Donald Judd
Untitled, 1978
Galvanized iron and opaque blue acrylic sheet, in ten parts
6 x 27 x 24 in each
15.2 x 68.6 x 61 cm each
15.2 x 68.6 x 61 cm each
Unique
Donald Judd, renowned for his minimalist aesthetic and innovative approach to art, has seen several of his works achieve significant success at auction houses around the world. While Judd's oeuvre encompasses a wide range of mediums, including sculpture, painting, and printmaking, it is his iconic three-dimensional sculptures that have garnered the highest prices at auctions.
One of Judd's most notable works to command top prices is his series of "stack" sculptures. These sculptures consist of modular units, typically made from materials such as aluminum or steel, arranged in precise configurations to create geometric forms. Among the most sought-after examples is "Untitled (DSS 234)" (1968), a striking arrangement of rectangular aluminum boxes that epitomizes Judd's minimalist aesthetic. In 2020, a version of this work sold at auction for over $7 million, setting a new record for the artist.
Another of Judd's highly coveted works is his "Untitled" series of floor boxes. These minimalist sculptures, composed of rectangular boxes arranged in horizontal or vertical stacks, exemplify Judd's exploration of space, form, and materiality. In 2018, a large-scale iteration from this series achieved a price of over $10 million at auction, underscoring the enduring appeal of Judd's minimalist vision.
Judd's printmaking endeavors have also yielded impressive results at auction. His woodcuts, characterized by their clean lines and geometric precision, have attracted collectors seeking to own a piece of his minimalist legacy. In recent years, prints such as "Untitled (Bernstein 70)" (1977) have achieved prices exceeding $100,000, reflecting the enduring interest in Judd's graphic work.
Judd's paintings, though less prolific than his sculptures, have garnered attention from collectors and art enthusiasts alike. His use of bold colors and geometric shapes imbues his paintings with a sense of vitality and dynamism that resonates with viewers. Examples such as "Untitled (Bernstein 85-11)" (1985) have achieved prices in the six-figure range at auction, highlighting the continued demand for Judd's diverse body of work.
Donald Judd's top-selling works at auction demonstrate the enduring appeal of his minimalist aesthetic and his profound influence on contemporary art. Whether through his sculptures, prints, or paintings, Judd's commitment to simplicity, precision, and integrity continues to captivate collectors and inspire admiration worldwide.
February 26, 2024
