Auction News

Swann Auction Galleries in New York City held their highly anticipated summer illustration art auction on Thursday June 18th. One of the stars of the proceedings was a whimsical pen, ink & watercolor original piece of art by Edward Gorey.

This delightful image was created by Edward Gorey for PBS Channel 13 in the 1990's. It is unclear if the artwork was ever used as promotional marketing for the station, but a donor auction tag on the reverse of the framed piece would suggest that Mr. Gorey made the piece specifically for a fundraising event for the station which was held on March 22, 1999.

Thirteen of Edward Gorey's signature Amphigorey Cats (See my post from Nov 17, 2016. Link HERE) acrobatically cavort on a manicured lawn surrounded by bushes. The cats are waving an immensely large banner emblazoned with the number 13 in Roman numerals. 

As is the nature of Gorey Cats when they play together, this grouping is defying the laws of nature and gravity as they tumble and jumble to create the number 13 with their bodies. Are they holding a split second pose for the viewer before they scatter on the lawn? The knowing grin on each of the cats faces suggests they know exactly what the are up to and will eventually land safely on their paws when the break formation.

 

One unexpected aspect of this group of energetic felines is that they are all wearing close fitting exercise pants, as a team of acrobats would don for a performance. Gorey Cats usually only wear their signature striped sweaters and sometimes flowing striped scarves. This is one of the few times the cats appear fully clothed. No cat is seen from behind, so we must assume that their pants are equipped with a custom "tail fly".

 

The piece is discretely signed with the artist's initials in the lower right hand corner of the drawing. This amazing piece sold for $21,500.00 (including buyer's premium).

Photos courtesy Swann Auction Galleries and Russell Lehrer