An extraordinary event is set to take place on 20 October in Paris, as Christie’s 20th/21st Century annual sale, Avant-Garde(s) incl. Thinking Italian showcases a remarkable masterpiece by the renowned artist Joan Miró.
This highly anticipated auction will be held during the Paris+ par Art Basel week at the Grand Palais Éphémère, attracting art enthusiasts and collectors from around the world. The spotlight will shine on Joan Miró’s iconic painting, “Peinture (Femmes, lune, étoiles),” a true testament to his artistic prowess and a work of unparalleled museum quality.
Miró, a Catalan painter, made a strong impression on the art market in 2022 with his masterpiece “Le Passage de l’oiseau migrateur” from the esteemed Hubert de Givenchy collection. Now, in 2023, “Peinture (Femmes, lune, étoiles)” is poised to become one of the headline-grabbing artworks of the year. This sought-after post-war painting has graced the walls of prestigious institutions such as the Centre Pompidou, the Fondation Maeght, the Fundació Miró, the Galeries Nationales du Grand Palais, and the Fondation Pierre Gianadda. Its inclusion in this auction presents a rare opportunity for collectors to acquire a work of such magnitude and significance.

Not only does “Peinture (Femmes, lune, étoiles)” exhibit exceptional artistic quality, but it also boasts extraordinary provenance. Since its acquisition from the Galerie Maeght in 1950, this masterpiece has adorned the dining room of the renowned La Colombe d’Or, an iconic inn situated in Saint Paul de Vence. Founded in 1920, La Colombe d’Or has served as a cultural haven for artists and celebrities, and it is currently operated by the third generation of the Roux family.
Paul Roux, whose passion for painting sparked the inception of one of the world’s most prestigious 20th-century art collections, established the inn. The Roux family has diligently expanded the collection, ensuring the spirit of art and friendship continues to thrive within these walls. La Colombe d’Or’s illustrious guest book has transformed the hotel restaurant into an esteemed art institution.
The upcoming auction on 20 October aims to guarantee the enduring legacy and preservation of “Peinture (Femmes, lune, étoiles).” Valérie Didier, Head of Evening and Collections Sales at Christie’s Paris acknowledges the significance of this momentous event: “The sale of a work of this magnitude, created by one of the greatest artists of the 20th century, is truly an extraordinary event.
The remarkable history associated with the place it was housed, along with the Roux family’s unwavering passion for art passed down through generations, imparts a unique charm and distinction to this masterpiece. Modern-day collectors and institutions not only seek unique artworks but also desire exceptional provenance. ‘Peinture (Femmes, lune, étoiles)’ perfectly embodies both the essence of Joan Miró’s oeuvre and the spirit of the remarkable place it originated from: La Colombe d’Or in Saint-Paul-de-Vence.”
PRACTICAL INFO: An Initial Selection of Sales in Week 20/21
- 19 October: Love Stories, from the collection of Anne & Wolfgang Titze
- 20 October: Avant-Garde(s) incl. Thinking Italian
- 11-24 October: Art Moderne Online Sale
- Other sales to complete the week’s program will be announced at a later date.
In this exciting week of artistic celebrations, the Avant-Garde(s) incl. Thinking Italian auction at Christie’s Paris will undoubtedly steal the limelight, offering art enthusiasts a unique opportunity to acquire a true masterpiece by Joan Miró. Don’t miss this extraordinary event that seamlessly blends the worlds of art, history, and cultural heritage.
Images: Christie’s