Robert Motherwell Work Sells for $48,300 But Delivers a 64% Negative Return
3 min read · 27 Feb 2026
Gauloises on Scarlet over Yellow No. 3. Image courtesy of Christie's
Robert Motherwell, Gauloises on Scarlet over Yellow No. 3 (1972), sold for $48,300, more than the low estimate at Christie's in New York on February 26.
The sale was below the previous auction result by $88,700, realizing a 64% negative return. It last sold at auction in 2016 for $137,000 at Christie's.
Acrylic and printed paper collage on canvasboard, 76.2 x 38.1cm. The work has been traded 7 times in the past.
Sale Date | Price | Price Increase | Venue | City |
|---|---|---|---|---|
February 26, 2026 | $48,300 | -65 % | Christie's | New York |
May 11, 2016 | $137,000 | 357 % | Christie's | New York |
May 14, 2003 | $30,000 | - | Sotheby's | New York |
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