Art

Masterpieces from the Bass House Head to Christie’s

Christie’s will auction nine major works from the Bass House, including pieces by Rothko, Stella, and Martin, with estimates over $60 million.

Por: Angela Leon Cervera April 23, 2025

This spring, Christie’s New York is set to auction a stunning group of nine artworks from the Bass House, a modernist gem in Fort Worth, Texas, designed by renowned architect Paul Rudolph.

Far from incidental decor, these works were selected and installed as integral parts of the home’s architectural vision, with total estimates exceeding $60 million. The sale will headline Christie’s 20th Century Evening Sale on May 12, with additional works featured in the Post-War and Contemporary Day Sale on May 15.

The Bass House, formerly owned by Sid and Anne Bass, was more than a residence—it was a purpose-built environment for high-caliber art.

As Max Carter, Christie’s vice chairman for 20th and 21st century art, told ARTnews, “Each work was hung in its own very specific space,” highlighting how deeply embedded art was in the home’s identity.

What Are the Star Lots of the Sale?

The standout piece is Mark Rothko’s No. 4 (Two Dominants) (1950–51), estimated at around $35 million. Positioned near Frank Stella’s Itata (1964)—a work from the artist’s “Notched-V” series valued at $6–8 million—the Rothko represents the spiritual centerpiece of the collection.

Also notable is Ellsworth Kelly’s Blue Black Red (1964), which hung in the home’s playroom and is expected to achieve $4–6 million. The ensemble includes:

Gamma Upsilon by Morris Louis (est. $2M–$3M)
Firuzabad III by Frank Stella (est. $1M–$2M)
Untitled #11 and Untitled #2 by Agnes Martin (est. $3.5M–$5.5M and $1.5M–$2.5M)
Gypsophila (1949), a hanging mobile by Alexander Calder
Danseuse (c. 1915–16) by Gino Severini (est. $1.5M–$2.5M)

Bass House Works at Christie’s

When is the auction? The 20th Century Evening Sale is on May 12, and the Post-War and Contemporary Day Sale follows on May 15, 2025.
What is the estimated total value of the Bass House works? The combined estimate for the nine key pieces is over $60 million.
Who designed the Bass House? The architect was Paul Rudolph, known for his innovative and sculptural modernist designs.
What is the top lot? Mark Rothko’s No. 4 (Two Dominants) (1950–51), estimated around $35 million.
Have the Basses sold major works before? Yes. In 2022 and 2023, Christie’s sold landmark works from both Sid and Anne Bass’s collections totaling hundreds of millions.

Why Does Danseuse Carry Historic Significance?

Painted during Severini’s Futurist and Cubist phase, Danseuse once belonged to John Quinn, a major patron of modernism and supporter of the 1913 Armory Show.

The piece was later owned by Arthur Springarn, a civil rights lawyer, before being acquired by the Basses in the 1980s. Its inclusion in Alfred Stieglitz’s 291 Gallery exhibition adds historical gravitas, while its ballet-themed subject nods to Anne Bass’s support for the New York City Ballet.

Max Carter called the painting’s provenance “rare and amazing,” noting how its journey reflects both the history of modern art in America and the personal tastes of its collectors.

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What Is the Legacy of Sid and Anne Bass in the Art World?

Sid Bass, who built his fortune in oil and became a major shareholder in Disney, and Anne Bass, a philanthropist and socialite, were both featured on ARTnews Top 200 Collectors lists during the 1990s.

Their taste was refined and forward-looking, and the Paul Rudolph–designed home served as a curated capsule of 20th-century art.

Following Anne’s death in 2020, the art world has seen several landmark sales from the family’s holdings. In May 2022, Christie’s sold twelve works from Anne Bass’s Fifth Avenue apartment for $363.1 million, including pieces by Degas, Monet, and Rothko.

Last November, Ed Ruscha’s Standard Station (1964) from Sid Bass’s collection sold for $68.3 million, setting a new record for the artist.

The upcoming Christie’s sale not only reflects the Basses’ discerning eye for modern art, but also celebrates a unique architectural vision where each work lived in harmony with its environment. These pieces didn’t simply decorate walls—they defined spaces. As they prepare to enter new hands, they carry with them decades of cultural, historical, and emotional significance.