NIKI DE SAINT PHALLE (1930 - 2002)
Golf Player
incised with the artist's signature and numbered 'Niki de Saint Phalle 5/8 NA-2065-5' (on a plaque affixed to the base)
acrylic, polyester, gold and silver leaf on aluminium base
19³⁄₄ x 10¹⁄₄ x 10¹⁄₄in. (50 x 26 x 26cm.)
Executed in 2001, this work is number five from an edition of eight plus four artist’s proofs

Donated by the Niki Charitable Art Foundation, Santee.

Instantly recognisable to golf fans—and perhaps extending even further—the present sculpture by Niki de Saint Phalle immortalises Tiger Woods in her idiosyncratic style. A fantastic example of Saint Phalle’s exceptional ability to infuse her works with humour and whimsy, the work captures a moment of soaring triumph as the California-born golfer realises he has just won the Masters title for the second time in 2001. In what came to be known as the iconic ‘Tiger Slam’, Woods made history, becoming the only male player to achieve four consecutive wins of major championships over two calendar years. The work forms part of the artist’s Black Heroes series, which comprised sculptures of famous African-American athletes and musicians including Miles Davis, Louis Armstrong, Michael Jordan and Josephine Baker. One of the artist’s final series before her death in 2002, the present work glimmers with layers of accomplishment. It immortalises Woods’ victory, and stands as a testament to Saint Phalle’s own unparalleled career, unique taste and creative vision.


Christie’s is proud to continue our collaboration with Art for Tropical Forests, a charity founded by visionary art dealer Ernst Beyeler in 2002, which combines passion for art and dedication to the protection and conservation of tropical forests worldwide. We are delighted to support the humanitarian ethos of Art for Tropical Forests with a selection of contemporary works by Gabriel Orozco, Ian Davenport, Niki de Saint Phalle, Jason Martin, Catherine Goodman, and Ekrem Yalcindag, generously donated by the artists and galleries. These lots are being sold by the Art for Tropical Forests Foundation, whose diverse programme includes habitat preservation, reforestation, forestry stewardship, and the strengthening of local communities.


The Board members of today are: Felix von Rohr (President of the Foundation); Dr. Hans Furer (Director of the Foundation); Dr. Kathrin Amaker; Katja Christ (Member of the Swiss Parliament); Ulla Dreyfus-Best; Roger Graf; Dr. Brigitte Holgreve; Peter Rettig; Prof. Dr. H.C. Marcel Tanner; Mag. Irene Gludowacz (Project Manager for Auctions).