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Joanna and Johnny Carson’s Exceptional Art Collection Is Headed to Auction

The upcoming Christie’s sale will feature jewelry and exemplary Impressionist and Modern works from the Los Angeles residence that the philanthropist shared with the legendary television host

By Alexandria Sillo
Joanna and Johnny Carson dressed in formal evening wear at a social event.
Joanna and Johnny Carson. Photo: Courtesy of Christie's. Photo by Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

Christie’s will present “The Joanna Carson Collection” during its Spring Marquee Week in May, featuring impressive pieces by Matisse, Degas, Picasso, and a rare sculpture by Henry Moore. The exemplary art once belonged to the late model and philanthropist Joanna Carson, who was married to legendary The Tonight Show host Johnny Carson from the early 1970s to the mid-1980s. The couple accumulated many of the pieces while sharing a residence in Bel Air, where Joanna lived until her death in 2025. A secondary part of the collection includes stunning jewelry, which will be offered separately in June.

Abstract bronze sculpture of two intertwined, elongated figures with geometric shapes on a gray background, from the Joanna Carson collection being auctioned at Christie's.
Henry Moore, Double Standing Figure, (1950). Photo: Christie’s Images Ltd.
Bronze sculpture of a reclining nude figure with abstract features, positioned with one arm resting over its head, from the Joanna Carson collection being auctioned at Christie's..
Henri Matisse Nu Nu coucé II, (1927). Photo: Christie’s Images LTD.

Leading the May sales is Henry Moore’s Double Standing Figure, which has a presale estimate of between $2–4 million, and was the focal point of Joanna Carson’s art collection for decades, according to Christie’s. It’s the sole example from the edition that remains in private hands, with the only known other gifted to the Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center at Vassar College. Also on offer is Matisse’s Nu coucé II, with an estimate of $1.2–1.8 million, and two Picassos.

Abstract artwork with geometric shapes, featuring circles and textured patterns in yellow, green, black, and blue tones, from the Joanna Carson collection being auctioned at Christie's..
Pablo Picasso, Pommes et verre. Photo: Christie’s Images LTD.

A dedicated philanthropist, the proceeds of the collection will benefit SHARE Inc, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Los Angeles, and The David Geffen Foundation, Los Angeles.