First look: Highlights from the Impressionist and Modern Art Works on Paper and Day Sales
Outstanding works by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Pablo Picasso, Georges Braque and Joan Miró are already among the highlights of the auctions on 28 February
In 2018, Christie’s saw exceptional results for its Impressionist and Modern Art Works on Paper and Day Sales. In February, the Day Sale achieved the highest ever total for an auction of its kind in London, whilst in June, Edgar Degas’s Autoportrait sold for £3,128,750 during the Works on Paper Sale – nine times its £350,000 estimate.
Here, we present some highlights from February’s 20th Century Week auctions in London. Our specialists are now available for free and confidential valuations of individual pieces or collections. Please do not hesitate to contact us to arrange an appointment, or to simply discuss the market.
Property from a Private Swiss Collection. Pablo Picasso (1881-1973), Grand vase aux danseurs, conceived in 1950 and executed in a numbered edition of 25. Terracotta vase painted with white engobe. Height: 27 ⅞ in. Dated ‘24 juin 50’ (at the lower rim). Stamped and numbered ‘Empreinte Originale de Picasso Madoura Plein, Feu 22’ (inside the upper rim). Offered in the Impressionist and Modern Art Day Sale on 28 February at Christie’s in London. View spinset.
Henri Matisse (1869-1954), Jazz, Tériade, Paris, executed in 1947. Signed in pencil (on the justification); inscribed (on the title page) ‘à Louise Matisse, avec mes sentiments de respectueuse affection, Henri Matisse, Juillet 48’. Offered in Impressionist and Modern Works on Paper on 28 February at Christie’s in London
Pablo Picasso (1881-1973), Tête — Mousquetaire, executed on 17 July 1967. Signed, dated and numbered ‘17.7.67. III. Picasso’ (lower left). Gouache and wash on paper. Offered in Impressionist and Modern Works on Paper on 28 February at Christie’s in London
Joan Miró (1893-1983), Le poète inspiré, executed on 20 October 1937. Signed ‘Miró’ (lower right); signed, dated and inscribed ‘MIRÓ "Le poète inspiré" 20/10/37.’ (on the reverse). Gouache on paper. 30 x 22 in (76 x 56 cm). Offered in Impressionist and Modern Works on Paper on 28 February at Christie’s in London
Marc Chagall (1887-1985), Le bouquet sur fond bleu, executed in 1980. Signed ‘Marc Chagall’ (lower left). Gouache and pastel on paper. 24 x 19⅝ (61 x 49.8 cm). Offered in Impressionist and Modern Works on Paper on 28 February at Christie’s in London
Property from a Private London Collection. Pablo Picasso (1881-1973), Le peintre et son modèle, drawn on 16 November 1970. Signed, dated and inscribed ‘Pour le Docteur Jean Stéhelin son ami Picasso le 16.11.70.’ (lower right). Pen and India ink on paper. 11⅜ x 16⅜ in (29.1 x 42.2 cm). Offered in Impressionist and Modern Works on Paper on 28 February at Christie’s in London
Property from an Important Private Collection. Salvador Dalí (1904-1989), Lago de Garda, executed in 1949. Signed and dated ‘Dalí 1949’ (lower centre) and titled ‘Lago de Garda’ (lower left). Gouache, watercolour and pen and India ink on card. 23 x 29 in (58.5 x 73.5 cm). Offered in Impressionist and Modern Works on Paper on 28 February at Christie’s in London
Property from an Important Private Collector. Joan Miró (1893-1983), Les Paysans, executed between 10 March 1973 and 29 July 1977. Signed ‘Miró’ (lower right); dated, numbered and inscribed ‘29/VII/77. Personnage et oiseaux dans un paysage 10/III/73. II.’ (on the reverse). Watercolour, brush and India ink and pastel on paper. 17½ x 22½ in (44.5 x 57 cm). Offered in Impressionist and Modern Works on Paper on 28 February at Christie’s in London
Property from a Private Swiss Collection. Alberto Giacometti (1901-1966), Figurines, painted in 1954. Signed and dated ‘Alberto Giacometti 54’ (lower right); signed and dated ‘Alberto Giacometti 1954’ (on the reverse). Oil on canvas. 10⅝ x 7½ in (27 x 19 cm). Offered in the Impressionist and Modern Art Day Sale on 28 February at Christie’s in London
Property from an Important Private Collection. Georges Braque (1882-1963), Nature morte à la grande cruche, painted in 1955. Signed ‘G Braque’ (lower left). Oil on canvas. 21¼ x 28¾ in (54 x 73 cm). Offered in the Impressionist and Modern Art Art Day Sale on 28 February at Christie’s in London
Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841-1919), Paysage. Stamped ‘Renoir’ (lower right). Oil on canvas. 18½ x 21⅞ in (47 x 55.6 cm). Offered in the Impressionist and Modern Art Day Sale on 28 February at Christie’s in London
Auguste Rodin (1840-1917), Age d'Airain, moyen modèle. Conceived in 1875-1876; this medium reduction in 1903-1904; this work cast between 1935 and 1945. Signed ‘Rodin’ (on the top of the base); with the raised signature ‘A.Rodin’ (on the inside); inscribed with the foundry mark ‘Alexis RUDIER.Fondeur. PARIS.’ (on the back of the base). Bronze with brown patina. 18½ x 21⅞ in (47 x 55.6 cm). Offered in the Impressionist and Modern Art Day Sale on 28 February at Christie’s in London
Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841-1919), Nature morte aux pommes et à poire. Signed ‘Renoir.’ (lower right). Oil on canvas. 8⅝ x 12¼ in (22 x 31 cm). Offered in the Impressionist and Modern Art Day Sale on 28 February at Christie’s in London
Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841-1919), Le Béal, painted in 1905. Stamped ‘Renoir’ (lower left). Oil on canvas. 18 ⅛ x 22½ in (46 x 31 cm). Offered in the Impressionist and Modern Art Day Sale on 28 February at Christie’s in London
Property from an Important Private Collection. Giorgio de Chirico (1888-1978), Il continente misterioso, painted in 1968. Signed ‘G. de Chirico’ (lower left). Oil on canvas. 31½ x 23¾ in (80 x 60.5cm). Offered in the Impressionist and Modern Art Day Sale on 28 February at Christie’s in London