Esteban Vicente (1903-2001)
Spacious 1970
65 1/2 x 67 3/4 inches
Oil on canvas
Signed, titled and dated on reverse
Auction House Estimate: $30,000- $50,000
My Recommendation: Bid $40,000 to $45,000
Result: $130,000 (hammer) on 8/18/20
Interested in Esteban Vicente?
Artist Information
A first generation Abstract Expressionist, Vicente was born in Spain, studied and exhibited in Madrid and Paris up until the mid 1930s, and then due to the Spanish Civil War moved with his wife to NY in 1936 where he exhibited extensively including shows at prominent galleries of the time, Leo Castelli and Andre Emmerich. His abstract paintings often combine jagged geometric shapes and an inner light that gives them a spiritual quality.
My Take
Comparable paintings by Vicente have sold recently at auction for $70,000 to $100,000, and this beautiful example is from early in the artist’s career. Although I’m not expecting a huge surge in his market, I do think his works will continue to be in demand and a collector will have no problem making a nice exit when he or she desires.