Joanna Carson's Striking Art Collection Heads to Auction, Nephew Reflects on Its History

The pieces from the Los Angeles residence Joanna shared with Johnny Carson hold personal meaning and significance in the art world.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 6:40pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shimmering, glittering texture in dramatic, high-contrast lighting, evoking the luxurious aesthetic of Joanna Carson's art collection.The upcoming Christie's auction of Joanna Carson's art collection offers a glimpse into the glamorous world she shared with her husband Johnny.Carson Today

Christie's is presenting select pieces from Joanna Carson's Impressionist and Modern art collection, which she assembled with her husband Johnny Carson in the 1970s and 1980s. Joanna's nephew, Robert Ulrich, and Christie's specialist Jessica Fertig discuss the significance of the collection, including a rare Henry Moore sculpture and works by Degas and Marino Marini. The auction will benefit charities close to Joanna's heart.

Why it matters

Joanna Carson's art collection provides a unique glimpse into the personal tastes and values of the former model and third wife of legendary Tonight Show host Johnny Carson. The pieces reflect Joanna's appreciation for the human figure and French Impressionism, as well as her commitment to philanthropy, which will continue through the auction proceeds.

The details

Joanna Carson's art collection, amassed with her husband Johnny in their Los Angeles home, features a range of Impressionist and Modern works, including a rare Henry Moore sculpture estimated to fetch $2-4 million. Other standout pieces include a Degas pastel of dancers and a Marino Marini sculpture that Joanna's nephew Robert Ulrich remembers fondly from his childhood visits. Joanna's eye for art was shaped by her roots in New York City and time spent in Europe, where she developed a deep appreciation for French Impressionism.

  • Joanna Carson passed away on July 30, 2025 at the age of 93.
  • Christie's will present 'The Collection of Joanna Carson' across sales on May 18 and May 19, 2026.

The players

Joanna Carson

Joanna Carson was the third wife of legendary Tonight Show host Johnny Carson. She was a former fashion model who shared Johnny's passion for art, assembling an impressive Impressionist and Modern collection in their Los Angeles home.

Johnny Carson

Johnny Carson was the host of The Tonight Show from 1962 to 1992. He met Joanna Carson, one of Manhattan's highest-paid fashion models at the time, in 1971 and the two married the following year.

Robert Ulrich

Joanna Carson's nephew, who has fond memories of visiting her Los Angeles home and admiring the art collection, including a striking Henry Moore sculpture.

Jessica Fertig

A Christie's specialist who discusses the significance and value of the key pieces in Joanna Carson's art collection.

Henry Moore

A renowned British sculptor whose 'Double Standing Figure' sculpture is the centerpiece of Joanna Carson's collection and is estimated to fetch $2-4 million at auction.

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What they’re saying

“To me, the most striking piece was always the large Henry Moore sculpture. You would open the front door and it was the first thing you saw, this monumental sculpture in the foyer. When I visited the house, especially as a child, the sheer scale and otherworldliness always fascinated me.”

— Robert Ulrich, Joanna Carson's nephew

“She enjoyed the vastness of it and how unique the figures appeared. She was never one for boring or routine when it came to art, and this piece represented her tastes well. It was the first piece of art you would see when entering her house, so she was always happy with the impression that it would have on visitors.”

— Robert Ulrich, Joanna Carson's nephew

What’s next

The Henry Moore sculpture and other key pieces from Joanna Carson's art collection will be available for auction at Christie's on May 18 and May 19, 2026.

The takeaway

Joanna Carson's art collection reflects her personal style and values, from her appreciation for the human figure to her commitment to philanthropy. The upcoming auction at Christie's will not only showcase these remarkable works, but also continue Joanna's legacy of giving back to causes close to her heart.