Impeccable Taste

Freeman’s offers superb 19th- and 20th-century art from the collection of Sidney Rothberg

February 27, 2024

Freeman's
2400 Market Street
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This February, Freeman’s will host the sale What Do You See? The Collection of Sidney Rothberg, a single-owner sale that brings many works to the public for the first time in more than 40 years. The sale comprises an exceptional collection of 19th- and 20th-century fine art from artists across the world, with many prominent Americans like Milton Avery, Marsden Hartley, Maurice Prendergast and William Glackens.

Marsden Hartley (1877-1943), Rolling Hills. Oil and pencil on board, 7¾ x 9¾ in., initialed (in a circle) bottom right, also signed bottom right. Estimate: $40/60,000

“Sid Rothberg was known for his expert eye and impeccable taste,” says Alasdair Nichol, Freeman’s chairman and director of fine art. “He was a familiar presence in the auction world over several decades. A lifelong Philadelphian, Sid regularly attended Freeman’s auctions, and we are incredibly honored, after all these years, to present his extraordinary collection.”

Milton Avery (1885-1965), Figurines. Oil on canvas laid down to board, 237/8 x 18 in., signed bottom left, titled verso. Previously in the private collection of Joseph Hirshhorn. Estimate: $25/40,000

William Glackens (1870-1938), Anemones. Oil on canvasboard, 15¼ x 12 in. Estimate: $25/40,000

Major upcoming lots in the sale include Marsden Hartley’s oil and pencil on board titled Rolling Hills, estimated at $40,000 to $60,000; Avery’s teal-colored oil Figurines (est. $25/40,000); and Glackens’ oil Anemones (est. $25/40,000), a still life depicting a vase of flowers. In addition, an untitled watercolor by Romare Bearden is expected to fetch $8,000 to $12,000, and Landscape by Alfred Henry Maurer has a presale estimate of $20,000 to $30,000.

Maurice Prendergast (1858-1924), At the Café. Watercolor on paper, 9 x 12 in., initialed vertically bottom right. Estimate: $8/12,000

John Kane (1860-1934), Interior (7 o’clock). Oil on canvas, 8 x 10 in., signed bottom right. Estimate: $10/15,000

“A longtime Philadelphian, Rothberg also had deep French roots: he first explored his passion for art during his WWII deployment in France, later attending classes at the University of Burgundy in Dijon,” the auction house notes. Highlights from Rothberg’s collection first traveled to Paris this past October 2023 in homage to Rothberg’s French influences. A second highlights exhibition is set to be held in New York City in early 2024 before the live sale takes place in Philadelphia on February 27.