Barbara Gladstone’s Personal Collection to Headline Sotheby’s May Auction

This May, Sotheby’s New York will present a landmark auction: Selections from the Collection of Barbara Gladstone. This single-owner sale offers a rare glimpse into the private world of one of contemporary art’s most influential figures. Barbara Gladstone, who passed away in June 2024 at the age of 89, was renowned for her discerning eye and her commitment to groundbreaking artists.

A Visionary Dealer and Collector

Barbara Gladstone founded her eponymous gallery in 1980, nurturing the careers of artists such as Matthew Barney, Robert Mapplethorpe, Wangechi Mutu, and Shirin Neshat. Her gallery became synonymous with avant-garde art and played a pivotal role in shaping contemporary art discourse. Beyond her professional endeavors, Gladstone was a passionate collector, amassing works that resonated with her personal sensibilities.

Highlights from the Collection

The upcoming auction features 12 exceptional works, collectively estimated to exceed $12 million. These pieces not only reflect Gladstone’s personal taste but also her deep relationships with the artists.

Richard Prince's Man Crazy Nurse (2003): A monumental painting from Prince’s iconic “Nurse” series, estimated between $4 million and $6 million. This work debuted at Gladstone Gallery in 2003 and exemplifies Prince’s exploration of pop culture and identity.

Andy Warhol's Black Flowers (1964): One of only four known versions featuring inky black blooms against vivid green foliage, estimated at $1 million to $1.5 million. This rare piece underscores Warhol’s innovative approach to color and form.

Mike Kelley's Memory Ware Flat #42 (2003): A large-scale work incorporating buttons, beads, and trinkets, estimated between $700,000 and $1 million. Kelley’s piece reflects his interest in memory and vernacular art forms.

Rudolf Stingel's Untitled (Bolego) (2006): A photorealistic self-portrait rendered in grayscale, estimated at $1.5 million to $2 million. Stingel’s work blurs the lines between photography and painting.

Additional works by artists such as Carroll Dunham, Elizabeth Peyton, and Alighiero Boetti further illustrate the depth and diversity of Gladstone’s collection.

A Testament to Personal Taste

Lisa Dennison, Chairman of Sotheby’s Americas, remarked, “Her collection is not just a group of important works by renowned artists, but a deeply personal testament to her sharp eye, the relationships she nurtured, and the singular vision she had for contemporary art.”

David Galperin, Vice Chairman and Head of Contemporary Art at Sotheby’s Americas, added, “Each artwork was chosen with intention, each bearing the imprint of her singular eye, brilliance, and fearlessness.”

Auction Details

Auction Date: May 15, 2025, at 6:30 PM EDT

Location: Sotheby’s New York, 1334 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021

Exhibition: Public viewing from May 2 to May 15, 2025

This auction offers collectors and enthusiasts an unparalleled opportunity to acquire works from a collection that has significantly influenced the trajectory of contemporary art.

For more information and to view the full catalog, visit Sotheby’s official page.

Note: For a comprehensive list and detailed analysis of these and other controversial artworks, refer to the original ARTnews article.