Farnsworth fetches $1.5 million in sale of second Lynne Drexler painting

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“Herbert’s Yard,” a 1960 painting by Lynne Drexler, who summered on Monhegan Island for two a long time just before transferring there whole time for the last 16 many years of her existence. The portray sold at auction previous 7 days for $1.5 million. Christie’s Visuals Ltd. 2022

A different portray by mid-20th century summary expressionist Lynne Drexler, who spent considerably of her late occupation on Monhegan Island, marketed at auction final week for a hefty sum.

A 5-by-7-foot oil on canvas titled “Herbert’s Garden” was obtained by a non-public consumer for $1.5 million, according to Christie’s Auction Household in New York. The whole was somewhat increased than the practically $1.2 million paid out for a different Drexler portray, “Flowered Hundred,” in March.

Proceeds of each revenue will go to the Farnsworth Artwork Museum in Rockland, which determined to provide the items from its selection in a course of action recognized as deaccessioning. The Farnsworth will use the dollars – which totals far more than half its yearly funds – to order work from other artists, with the objective of diversifying the museum collection.

Farnsworth Museum director Christopher Brownawell stands next to “Saha,” left, just one of the museum’s four remaining paintings by Lynne Drexler. Ben McCanna/Team Photographer

Desire in Drexler’s work has amplified steadily due to the fact she died in 1999, but the recent gross sales signify a considerable bump. Farnsworth director Christopher Brownawell mentioned he understood the sale price ranges may well be high but did not assume each and every to eclipse $1 million.

Due to the fact museums really don’t typically offer from their collections, it can be controversial when it takes place.

Chris Crosman, previous director of the Farnsworth, was among the people who criticized the determination.

“Museums like the Farnsworth were developed by presents from non-public donors,” he claimed in March. “As before long as donors listen to donations are getting marketed off, even if it is for a great induce, they may possibly believe 2 times before accomplishing so all over again.”

Brownawell, nonetheless, claimed the Farnsworth however has four Drexler paintings in its selection that were being section of the unique donation. In fact, the surge of desire in her function, at minimum amongst collectors, might draw people to museums that have items by Drexler on display.

Drexler grew up in Virginia and moved to New York in the mid-1950s to study and be part of the burgeoning art scene there. She married John Hultberg, who also was an summary expressionist painter. Her get the job done was generally overlooked, which was standard for feminine artists at that time.

The couple traveled usually, including to Monhegan Island off Maine’s coast, which now was founded as an artist colony by the time they began traveling to. They moved to Monhegan whole time in 1983, but Hultberg didn’t remain. Drexler, on the other hand, never ever left.

Right after her dying, Drexler’s estate gifted lots of of her paintings to museums in Maine, together with the Portland Museum of Artwork, the Bates College or university Museum of Art, the Monhegan Museum of Artwork and the Farnsworth.

What ever perform the Farnsworth finishes up obtaining from the proceeds, the pieces will usually have a credit indicating that the sale of Drexler’s paintings built people acquisitions doable.


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