On the occasion of the publication of Luca Masia’ book, Picasso’s tailor, Christie’s France is pleased to present an exhibit, from 1–10 February, on the history of the Sapone family. Curated by Christie’s modern and contemporary art departments, this exhibit showcases the life of Michel Sapone, a man of great talent who fostered close relationships with some of the greatest artists of the 20th century. 

Michel Sapone was born in Italy in 1912, and settled in Nice in 1948. Sapone was the tailor and close friend of many major artists, such as Pablo Picasso, Alberto Giacometti, Hans Hartung, Gino Severini and Jacques Prévert. He transmitted his passion for art to his daughter and son-in-law, Aïka and Antonio Sapone. Antonio opened the Sapone gallery in Nice in 1972, through which he supported artists such as Hans Hartung, Robert Malaval, Alberto Burri and Alberto Magnelli. The exhibit at Christie’s Paris will feature some one hundred works of art, documents and archival photos. The exhibit will leave viewers with a deeper understanding of the Sapone family and their links with artists through the generations.

Say exhibition heads Paul Nyzan and Tudor Davies, “It is a great honour for Christie’s to organize this exhibit dedicated to the Sapone dynasty, those central figures in Nice’s artistic scene during the second half of the 20th century. From Michel Sapone and Pablo Picasso’s first meeting, through the opening of the Sapone gallery in 1972, this incredibe family story showcases a period in the history of the art market when relationships were based on friendship and mutual respect between artists, gallerists and collectors.” 

Visitors to the exhibit will be able to view many photos of Michel Sapone in the company of artists. The show will also feature work by modern masters such as Veira da Silva, Delaunay, Hans Hartung, Alberto Malaval, Pablo Picasso, Germaine Richier, Tal Coat and Victor Vasarely, and objects by Alberto and Diego Giacometti.