NGL, the 4.75-inch by 9-foot painting Kenneth Noland gave Mica & Ahmet Ertegun looked more imposing on the Christie’s site. Actually, no, it is almost comically illegible as a jpg. And actually, it looks positively sweet and domestic in their dining nook. [Their 81st St townhouses are in contract.] The commode, urns, and accoutrements are available next month in the furniture portion of Mica Ertegun’s auctions, in case you want to recreate the whole tableau. [The Morris Louis is in the evening sale.]
Christie’s describes this as a gift of the artist “by 1992,” but of course, Noland ran with the Erteguns long before that. Maybe Noland traded the painting for Mica and Chessy Rayner decorating his apartment in 1972. Maybe there was a housewarming rehang when the Erteguns acquired the Louis in 1974. Whatever happened, it’ll be regifted soon [with a 26% buyer’s premium].
20 Nov 2024, Lot 134: Kenneth Noland, Mica’s and Ahmet’s Gift, 1969, est. $100-150,000 [update: sold for $195,300] [christies]
Previously, related: Should we throw a party? Should we invite Alexander Julian?