Artcurial
7 Rond-Point des Champs-Élysées, Paris 75008
+33 1-42-99-20-20
About Auction House
Founded in 2002 while the French market was opening up to competition, Artcurial quickly established itself as the French leader in auctions. Since then, it has never ceased to innovate dynamically, launching new specialties such as Design and Street Art, which have enjoyed international success.Auction Previews & News
18 Results
Auction ResultLouvre Blocks Sale of Record-Breaking Chardin Strawberries Painting
A painting of a pile of strawberries by the 18th-century artist Jean Siméon Chardin surpassed all his previous auction records at Artcurial in Paris this March. The strawberry painting made EUR 24.4 million or USD 26.8 million (with fees) at auction, setting a new high for the artist. According to The Art Newspaper, the Chardin strawberries painting was bought by Adam Williams, a New York dealer. The auction records were confirmed by Eric Turquin, an Old Master paintings specialist. Jean Siméon Chardin, The Basket of Wild Strawberries, 1761. Image courtesy of Artcurial. In an unusual turn of events, the Louvre decided to block the record-breaking sale after it took place. The museum claimed that Chardin’s strawberries painting was a national treasure under French law, blocking its sale for up to two and a half years. The Louvre will need to stretch its modest acquisitions budget to acquire the painting before that time runs out. French museums may block a sale before it takes place based on the country’s national treasure laws, though a retroactive decision is less common. The fate of Chardin’s strawberries painting now remains uncertain. The Louvre in Paris. Image by SIPA via AP Images. Jean Siméon Chardin, son of a cabinetmaker, was born on November 2, 1699 in Paris, France. The artist never really left his city. His career gained momentum and reached greater heights after joining the Royal Academy of Painting. Particularly noted for his genre paintings, he was also considered a master of still life. Chardin’s work often included animals or fruits as subjects. His ability to paint scenes of family, kitchen maids, children, and domestic workers brought him great popularity. The simplicity and stillness in Chardin’s artworks still create a buzz in France and the world. Chardin painted The Basket of Wild Strawberries in his early career. It features a pile of strawberries as its primary subject. Surrounding the pile are a glass of water, a peach, two cherries, and white flowers against a beige background. This particular 18th-century painting was publicly displayed at the Salon of 1761. After the artwork vanished from the public,…
Auction ResultAround the Auction World: November 2021
Images from around the auction world in November of 2021. Image credit from left to right: Bonhams, Phillips, and Bertoia Auctions. Collage by Heemin Moon (Auction Daily). For many, November signaled autumn’s twilight and the beginning of winter. It was also another exciting month in the auction industry as major works came up for bid in New York’s marquee sales. And beyond these record-breaking events, bidders of all stripes pursued category-specific collectibles such as antique dinnerware, Star Wars figurines from the late 1970s, and everything turkey ahead of Thanksgiving. Here are the top headlines from around the auction world this November. Sotheby’s auctioneer Oliver Barker selling the Macklowe Collection. Image courtesy of Sotheby’s. Industry Trends November witnessed exceptional sale results from around the auction world as the largest houses hosted their New York marquee weeks. Sotheby’s led the way with the hotly-anticipated Macklowe Collection. Widely regarded as a trial of resilience in the high-end art market, the white-glove auction achieved USD 676.1 million. It was reportedly the highest-grossing auction in Sotheby’s history. Other notable results arrived later in the week, including a new record for Frida Kahlo (and Latin American artists), a fierce battle for a first printing copy of the United States Constitution, and new records for emerging artists. Sotheby’s marquee week totaled a historic $1.33 billion. Competitors Christie’s and Phillips also flexed their resilience in the recovering art market. Phillips brought in $137.9 million, a house record, during its 20th Century and Contemporary Art auction. With this event, the company strengthened its reputation as a launch point for rising young artists. It established new highs for Shara Hughes, Ewa Juszkiewicz, and others. Additionally, Phillips presented the largest single-owner jewelry auction in company history at its Hong Kong location. Earlier in the month, Christie’s turned out strong results for the Cox Collection ($332 million), a 20th-Century Evening Sale ($419.9 million), and a 21st-Century Evening Sale ($219.3 million). These results reflect a degree of stability at the top of the market as companies transition back to live and in-person events. And as Collins Dictionary names “NFT” the word of the…
Auction IndustryArtcurial Celebrates Historic and Contemporary African Art in November Sale
An upcoming Artcurial auction celebrates exemplary works from contemporary African artists such as Leonce Raphael Agbodjélou (b. 1965). Agbodjélou emerged as a leading photographer of the Republic of Benin in the late 20th century. Born to Joseph Agbodjélou, a renowned photographer, the younger artist learned from his father. Agbodjélou portrays the experiences of a modern generation stuck between tradition and progress. He often uses a medium format film and a daylight studio to develop his work. Leonce Raphael Agbodjélou, Triptyque, Sans titre, (Série Demoiselles de Porto-Novo), 2012. Image from Artcurial. One of Agbodjélou’s recent projects, titled Série Demoiselles de Porto-Novo, highlights the everyday life of young women residing in Benin. While some of his photographs show people wearing traditional Yoruba robes, others depict a sense of modernity with the subjects wearing sunglasses. Artcurial will present an untitled triptych from this series. It carries a presale estimate of USD 9,248 to $13,872. In this split image, viewers can see a semi-nude woman wearing a traditional skirt and mask to represent the past and present of the Porto-Novo community. She stands in a dark room with blue walls and a tiled floor. Samuel Fosso, Fosso Fashion, 1999 - 2000. Image from Artcurial. Cameroonian-born Nigerian artist Samuel Fosso started his art career at an early age. In 1972, the Nigerian Civil War forced Fosso to leave his home for Bangui in the Central African Republic. At the age of 13, he began taking self-portraits. Fosso sent them to his mother, informing her of his well-being. This forged his path as an artist. Today, Samuel Fosso is among Central Africa’s leading contemporary photographers. His self-portraiture style explores African culture through different disguises and personas. With his portraits, Fosso also challenges and celebrates the Pan-African identity. Among the highlights of Artcurial’s contemporary African art auction is a self-portrait from Fosso, titled Fosso Fashion (estimate: $1,387 - $1,734). The inkjet print on matte paper shows Fosso wearing a suit and an overcoat. The auction also includes several other black-and-white photos from Fosso’s Fashion series. Samson Bakare, Everything blue and beautiful, 2021. Image from Artcurial Speaking about…
Auction IndustryKenzo Takada’s Collection of Furniture, Art, & Couture Comes to Auction
Artcurial and Christie’s recently collaborated to present both live and timed auctions honoring the late fashion designer Kenzo Takada. On May 11th, 2021, a live event will offer nearly 600 lots from Takada’s apartment in Paris. An additional online timed event will bring over 125 pieces of couture from Takada’s personal collection. “The Kenzo collection reveals to us the eye of this genius in the world of fashion and interiors. As with his couture, he knew how to bring different cultures together in this Parisian apartment where he lived for the last 15 years of his life,” said Stéphane Aubert, Artcurial’s auctioneer and Associate Director. “The sale will be a final tribute to this multi-talented artist.” Kenzo Takada photographed in his apartment. Image by Mitchell Geng. For decades, Kenzo Takada was a beloved figure in the fashion world. He left Japan in 1965 to try his luck in Paris, only intending to stay for a few months. Instead, Takada spent the next 56 years in the city. He worked his way up by offering fresh styles that appealed to the younger generation. “When I opened my shop, I thought there was no point in me doing what French designers were doing, because I couldn’t do that,” Takada said in an interview with the South China Morning Post in 2019. “So I did things my own way in order to be different, and I used kimono fabrics and other influences.” Takada used his global travel experiences to create colorful and free-flowing designs. He drew from equally disparate influences while decorating his living space. Takada settled into his Haussmann apartment after spending many years in a custom Japanese house in the 11th arrondissement. He filled the apartment with an eclectic mix of furniture, fine art, decorative art, and objects from his travels. William Eggleston, Cadillac portfolio, 1966-71. Pictured above in Kenzo Takada’s home. Image from Artcurial. The upcoming Artcurial and Christie’s auction will guide collectors through Kenzo Takada’s home. A collection of photographs from William Eggleston is among the leading lots. Thirteen chromogenic prints, produced between 1966 and 1971, will be available…
Auction IndustryExploring Camille Claudel’s Work and Record-Breaking Auction History
Camille Claudel was a prominent sculptor during the 19th century – an era when female artists were often unnoticed. She is known for working alongside master-sculptor Auguste Rodin and was more famous for being his muse than for her own sculptures. Now, though, Camille Claudel’s Modern and French Impressionist sculptures are highly valued throughout the art world. French, 1864-1943, Camille Claudel. Photo by Artnet. Camille Claudel was born in France in 1864 to a well-respected family of farmers. From an early age, Claudel was amused with clay and often made human figurines out of it. Claudel’s mother did not appreciate her desire to become an artist and considered it unladylike. On the contrary, Claudel’s father was supportive of her choices. He took her artworks to their neighbor Alfred Boucher, also a sculptor and painter. Boucher acknowledged Claudel’s talent, mentored her, and introduced her to Auguste Rodin. Claudel’s artworks created interest among collectors during the 1990s, and since then, the prices of her works have only increased. Camille Claudel sculptures are rarely available at worldwide auctions and exhibitions. On the occasions they are on sale, though, they garner record-breaking prices of up to USD 8 million. The Waltz by Camille Claudel (executed 1892, cast 1893). Photo by Sotheby’s. Sotheby’s London sold The Waltz, an 1893 sculpture by Claudel, at the whopping price of $8 million. One month earlier, a 1905 version of The Waltz sold at the Sotheby’s New York’s Impressionist auction. The cast sculpture sold at $1.9 million, well above its $1.2 million estimate. L’Abandon, grand modèle by Camille Claudel (executed 1886). Photo by Artcurial. Claudel’s work came to auction once again in an Artcurial sale in November 2017. The event featured 20 lots of Claudel’s rare artworks from her sister’s private collection. The lots included bronze, plaster, clay, and terracotta sculptures, the last of which was among Claudel’s most prominent sculptures held in private collections. These artworks successfully garnered a combined $4.1 million, three times their estimated value. The sale began with L’Abandon. which sold at $1.4 million. L’Abandon gets its inspiration from the Indian mythical character of the neglected wife, Shakuntala. The…
Auction IndustryHighlights Around the Auction World: January 2021
Collage of images from around the auction world. Photo credit from left to right: Artcurial, Vectis Auctions, and Sotheby’s. Collage by Heemin Moon (Auction Daily). Many auction houses entered 2021 with quiet optimism after their industry proved more resilient than most in 2020. The industry's quick shift online, both to host auctions and to publicize eye-catching lots, deserves much of the credit. In January 2021, these trends continued. Auction houses such as Artcurial and Ahlers & Ogletree enticed bidders worldwide with non-traditional pieces, often coming to auction for the first time. What else did the first month of the new year bring the industry? Auction Daily breaks down some of the most noteworthy trends and events around the auction world in January 2021. Industry Trends U.K. auction houses and galleries now have a better idea of what the post-Brexit art market looks like. Still, some key questions remain. For example: What compounding effect will the COVID-19 pandemic and leaving the EU have on the industry? Illustration collectors had a lot to choose from at auction this January. That included a Tintin drawing, which set an auction record with Artcurial. Swann Galleries also kicked off the new year with an Illustration Art event. William Pène du Bois, Big Eyes…; Big Hands…; Big Teeth….; Little Red Riding Hood, pages 20-25, undated. Image from Swann Galleries. Returning stolen artwork to its rightful owner can often be a decades-long struggle. This is particularly true of pieces looted by the Nazis during World War II. Auction Daily looked at restituted art, its journey back home, and how some works eventually make it to auction. Auction Highlights Ahlers & Ogletree presented salvaged artifacts from the RMS Carpathia. A porthole, binoculars, and even pieces of coal recovered from the ship crossed the auction block. Salvaged first-class soup plate from the RMS Carpathia. Image from Ahlers & Ogletree. Vectis Auctions kept the holiday spirit alive in January with its 500+ lot Doll and Teddy Bear sale. Joanne McDonald of Vectis guided Auction Daily's readers through the decades of playthings represented in the auction. Looking to push the boundaries?…
Auction ResultAuction Results: Tintin Drawing Sets New Record With Artcurial
Artcurial opened the 2021 auction season with two comic book sales on January 14th. The first event concluded with a sale total of EUR 4,068,837 (USD 4,939,895). This auction was devoted to Hergé, the Belgian cartoonist behind The Adventures of Tintin. A rejected cover for the comic strip achieved the highest result. This 1936 color Tintin drawing sold for EUR 3,175,400 (USD 3,859,550), setting a new auction record for an Hergé piece. “This painting is so rare because it has never been on the private market before,” Artcurial’s comic book expert, Eric Leroy, told CNN. “It has been shown in Hergé’s museum and in the 1988 exhibition of the Tintin comic book series, but never privately before now.” Hergé (Georges Remi),The Blue Lotus, 1936. Image from Artcurial. Georges Remi, better known as Hergé, created his first Tintin comic in 1929. The Tintin character was instantly popular in France and Belgium. A young, curious reporter, Tintin pursues light-hearted mysteries with the help of his dog, Snowy. Hergé created a long-running franchise of bande dessinées (Franco-Belgian comics) featuring Tintin. The series ran through the 20th century and remains popular across Europe. While Tintin gathered mostly positive criticism during Hergé’s lifetime, contemporary critics point out the racial stereotypes and colonialism in some of the early collections. The Blue Lotus, published in 1936, was the fifth installment in the Tintin series. In this story, Tintin and Snowy travel to China to investigate a smuggling ring. Hergé created an elaborate gouache cover for the book before its release as a collected volume. His design featured a twisting red dragon against a black sky. Tintin and Snowy peek out of a blue-and-white pot in the lower left-corner. Despite the composition’s visual appeal, Hergé’s publisher rejected it due to its high printing cost and settled on a simplified cover. Hergé gifted the original Tintin drawing to his publisher’s seven-year-old son. It remained in a drawer for decades before coming to market in the recent Artcurial sale. Portrait of Hergé (Georges Remi) in 1969. Image from the Vagn Hansen Collection, Studios Hergé. Bidding for The Blue Lotus’ original…
Auction ResultPreliminary Auction House Results for 2020 Show Industry’s Resilience
Christie’s “relay” auction, held on July 10th, 2020, simultaneously in Hong Kong, Paris, London, and New York. Photo from Christie’s. Auction houses spent much of 2020 adapting to global lockdowns, like most industries. There were concerns in the spring about the dramatic shift towards online bidding and the prospect of dwindling consignments. But preliminary auction house results for the year show that the demand for fine and decorative art remained strong. As the major auction houses moved their events online, they were largely met by enthusiastic bidders. Reports from Christie's, Sotheby’s, and other major auction houses at the end of the calendar year point to the health of the industry and several broad trends. In general, the shift online led to more millennial collectors entering the art market. Many auction houses also saw continued growth in Asia and other previously underrepresented regions. And where auction revenue fell short, an increase in private sales often lightened the blow. From Sotheby’s to Artcurial, Auction Daily takes a closer look at preliminary auction house results for 2020. Sotheby’s Sotheby’s Contemporary Art Evening Auction on June 29th, 2020. Photo from Sotheby’s. According to Sotheby’s end-of-year report, total sales dropped from USD 5.8 billion in 2019 to $5 billion in 2020, a decrease of 16%. Encouraging signs for Sotheby's included a 50% increase in private sales ($1.5 billion), which set a record for all auction houses. This made it easier for Sotheby’s to absorb the $1.3 billion decrease in auction sales and $800 million drop in total sales for 2020. Thanks in large part to its pivot online, Sotheby's welcomed twice as many bidders under the age of 40 as the year prior. The auction house also noted growing confidence among collectors in online-only viewing rooms. Numerous clients placed $1 million+ bids with Sotheby’s after only seeing the lot online. One such buyer placed a $73.1 million bid for a Francis Bacon triptych, the highest-recorded online bid in auction history. Another positive sign for Sotheby's was the growth of their presence in Asia. Buyers on the continent purchased nine of the auction house's 20 most…
Auction ResultSegment of the Eiffel Tower’s Original Staircase Sells for Over $300,000
When the Eiffel Tower opened to the public on May 15th, 1889, many Parisians were not fans. Legend has it that writer Guy de Maupassant visited the restaurant inside the Eiffel Tower just to get a view of Paris without the iron eyesore. Now, though, the tower is synonymous with the city. In the auction world, several segments of the Eiffel Tower's original staircase have been made available and far exceeded estimates. The most recent example came earlier this month, on December 1st, when the French auction house Artcurial offered a piece of the tower's original spiral staircase. The lot beat its pre-sale low estimate (EUR 30,000 or USD 36,336) nearly tenfold, eventually crossing the auction block for EUR 274,475 (USD 332,455). Segment of the Eiffel Tower’s original staircase sold at auction on December 1st, 2020. Photo by Stephane de Sakutin/AFP. Despite the spirited bidding, the lot did not set the auction record for a segment of the Eiffel Tower's original staircase. That title still belongs to a 2016 lot, also offered by Artcurial, which sold for EUR 523,800 (USD 634,447). The staircase piece caused an intercontinental bidding spree, with bids bouncing back and forth between collectors there in person and those over the phone. The 2016 lot sold for nearly twice as much as the 2020 example. However, both pieces contained the same number of steps, 14. They both also came from the same section of the Eiffel Tower. Back in 1889, these segments were part of a spiral staircase that connected the second and third floors. The staircase was in use for nearly a century before being replaced with a lift in 1983. Timeline of the Eiffel Tower’s construction. Photo from the Public Domain Archive. After its removal, the staircase was cut into 24 segments. 20 of those pieces were made available at auction. Eventually, they ended up in museums, private collections, and public displays around the world. One segment of the Eiffel Tower's original staircase, for example, can be found next to an iconic American landmark with its own French roots: the Statue of Liberty. In the…
Auction IndustryArtcurial to offer over 1500 items from the Roméo Collection
The Roméo brand is above all a taste in decor, the decorative arts and crafts. PARIS.- Who has not stopped in surprise and envy to study these lavish window displays, a magical array of Macassar ebony, Ceylan lemon tree wood, myrtle, shagreen, Carrara marble, black granite from Syene and precious silks… The Roméo brand is above all a taste in decor, the decorative arts and crafts. At 208 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine, the styles may be diverse but they are all eclectic, opulent and fantastic, with a uninhibited approach to coordination, and guided by a quest for excellence. This legendary Parisian house, with a distinctive style drawing inspiration from many eras, offers its clientele a 3 500m2 journey through the major periods in the history of interior decoration. Amongst the myriad of rooms, one can spy a spiral staircase by Roger Tallon alongside favourite pieces from the 1970s, and walls covered from floor to ceiling with mirrored glass and stainless steel; there are surprising contrasts between Versace fabrics, Jansen woodwork and pieces of furniture that could have come straight out of the Boulle workshops; two modernist hi-fi systems in chrome, gilded metal and plexiglass provide an unexpected contrast signalling plenty more surprises in store. Aristotle Onassis, La Callas, Alain Delon, ambassadors and Royal families from the Middle East and Africa along with wealthy industrialists from as far afield as America and China are among the international clientele who have been seduced by the richness of this cleverly orchestrated mix, where classicism and modernism enhance each other. The sale, taking place on 9 and 10 November at Artcurial, will be a unique opportunity to take another look at a whole range of the Decorative Arts from Faubourg Saint-Antoine with its reputation for artisanal crafts. « Including a piece of Roméo furniture in your interior – surely a bold move today ? »Stéphane Aubert, Auctioneer, Associate Director, Artcurial Claude Dalle, between myth and realityAffected by various cultural influences, Claude Dalle, a discreet and enigmatic figure in the world of interior design, founded the Maison Roméo on the principles of extravagance, juxtaposition, eclecticism and French…
Auction ResultFour extraordinary chairs, ordered by the Comte d’Artois in 1778, more than triple their estimate
A Louis XVI Royal Mobilier a Chassis Comprising a Pair of Armchairs and a Pair of Chairs by Georges Jacob et Jean-Baptiste Rode, Delivered to the Comte d’Artois circa 1778-1779. Gilt, patinated wood. Sold for €1 174 500 / $1 350 675 including premiums. PARIS.- On Wednesday 22nd July 2020, Artcurial’s Furniture & Works of Art department presented an exceptional suite of Louis XVI period royal furniture, which belonged to the Comte d’Artois, later to become King Charles X. After a long auction battle by telephone and in the room, these seats were sold under the hammer of the auctioneer and furniture specialist Isabelle Bresset, at €1,174,500 / $1,350,675 including costs, more than triple their estimate. Royal provenanceThese seats were ordered to furnish the famous bed chamber designed as a military tent and are a rare example of the great creative achievements and refinements of the neoclassicism movement in the end of the 1770’s. Decorated with lictors’ fasces entwined with laurel branches, they were executed by Georges Jacob (master in 1765) and the sculptor Jean-Baptiste Rode (master in 1766) as the archives clearly mention. Daring, they illustrate the extravagant character and modern taste of the commanditaire, who had a close relationship with his stepsister, the queen Marie Antoinette emulating each other in their pursuit of pleasure and luxury. Bagatelle also called “la folie d’Artois” was then built in a few weeks as a mere challenge. Presumably considered as cutting edge in 1778, these fancy seats are still belonging to the Louis XVI aesthetics with a turquerie and delicate turn and announce the martial style of the years to come. « This exceptional suite was executed in 1778 by the famous Georges Jacob and the sculptor Jean-Baptiste Rode for the celebrated bed chamber of the Comte d’Artois and future king Charles X at Bagatelle. It is a unique suite still preserved in its original condition and one of the most daring examples of the creativity and excellence of the craftsmen at the royal court’s service. This suite is leaving France to join another collection owned by great amateurs in love with the French…
Auction IndustryArtist to Know: Blek le Rat
Screenprint from the “Godfather of Street Art” Offered in Signari Gallery Event Before the 1980s, there was little precedent for the stenciled graffiti that is now a hallmark of street art. The global art scene of the 70s was exploring post-modernism when a 20-year-old Frenchman named Xavier Prou stumbled across a growing graffiti movement in New York. A decade later, Prou took what he learned and created his own brand of graffiti on the streets of Paris. He then renamed himself “Blek le Rat.” Blek’s stenciled graffiti has inspired the likes of Banksy and other now-famous street artists. Though relatively unknown outside of France, Blek is frequently referred to as the “godfather of modern street art” (a title he gladly embraces). Most of his works can still be found publicly, but Blek’s prints and merchandise have also started to enter the art market. Available in an upcoming Signari Gallery auction is a 2018 screenprint from Blek, offered at 12:00 PM PDT on August 1st, 2020. Before the bidding starts, learn more about Blek le Rat and his impact on contemporary street art. Blek le Rat, The Man Who Walks Through Walls, 2008. Image from Blek le Rat. Unlike many graffiti artists, Blek enjoyed a comfortable childhood. It was during his time at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris that he began engaging with street art. His first stencils showed rats engaging in various activities, an effort to show “the only free animal in the city.” The artist’s street name grew out of these early works, combining the name of a character from a 1950s French comic book with the anagram for “art.” Blek kept his art apolitical at first, only exploring themes of freedom in a crowded city. Although his identity was revealed in 1991 after being arrested, he continued creating graffiti that blended high and low art. The early 2000s saw Blek’s entrance into public political commentary. The 2005 kidnapping of French journalist Florence Aubenas prompted a broad cultural response, fanned in part by Blek’s widespread activism. Later themes in his art have included homelessness, war, religion, the economy,…
Auction ResultUS artist’s holiday park sculpture fetches millions
The free-standing stabile was sold by the current owner of the holiday park Belambra Clubs. It was estimated to be worth between 2.5 and 3.5 million euros ($2.8-4.0 million). PARIS(AFP).- A huge sculpture by American artist Alexander Calder sold at auction in Paris on Wednesday for over 4.9 million euros, auctioneers Artcurial said, after nearly six decades on display at a holiday park in southern France. The influential sculptor is known primarily for his colourful and abstract mobiles, of which he made thousands over the course of his career. But he also made "stabiles" -- the opposite of mobiles -- one of which remained concealed from the general public in La Colle-sur-Loup village, a few dozen kilometres from the ritzy city Cannes. The black steel 3,5 metre (11 foot) structure was made by Calder in 1963. "It's the first time that a monumental stabile of this scale by Calder came up for auction in France," said Hugues Sebilleau, the head of Artcurial's contemporary art department. It was installed six years later in front of a holiday park which aims to attract low-income families by maintaining affordable prices. The free-standing stabile was sold by the current owner of the holiday park Belambra Clubs. It was estimated to be worth between 2.5 and 3.5 million euros ($2.8-4.0 million). "The stabile is completely characteristic of Calder's style at the time. The structure is very assertive and well planted on its four bearing points," said sales expert Serge Lemoine. "Rhythm and space are the vital compositions. The curves respond to the angles and the surfaces respond to the voids," Lemoine said. Trained as an engineer, Calder used a wide variety of media to make more than 22,000 works before he died in 1976.
Auction IndustryArtcurial announces sales dedicated to design, Art Deco and Scandinavian design.
There will be three sales at Artcurial on July 1st & 2nd dedicated to Design, Art Deco and Scandinavian Design. PARIS.- The Design Week at Artcurial will get underway with the sale of a collection of European design, on Wednesday 1 July at 6pm. Acquired and housed in a 17th century château by an enthusiast of post-war design, this collection of furniture and objects focuses on Italian and Scandinavian designers. Comprising nearly 130 lots, it is packed with treasures such as a pair of rare wingback armchairs (circa 1947) by Gio Ponti, from an edition manufactured by Ariberto Colombo, Cantù, estimate €80,000 to 120,000 and a ceiling light from Studio B.B.P.R., estimate €30,000 to 40,000. On Thursday 2 July at 6pm the theme continues with a sale dedicated to Scandinavian Design. The selection of around a hundred lots showcases pieces by the biggest names in Nordic design including Paavo Tynell, Poul Henningsen, Alvar Aalto, Märta Blomstedt and Poul Kjærholm. Star lots include a large ceiling light mod. 9014 known as «Snowflake Number 1» from the Fantasia series (1947), created by Paavo Tynell, which has an estimate of €120,000 - 150,000. The evening of 2 July will finish with the Art Déco &Design sale at 20h. Significant lots include an important set of dining room furniture created by René Herbst for the Aga Khan (estimate: €20,000 - 30,000), a dressing table and stool by Pierre Chareau and a «Maison du Mexique» bookcase by Charlotte Perriand (estimate: €100,000 - 150,000). Collection of European DesignOn 1 July, Artcurial will launch the event by presenting almost 130 lots of European design, amassed over many years by a globe-trotting collector who honed his taste for Italian, Scandinavian and French design during his travels around the world and across many European capitals. Housed in a 17th century château, the items in this contemporary collection were selected for their historic and aesthetic qualities. These are collector’s design pieces produced in small numbers. Amongst the many highlights will be a selection of wingback armchairs, featuring a rare pair by the Italian Gio Ponti (estimate: €80,000 - 120,000), chairs by the Finn…
Auction IndustryArtcurial announces highlights included in the Modern & Contemporary Art auction in Paris
Chaïm Soutine, Les Figuiers, Céret © Artcurial. PARIS.- Important works by major 20th century artists will be presented by Artcurial in the prestigious sales of Impressionist & Modern Art and Post-War & Contemporary Art, to be held on the evening of Wednesday 8 July and the afternoon of Thursday 9 July. The Modern Art section boasts several French and European collections with highlights including an expressionist masterpiece by Chaïm Soutine, a selection of paintings by Edouard Vuillard, a large composition by Henri Lebasque and an image of a young girl surrounded by roses by Auguste Renoir. Some remarkable works on paper by Marc Chagall and Raoul Dufy are presented alongside watercolours and pastel drawings from various collections. The post-impressionist period is well represented by Henri Martin with his Vue de Collioure as well as Henri Moret’s Brittany landscapes. The sculptures on offer feature a rare example of Implorante by Camille Claudel cast by Blot, linking to work by Auguste Rodin. Another notable lot is a rare self-portrait with figures by the Belgian artist James Ensor, rediscovered after 70 years in the same family ownership. The Post-War and Contemporary Art section features the monumental work by Alexander Calder, with a large-scale and highly original stabile, created in 1963 and 3.5 metres high. This is the first time a stabile of this magnitude has appeared at auction in France. A highlight of the contemporary paintings on offer will be a masterpiece by Pierre Soulages, Peinture 130 x 81 cm, 27 janvier 1981, characteristic of his unique exploration of « outrenoir » (ultra-black). Also starring will be a triptych by the Spanish artist Antoni Tàpies as well as a group of eight works by the Franco-Hungarian artist Simon Hantaï, known for his « pliage » technique of folding canvases. Impressionist & Modern ArtThe Impressionist & Modern Art sale will present an important landscape of Céret by the Russian artist Chaïm Soutine. The bold expressive style of this major piece prefigures the work of American abstract expressionists such as De Kooning, a connection explored in an exhibition at the Musée de l’Orangerie in Paris this autumn. The…
