Rago Auctions

Sydney Lewis and his wife, Frances, were prominent collectors of contemporary art, Art Nouveau, and Art Deco. In 1958, the Lewises co-founded Best Products Co., establishing a highly successful catalog business specializing in various household items. In the 1960s, the couple shifted their focus to collecting contemporary art, building extensive relationships with artists and obtaining significant works. One such artist was Greek kinetic sculptor Vassilakis Takis, whose 3 Signals, 1969 (i.e., the present lot), Sydney Lewis officially acquired in April 1970. This tripartite sculpture made from steel, brass, electrical insulator, and lacquer is sold with the original invoice from Takis as well as a personal letter to Lewis, in which Takis offers to entertain Lewis and his wife should they visit Europe that summer.

Over the years, in addition to a range of compositions by important contemporary artists, Sydney and Frances Lewis expanded their collection to include Art Nouveau and French Art Deco examples, becoming notable patrons of the arts. Their philanthropic endeavors included substantial contributions to institutions like the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and Washington and Lee University, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of art and education. Lewis was also a prominent board advisor for the Museum of Modern Art and the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York along with the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in Washington, DC.