Sotheby’s will bring a selection of artworks from the collection of late dealer and financier Robert Mnuchin to auction this May in New York. The offering includes 24 works assembled by Mnuchin and his wife Adriana Mnuchin, long respected collectors of postwar and contemporary art.

The sale highlights major works by leading Abstract Expressionists. Most notably, it includes significant paintings by Mark Rothko, whose works often dominate the global art market.

Meanwhile, collectors and institutions are expected to follow the auction closely because Mnuchin built his collection with a strong focus on museum-quality works.

🎨 A Collection Built Around Postwar Masters

Robert Mnuchin spent decades assembling a collection centred on postwar American abstraction. Before entering the art world, he worked for Goldman Sachs for more than three decades. Later, he founded Mnuchin Gallery in New York, where he became a prominent dealer.

Over time, Mnuchin developed a reputation for identifying exceptional artworks. Therefore, his personal collection reflects works that represent defining moments in artists’ careers.

Importantly, the upcoming auction includes paintings by Mark Rothko, one of the most influential figures in Abstract Expressionism. Rothko’s large-scale canvases often feature layered color fields designed to create an immersive visual experience.

“The works reflect the Mnuchins’ clear vision as collectors,” Sotheby’s specialists noted while presenting highlights from the sale.

Consequently, the auction offers collectors access to works rarely seen on the market.

🖼️ Rothko Works Lead the Auction Highlights

Two major Rothko paintings anchor the upcoming sale. One key work, “Brown and Blacks in Reds” (1957), dates to a pivotal period in the artist’s career and carries an estimate of $70 million to $100 million.

Another highlight, “No. 1” (1949), reflects Rothko’s transition from early experimental compositions to the signature stacked color fields that later defined his style.

Because these paintings come from Mnuchin’s private collection, they have remained largely out of public view for years. As a result, the works could attract significant attention when bidding begins.

🌍 Global Exhibition Ahead of the Sale

Before the auction, Sotheby’s plans to display highlights from the collection across several cities. The works will first appear at Mnuchin Gallery in New York, followed by exhibitions in Hong Kong, Los Angeles, and London.

These preview exhibitions aim to introduce the artworks to international collectors. At the same time, they celebrate Mnuchin’s long influence on the art market.

Robert Mnuchin, who died in December 2025, left a lasting legacy as both a collector and dealer. His collection reflects a deep commitment to major postwar artists such as Rothko, Willem de Kooning, and Franz Kline.

Therefore, the upcoming Sotheby’s auction represents an important moment for collectors seeking rare masterpieces from the era.