UNDER THE HAMMER

SWANN GALLERIES Its auction for American Art, which closed in June, fetched a total of US$1,108,921

Pavel Tchelitchew, Portrait of Robert Cluzan, 1930

Leading the lots was this pastel portrait by surrealist painter Pavel Tchelitchew of the communist police officer who sold Nazi secrets during WWII. It fetched US$32,500.

Emilio Cruz, Floating Figures

Reaching US$17,500, this undated oil-on-canvas exemplifies the African-american artist’s famous fusion of abstract expressionism and figurative imagery.

John Singer Sargent, Head of a Young Girl, circa 1875-78

Known for his evocative impressions of luxury in the Edwardian era, the prolific American artist’s depiction of a young lady in pencil on cream wove paper brought in US$25,000.