About This Auction

Henry ‘Hank’ S. McNeil, Jr. was a curator of art, ideas and the natural world. Renowned for assembling one of the world’s most important collections of Minimalism, his life was replete with the masterworks of Donald Judd, Dan Flavin, Carl Andre, Sol LeWitt and their peers. The magic of McNeil’s collection lay in his ability to live so beautifully among these extraordinary objects — artworks typically encountered in institutional settings. His Philadelphia home is celebrated as much for its warmth and serenity as for the supreme quality of the works within. Christie’s is honoured to present Defined Space: The Collection of Henry S. McNeil, Jr., featuring the most important works from this remarkable legacy. Headlined by the iconic Donald Judd stack, Untitled (1969), a masterpiece in copper and red Plexiglas, the sale also features the first edition of Dan Flavin’s breakthrough fluorescent artwork, the diagonal of May 25, 1963 (to Constantin Brancusi). Together, these highlights form part of 12 artworks that shaped — and perfectly reflect — McNeil’s singular vision. Additional highlights from The Collection of Henry S. McNeil, Jr. will be offered across the Post-War and Contemporary Art and Design sales in May, with further auctions continuing through 2026.