NEW YORK — A 1964 Andy Warhol silkscreen of two flowers sold for $8.4 million at Christie’s sale of postwar art, far exceeding its presale estimate of $3 million to $4 million.
The large scale work from the artist’s “Large Flowers” series was sold to an anonymous telephone bidder, following spirited bidding in the room among major dealers and auction house executives.
It fetched the highest price of the Wednesday evening auction.
Warhol’s 1962 “Orange Marilyn” drew the second highest price of the evening. It went for $3.7 million to an anonymous telephone bidder whom Christie’s described only as a “European private.” It was estimated at $2 million to $3 million.
Of the 59 works offered for sale, only 10 failed to sell, a sign that Wednesday’s stock market jumps gave buyers confidence.
Final prices include Christie’s commission — 17.5 percent of the first $80,000 plus 10 percent of any amount above that. Estimates do not reflect commissions.
