Sotheby's has been selected by the trustees of Barbara Gladstone's estate to auction twelve major works from the legendary gallerist's personal collection. The single-owner sale, estimated at over $12 million, will take place on May 15 as part of the New York marquee sales. Highlights include Richard Prince's "Man Crazy Nurse" (2003, est. $4–6 million), Andy Warhol's black "Flowers" (1964, est. $1–1.5 million), and works by Mike Kelley, Rudolf Stingel, Carroll Dunham, Elizabeth Peyton, and Alighiero e Boetti. None of the artists are currently affiliated with Gladstone Gallery, though some were previously represented by her.
This sale matters because it offers a rare glimpse into the private collection of one of the most influential art dealers of the past four decades, revealing her personal taste and conviction as a collector. The proceeds and the fate of the rest of her estate—which includes more art and design objects—remain undecided, with trustees and heirs still sorting through the holdings. The auction also tests the market for blue-chip contemporary works at a time when the art market is closely watched for signs of strength or softening.