09-11-201209-11-2012
Skinner Auctions
Skinner AuctionsBoston MA
2610BBoston
September 11, 2012 10:00 AMCalender
374

Silver and Brass Pendant/Brooch, Carol Summers

Sell one like this
$1,541$1,300
Auction: Fine Jewelry - 2610BLocation: BostonDate / Time: September 11, 2012 10:00AM

Description:

Silver and Brass Pendant/Brooch, Carol Summers, with heart motif, 4 3/4 x 4 1/8 in., no. 43/50, signed.

Note: Carol Summers (b. 1925) is a printmaker known for his bold forms and colors. His work is in the collection of The Art Institute of Chicago; Biblioteque National, Paris; Brooklyn Museum of Fine Arts, Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington; Los Angeles County Museum; Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Museum of Modern Art, New York; The National Museum of Art, Washington; and the Seattle Art Museum.

Note: Property from the Estate of Joan Sonnabend, lots 260-402.
Joan Sonnabend opened her tiny gallery at the Plaza Hotel in New York in 1973. She started with a 100-piece collection of "sculptures to wear". Included in the pins, necklaces, bracelets, and rings, were works by such artists as Man Ray, Pol Bury, Picasso, Arp, and Calder. She was never a jeweler, but an art dealer. From the time she graduated Sarah Lawrence with an art degree, she always knew she wanted to open a gallery. After opening Sculpture to Wear, many artists sought her out to create items for the gallery. She became friendly with many of them, and maintained these relationships for many years. In 1973, the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston, mounted a show called "Jewelry As Sculpture as Jewelry." The intent of the show was to elevate body ornament to the level of art. It showcased artists and jewelers who were especially interested in using various and unconventional materials. Joan Sonnabend's gallery at the Plaza was in part responsible for the exhibition and the creation of a market for artists' jewelry. For me personally, Joan opened my eyes to the interplay between jewelry, sculpture, adornment, and art. She always believed in the power of art and remained an art dealer until her passing.
Estimate $150-250

Keywords

Joan Sonnabend, Sarah Lawrence, Carol Summers, art dealer, Seattle Art Museum, The Art Institute of Chicago, The Museum of Modern Art, The National Museum of Art, Brooklyn Museum of Fine Arts, Paris, Corcoran Gallery of Art, Los Angeles County Museum, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Art Institute of Chicago, Plaza Hotel, Bury, Picasso, jeweler, Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston, Institute of Contemporary Art