Gris, Picasso, Kandinsky paintings auctioned in N.Y.

[November 07, 2008]  NEW YORK (AP) -- An oil-on-canvas painting by Spanish artist Juan Gris was auctioned Thursday for $20.8 million, surpassing its presale estimate of up to $18.5 million.

The 1915 painting "Livre, pipe et verres" ("Book, pipe and glasses") was the top seller at Christie's impressionist and modern art evening sale. Of the 82 pieces up for auction, 46 were sold.

Other sold items included Picasso's 1934 oil-on-canvas painting "Deux personnages (Marie-Therese et sa soeur lisant)" ("Two figures (Marie-Therese and her sister reading)"). It fetched $18 million, in line with its pre-auction estimate.

Wassily Kandinsky's 1909 "Studie zu Improvisation 3" ("Study of Improvisation 3"), an oil and gouache on board in the artist's painted frame, was auctioned for $16.9 million. Its presale estimate was $15 million to $20 million.

[Associated Press]

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