Marking the first-ever all-women artist benefit auction at a major auction house, the initial group of 26 works offered in today’s live auction were led by Carmen Herrera’s Blanco Y Verde from 1966-1967, which established a new auction record for the artist when it sold for $2.9 million, besting its $2 million high estimate.

Over the course of several months, 43 pieces by 41 pioneering women artists have been donated to create this distinct offering of modern and contemporary works. Miss Porter’s School will use their full proceeds from the sale to support financial aid for its students.

Sotheby’s sales of By Women, For Tomorrow’s Women are ongoing, with 17 works now open for bidding in our Contemporary Art Online sale through 7 March.

Saara Pritchard, Senior Specialist in Sotheby’s Contemporary Art Department in New York, remarked: “As we enter Women’s History Month, we are thrilled with the results of today’s sale that will benefit financial aid for exceptional young women and allow future leaders to attend Miss Porter’s School. It has been an honor to work on behalf of the school, as well as the auction’s esteemed Co-Chairs Agnes Gund (MPS ’56) and Oprah Winfrey. Today’s offering established a number of auction records for pioneering and inspiring women artists – proof that the market wants to recognize these extraordinary women whose work has been historically undervalued. We could not have asked for a better start, and we look forward to continuing this momentum for the 17 outstanding lots currently on offer in our online-only sale.”

Head of School, Dr. Katherine Windsor, said: “We are thrilled that the live portion of the By Women, For Tomorrow’s Women auction exceeded its high estimate, confirming that art by women is in demand and demonstrating the power of the all-girl network. The success of today’s sale will enable emerging female leaders to attend Miss Porter’s School and go on to shape a changing world. This sale would not have been possible without the generosity of the artists, collectors and galleries who not only donated works, but also share our goal of championing the important and often overlooked contributions of women artists.”