Modern Masterworks: A Celebration of Midcentury & Contemporary Design

Circa Auction’s upcoming Modern Masterworks sale on November 22, 2025 brings together an exceptional selection of midcentury modern and contemporary design sourced throughout France; from the serene hillsides of Provence to the ateliers of Paris. United by sculptural form, craftsmanship, and enduring character, the works in this sale reflect the evolution of function and beauty across generations.

The auction spans furniture, lighting, ceramics, decorative arts, and iconic design objects from names such as Charlotte Perriand, Jean Prouvé, Angelo Lelii, Milo Baughman, Audoux-Minnet, Willy Guhl, Cassina, Ligne Roset, Terje Ekstrom, Roche Bobois, and many others. With over 350 lots, collectors of fine art and design will find rare editions, signature silhouettes, and museum-worthy pieces.Below are five standout highlights.

Ed Ruscha, You Know The Old Story, 1975 (Lot 334)
A limited-edition lithograph (edition of 20), You Know The Old Story encapsulates Ed Ruscha’s sharp wit and conceptual approach to language. Here, text becomes an image; minimal yet loaded, emblematic of Ruscha’s exploration of American vernacular, memory, and irony. Signed and in impeccable condition, the work was acquired directly from Bobbie Greenfield Gallery.

Estimate: $40,000–$60,000

Terje Ekstrom, Ekstrem Chair, 1984 (Lot 1) 
An icon of postmodern furniture design, Ekstrom’s Ekstrem chair challenges traditional ergonomics with its playful, sculptural profile. Upholstered in black fabric, this Norwegian design from the 1980s remains a bold statement piece—equal parts functional seating and expressive art object.

Estimate: $2,000–$3,000

Hans Hopfner for Roche Bobois, 12-Piece Mah Jong, 2000s (Lot 56)
This rare 12-piece Mah Jong installation exemplifies the modular creativity of Roche Bobois and designer Hans Hopfner. Featuring vibrant textiles and the signature layered construction, the set includes floor cushions, backrests, and corner elements, offering endless configuration possibilities. A coveted contemporary classic for collectors of luxury European design.

Estimate: $12,000–$18,000

Ellsworth Kelly, Untitled (Blue, Yellow, Red), 2000s (Lot 335)
A striking screenprint from one of the most influential American minimalists, this work demonstrates Kelly’s mastery of pure form and color. Signed and numbered (4/35), the composition balances geometric clarity with bold, saturated hues—instantly recognizable as part of Kelly’s iconic visual language.

Estimate: $8,000–$12,000

Willy Guhl, Pod Chairs with Coffee Table, Switzerland, 1960s (Lot 186)
Swiss designer Willy Guhl’s sculptural outdoor furniture—crafted in molded fiber cement—has become a touchstone of midcentury European design. This rare garden ensemble, featuring two Pod chairs and a matching table, showcases the organic curves and architectural sensibility that define Guhl’s work. Each piece bears the beautiful patina of age and outdoor use.

Estimate: $12,000–$18,000

The Modern Masterworks auction offers a breadth of design history, from avant-garde seating to rare prints and timeless architectural furnishings. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a new enthusiast, the sale presents a curated glimpse into the enduring impact of modern design.

Explore the full catalog and register to bid on Bidsquare.com.