Elaine Wynn’s Art Sells for Over $16 Million at NYC Auction
A significant piece from the late Elaine Wynn’s impressive art collection recently fetched an astounding $16.7 million at a Christie’s auction in New York. This high-profile sale spotlights the sophisticated taste and lasting legacy of a woman who played a pivotal role in shaping modern Las Vegas. Her passion for art was as influential as her impact on the city’s entertainment landscape.
A Masterpiece Under the Hammer
The artwork making headlines is Joan Mitchell’s “Sunflower V,” an exquisite oil on canvas that realized $16,735,000 during Christie’s 20th Century Evening Sale. The auction, held in a “packed, energetic saleroom” at Rockefeller Center, saw Mitchell’s painting among 21 pieces that each sold for over $10 million. This particular piece was one of several from Wynn’s extensive collection, spanning her residences in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and New York.
Elaine Wynn: A Collector’s Vision
Elaine Wynn began actively collecting art in the 1980s, cultivating a collection that was both deeply personal and globally significant. Her daughters shared insights into her approach, with Gillian Wynn remarking in the Christie’s catalog that her mother was a “visceral collector” who gravitated toward “objectively substantial” art, amassing a collection “both deeply personal and admirably legit.” Kevyn Wynn added, “Our mother lived a life filled with passion, conviction and grace. She had uncompromising standards and we have every confidence that Christie’s will uphold her vision and legacy.” The auction house estimated the total value of Wynn’s paintings to exceed $75 million, featuring works by renowned artists such as Richard Diebenkorn, Joseph Mallord William Turner, Fernand Léger, Georges Seurat, Henri Matisse, and Wayne Thiebaud.
Beyond “Sunflower V”: The Auction’s Scope
The 20th Century Evening Sale where “Sunflower V” was featured achieved a remarkable total of $471,274,400, demonstrating a strong market with 98 percent of lots successfully sold. While “Sunflower V” was a major highlight, it was joined by other art world titans. Claude Monet’s masterpiece “Nymphéas” from Japan’s Kawamura Memorial DIC Museum of Art fetched the auction’s highest price at $45,485,000. Additionally, David Hockney’s first double portrait, “Christopher Isherwood and Don Bachardy,” achieved $44,335,000. Christie’s has indicated that more pieces from Wynn’s collection will be auctioned in subsequent sales, including the 21st Century Evening Sale and the Post-War & Contemporary Day Sale.
Key Auction Highlights
| Artwork | Artist | Realized Price |
|---|---|---|
| “Sunflower V” | Joan Mitchell | $16,735,000 |
| “Nymphéas” | Claude Monet | $45,485,000 |
| “Christopher Isherwood and Don Bachardy” | David Hockney | $44,335,000 |
Las Vegas Legacy and Global Impact
Elaine Wynn’s passing in April at age 82 marked the end of an era for Las Vegas. Known not only as a formidable business leader who, with Steve Wynn, developed iconic resorts like The Mirage, but also as a dedicated philanthropist and influential art patron. Her art collection showcased her discerning eye and commitment to the arts, elements that undoubtedly enriched the cultural landscape of Las Vegas. The global attention on her collection at Christie’s further solidifies her position as a tastemaker and a significant figure whose influence extended far beyond the Strip.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who was Elaine Wynn?
Elaine Wynn was a prominent Las Vegas business leader, philanthropist, and art collector, known for her role in developing major resorts and her significant contributions to the arts. - What was the most notable artwork sold from her collection at this auction?
The most notable piece was Joan Mitchell’s “Sunflower V,” an oil on canvas, which sold for $16,735,000. - Where did this auction take place?
The auction, Christie’s 20th Century Evening Sale, was held at Rockefeller Center in Manhattan, New York. - What was the estimated total value of Elaine Wynn’s art collection?
Christie’s estimated the total value of her art collection to exceed $75 million. - Will more of Elaine Wynn’s artworks be auctioned?
Yes, Christie’s has confirmed that additional pieces from her collection will be featured in upcoming 21st Century Evening and Post-War & Contemporary Day Sales.
This sale of Elaine Wynn’s art reminds us, Las Vegas locals, that her legacy extends far beyond casino floors, highlighting her profound and lasting influence on art and culture both within our community and on the global stage.
Elaine Wynns Art Sells For Over Sixteen Million
