Christie’s has revealed that three major works from the iconic art collection of Agnes Gund — one of the 20th century’s most influential collectors and philanthropists — will be offered at auction this spring in New York. The sale represents a rare opportunity to see masterpieces with exceptional provenance before they cross the block at one of the world’s most prestigious auction houses.
Gund, who passed away in 2025 at age 87, was known not only for her deep passion for modern and contemporary art but also for her commitment to arts education and social justice causes. During her lifetime, she amassed a remarkable collection and generously supported major museums — including donating hundreds of works to the Museum of Modern Art in New York and founding initiatives that bridged art with civic impact.
Highlights of the Auction
The works from Gund’s collection will tour globally before the Christie’s New York sale in May 2026, and include:
No. 15 (Two Greens and Red Stripe) — Mark Rothko
One of the artist’s largest canvases from his mature period, this monumental abstraction was acquired directly from Rothko’s studio in 1967 and remained with Gund for decades.
Untitled — Cy Twombly
Painted in Rome in 1961 during a pivotal creative period, this dynamic work reflects Twombly’s signature gestures and poetic sensibilities.
Untitled (Medici Princess) — Joseph Cornell
A poetic, dream-like assemblage from Cornell’s celebrated Medici Slot Machine series, combining Renaissance imagery and found objects to evoke memory and personal narrative.
Together, these three works showcase the remarkable breadth of Gund’s taste and her eye for quality — ranging from abstract expressionism to lyrical assemblage.
A Legacy of Art, Education and Change
Agnes Gund was more than a collector; she was a visionary leader in the art world. She served as president of the Museum of Modern Art and as co-founder of the Center for Curatorial Leadership, helping train future museum leaders and shape contemporary curatorial practices.
Beyond institutional leadership, Gund believed that art could drive social progress. In 2017, she sold a major Roy Lichtenstein painting to establish the Art for Justice Fund, a philanthropic initiative supporting criminal justice reform — a powerful example of how she used her resources to fuel broader cultural impact.
Her collection frequently included works by leading figures of 20th-century art, and she donated hundreds of pieces to public institutions, ensuring that many masterpieces remained accessible to museum audiences around the world.
Why This Auction Matters
Masterworks with such distinguished provenance — particularly pieces owned by a collector who shaped museum collections and cultural discourse for decades — seldom appear at auction. For collectors, curators, and art lovers alike, this sale at Christie’s offers a unique window into the tastes and values of one of modern art’s most respected patrons.
As the art world continues to balance market forces with historical significance, the Gund auction reminds us that behind every masterpiece is a story — and often, a vision for how art can enrich lives and society.
