Umlauf sculptures and paintings up for auction

Axios

21-03-2025

Ten pieces by Charles Umlauf are up for auction next week.
Why it matters: Umlauf taught at the University of Texas for nearly 40 years and created large-scale sculptures, often cast in bronze. Much of his work is housed in museums, public collections and at the Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum in Austin.
Driving the news: Austin Auction Gallery will feature Umlauf's work in its estate and special collections auction from March 24 to 27, along with hand-carved antiques from Italy and France, midcentury and modern furniture, and other fine art.
Zoom in: Umlauf's bronze sculptures up for auction include " The Kiss," " Eve With Apple," " Embrace" and " Ballerina." Three paintings by the late artist are also available.
Starting bids for the pieces range from $1,500 to $8,000.
What they're saying: Chris Featherston, an auctioneer and owner at Austin Auction Gallery, tells Axios he has noticed a surge in interest for Texas modernist art as baby boomers downsize and sell their collections.
The gallery has previously auctioned off Umlauf's work. In a January auction, his piece " Saint Michael and Lucifer" sold for $28,000, a record price for an Umlauf bronze at auction.
"That gave us even more credibility with the market," Featherston says, adding that it caught the attention of Umlauf collectors.
Between the lines: Most of the Umlauf art in the auction comes from the private collection of John and Rebecca Kirkland, who purchased the work directly from Umlauf. A portion of proceeds from the auction will go to the Umlauf Sculpture Garden.
Yes, but: You don't have to spend thousands to see Umlauf's work in Austin.