Agnes Gund's Esteemed Art Collection Heads to Auction at Christie's

Three major works by Rothko, Twombly, and Cornell expected to fetch over $123 million

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Three masterpieces from the collection of legendary arts patron Agnes Gund, who died in September at age 87, will headline Christie's marquee week in New York this May. The works by Mark Rothko, Cy Twombly, and Joseph Cornell are expected to bring in at least $123 million collectively.

Why it matters

Gund was a force on the New York art scene, renowned for her art collecting as much as her social justice work. It was rare for her to sell works from her collection in her lifetime, and when she did, it was for causes she championed. The appearance of these three works on the market is exceptional and the proceeds will be used to settle Gund's estate.

The details

Rothko's monumental No. 15 (Two Greens and Red Stripe) is the top lot, with an estimate around $80 million. Twombly's untitled 1961 painting is estimated at $40 million to $60 million, while Cornell's surreal 1948 assemblage, Untitled (Medici Princess), is estimated at $3 million to $5 million.

  • The Collection of Agnes Gund will be on display at Christie's in Rockefeller Center starting in May.
  • The Rothko and the Twombly will also go on a global tour ahead of the sale, stopping in London, Paris, and Hong Kong.

The players

Agnes Gund

A legendary arts patron and former president of New York's Museum of Modern Art, who was renowned for her art collecting and social justice work.

Bonnie Brennan

The CEO of Christie's, who described Gund as a 'singular' collector who lived her life with purpose, generosity, and meaningful civic engagement.

Sara Friedlander

The chairman of post-war and contemporary Art at Christie's, who provided details about Gund's acquisition of the Rothko painting.

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What they’re saying

“She believed in the power of creativity to foster change and challenge society, and the art world as we know it today is defined by her legacy.”

— Bonnie Brennan, CEO, Christie's

What’s next

The Rothko and Twombly paintings will go on a global tour ahead of the sale, stopping in London, Paris, and Hong Kong.

The takeaway

The auction of these three masterpieces from Agnes Gund's esteemed collection is a testament to her lifelong commitment to art and social justice, as the proceeds will be used to settle her estate after her passing. Her legacy as a singular collector and patron will continue to shape the art world for years to come.