STAIR
Live Auction

Selections from The Museum of Modern Art: c. 1900–1990- November 19, 2025

Wed, Nov 19, 2025 10:00AM EST
  2025-11-19 10:00:00 2025-11-19 10:00:00 America/New_York STAIR STAIR : Selections from The Museum of Modern Art: c. 1900–1990- November 19, 2025 https://bid.stairgalleries.com/auctions/stair-galleries/selections-from-the-museum-of-modern-art-c-1900-1990--november-19-2025-19721
Featuring a range of styles and movements, this selection of photographs, paintings, sculptures, and works on paper from The Museum of Modern Art’s holdings presents a rare opportunity to acquire works of impeccable provenance from one of the world’s preeminent art institutions.
STAIR internetrequests@stairgalleries.com
  • Property of The Museum of Modern Art, New York, Sold to Benefit its Acquisitions Program
Lot 70

Jean Louis Forain (1852-1931): Reading the Records; and The Prisoner and the Child

Estimate: $200 - $300
Starting Bid
$100

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $25
$200 $50
$500 $100
$3,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$30,000 $2,500
$100,000 $5,000

Two etching and drypoints on laid paper, 1909, signed and inscribed '1st etat' or '3rd etat' in pencil.

15 1/2 x 11 5/8 in. (plate), 21 1/8 x 16 1/4 in. (sheet), 10 3/4 x 8 1/2 in. (plate), 18 1/2 x 14 3/4 in. (sheet), both unframed. 

Condition

Both with margins and pale staining and some areas of surface soiling. Reading the Records with remains of old hinges and areas of skinning along the top sheet edge. The Prisoner and the Child with each of the sheet edges folded to the back about one to two inches, the bottom sheet edge mostly detached along the fold, with remains of old tape and adhesive, a small tear at the center of the left sheet edge, previously repaired, and creasing.  

Notwithstanding this report or any discussion concerning condition of a lot, all lots are offered and sold "as is" in accordance with our conditions of sale.

Available payment options

  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • Amex
  • Diners
  • Discover
  • JCB
  • Union Pay

COLLECTION FROM STAIR: We suggest requesting a quote for packing and shipping prior to bidding on an item, as you will be responsible for collection or shipping if you are the successful bidder. We are open for pickups Monday through Friday, from 9:30am to 12pm and again from 1pm to 4:30pm. Please call us at 518.751.1000 to schedule collection. We ask that you collect your items or make collection arrangements within 10 days of your purchase. Below is a list of shippers our clients use on a regular basis, but feel free to use your shipper of choice. For smaller items that can be boxed and shipped: UPS Store #4541 230 Kings Mall Court Kingston, New York 12401 T: 845.336.4877 F: 845.336.3832 E: store4541@theupsstore.com UPS Store #5539 160 Fairview Avenue Hudson, New York 12534 T: 518.828.8777 F: 518.822.8727 E: store5539@theupsstore.com UPS Store #4861 6565 Springbrook Avenue Rhinebeck, New York 12572 T: 845.876.3357 F: 845.876.3524 E: store4861@theupsstore.com For furniture and other large items: Meticulous Inc. T: 845.256.7047 F: 845.256.7039 E: meticulousmovers@live.com Sure Express 1-800-335-9996 judy@sureexpress.com Worldwide Shipping: James Bourlet, Inc. T: 718.392.9770 F: 718.392.2470 www.bourlet.org Cadogan Tate Fine Art Worldwide Fine Art Logistics T: 718.706.7999 F: 718.707.2847 E: fineartny@cadogantate.com www.cadogantate.com. When arranging collection with your shipper, please ask them to email BOL@stairgalleries.com to submit a Bill of Lading and request a pickup time 48-hours in advance.

Keppel & Co, New York.

1928-1940, Abby Aldrich Rockefeller, purchased from the above.

1940 - present, The Museum of Modern Art, New York, gift of the above.