John L. Marion
John L. Marion | |
|---|---|
| Born | Gardiner, New York, U.S. |
| Alma mater | Fordham University (1956), Columbia University |
| Occupation(s) | Auctioneer, benefactor |
| Years active | 1960–1994 (Sotheby's) |
| Known for | Chairman of Sotheby's (1975–1994) |
John L. Marion is a notable American auctioneer and benefactor who held the position of Chairman at Sotheby's from 1975 until 1994.
Early life
Marion was born in Gardiner, New York and is the son of Louis J. Marion, who previously served as President of Parke-Bernet Galleries. He completed his studies at Fordham University in 1956, served as a lieutenant in the United States Navy, and pursued further education in decorative arts at Columbia University.
Career
Starting his auctioneering profession at Sotheby's in 1960, Marion advanced to become the company’s president in 1972 and was appointed Chairman three years later. During his leadership, he managed several high-profile auctions, including the sale of Vincent van Gogh's Irises for $53.9 million, Pablo Picasso's Yo Picasso for $47.9 million and Au Lapin Agile for $40.7 million, Willem de Kooning's Interchange for $20.7 million, as well as Jasper Johns' works False Start and Two Flags, which sold for $17 million and $12.1 million respectively.
In 1989, Marion collaborated with Christopher Andersen to write The Best of Everything: The Insider's Guide to Collecting--For Every Taste and Every Budget, aiming to make auction collecting approachable regardless of financial means. Although he retired from Sotheby's in 1994, he continues to contribute as a member of the company’s Advisory Board.
Philanthropy
The John L. Marion Chair in Art History, Painting, and Sculpture at Fordham University bears his name and was established through an endowment from the Burnett Foundation, where Marion holds a position on the Board of Trustees.
Personal life
In 1988, Marion married philanthropist Anne Windfohr Marion at the Church of the Heavenly Rest located on Manhattan's Upper East Side, becoming her fourth husband. She passed away in February 2020.