,* 1990. Photo: Courtesy of Bonhams

Art and design aficionados know that timeless pieces never go out of style. Rather, they become classic examples of true craftsmanship that withstands the test of time. A trove of remarkable works embodying these qualities from the early 20th century to present day went under the hammer on Sunday at Bonhams Los Angeles for the Modern Design | Art Auction.

The sale included rare objects from industrial designer Raymond Loewy and San Francisco’s Clift Hotel, as well as pieces by iconic artists who blurred the line between art and design. See below to find out how much the most intriguing pieces fetched at the auction.

1. Raymond Loewy, Untitled (Abstract Landscape) (1957); sold for $6,325

Abstract artwork by Ben Nicholson featuring geometric shapes and a small figure in a minimalist sandy landscape.
Raymond Loewy, Untitled (Abstract Landscape), 1957. Courtesy of Bonhams

2. Sido and Francis Thevenin, Crypto 10 armchair (1985); sold for $80,075

Bronze sculptural chair with high back and abstract design, featuring smooth curves and uneven legs.
Sido and Francis Thevenin, Crypto 10 armchair, 1985. Courtesy of Bonhams

3. David Hockney, Langan Beverly (1980s); sold for $20,075

Street art depicting the Beverly Center with surrounding streets, featuring a lively, colorful interpretation of the scene.
David Hockney, Langan Beverly, 1980s. Courtesy of Bonhams

4. Studio 65, Marilyn Bocca Lip sofa (1972); sold for $6,575

Red lip-shaped sofa with a smooth, modern design on a white background.
Studio 65, Marilyn Bocca Lip sofa, 1972. Courtesy of Bonhams

Recommended: Lee Radziwill’s Personal Treasure Trove Comes to Auction

5. Salvador Dalí, Lampara Muletas (1937); sold for $1,211

Unique wooden floor lamp with a sculptural base and draped white fabric shade.
Salvador Dalí, Lampara Muletas, 1937. Courtesy of Bonhams

6. Sam Francis, Rug (1990); sold for $6,325

Abstract painting with vibrant colors and dynamic shapes on a teal background, featuring red, black, yellow, and blue elements.
Sam Francis, Rug, 1990. Courtesy of Bonhams

7. Arthur Espenet Carpenter, rolltop desk (1976); sold for $31,325

Vintage wooden desk with curved sides and intricate carvings, featuring a shelf and drawers on a white background.
Arthur Espenet Carpenter, rolltop desk, 1976. Courtesy of Bonhams

8. Ernest A. Batchelder, two jardinieres in glazed terra-cotta (early 20th century); sold for $4,825

Two intricately carved square stone planters side by side, showcasing detailed patterns and textures.
Ernest A. Batchelder, two jardinieres early 20th century in glazed terra-cotta. Courtesy of Bonhams