Christie’s to auction Mica Ertegun’s extraordinary art collection, featuring Magritte’s L’empire des lumières, in a series of landmark sales starting November 2024.
Christie’s, the renowned auction house, is set to present a historic series of auctions featuring the extraordinary collection of Mica Ertegun, a celebrated interior designer and patron of the arts.
This sale, titled “MICA: THE COLLECTION OF MICA ERTEGUN”, promises to be a landmark occasion in the art world, showcasing a diverse array of masterpieces that span various categories, mediums, and time periods.
A Legacy of Style and Philanthropy
Mica Ertegun, born Ioana Maria Banu in 1926, was the epitome of elegance and sophistication. Her journey from Romania to becoming one of the most influential figures in New York’s cultural scene is a testament to her resilience and vision.
Mica was instrumental in the development of the artistic landscape of the latter half of the 20th century as the wife of Ahmet Ertegun, the co-founder of Atlantic Records.
Mrs Ertegun’s collection, amassed over more than five decades, reflects her multicultural heritage and discerning eye. The offerings include pieces from her personal collections in Manhattan, Southampton, and Paris, each item carefully chosen to represent the pinnacle of artistic achievement in its respective field.
Marc Porter, Chairman of Christie’s Americas, expressed the auction house’s gratitude, stating, “We are grateful to be the stewards of the collection of Mica Ertegun, whose life and legacy is an inspiration. Mrs Ertegun was a devoted patron of the arts and education worldwide. With these sales, we pay tribute to Mrs Ertegun and the Ertegun legacy of sharing.”
The Crown Jewel: Magritte’s L’empire des lumières
At the heart of this remarkable collection lies a true masterpiece of Surrealism: René Magritte’s L’empire des lumières.
With an estimated value of more than £75 million, this exceptional painting is on the brink of becoming one of the most valuable artworks ever to be sold at auction. Magritte’s capacity to challenge perception and reality is exemplified by the work’s enigmatic image, which depicts the coexistence of day and night.
Max Carter, Christie’s Vice Chairman of 20th and 21st Century Art, commented on the significance of this piece: “Of all the works she lived with, Magritte’s L’empire des lumières most nearly captures her aesthetic philosophy in its balance and restraint. An icon of Surrealism, the Ertegun Magritte is arguably the finest, most deftly rendered and hauntingly beautiful of the series. Like Mica’s eye, it is perfect.”
A Diverse Artistic Panorama
The Ertegun collection is exceptional not only for its individual masterpieces, but also for its scope and diversity. It seamlessly integrates works from a variety of artistic movements, such as Surrealism, Russian and Ukrainian Modernism, Purism, De Stijl, and Colour Field painting.
This eclectic blend is indicative of Mrs. Ertegun’s ability to appreciate beauty in a variety of styles and cultures, as well as her open-minded approach to art. Among other 20th-century art luminaries, the collection includes works by Joan Miró, David Hockney, and Ed Ruscha.
The MAC II Legacy: Designing for the Elite
In 1967, Mica Ertegun founded MAC II, an interior design firm that would go on to become one of the most prestigious in the industry. Alongside Vogue contributor Chessy Rayner, Mrs Ertegun created interiors for some of the world’s most discerning clients.
Her work was distinguished by a flawless equilibrium between comfort and elegance, which earned her a spot on the AD100, Architectural Digest’s compilation of the world’s most accomplished architects and designers.
The auction will include select pieces of furniture and decorative arts that showcase Mrs Ertegun’s impeccable taste and her ability to curate spaces that were both aesthetically pleasing and liveable.
A Commitment to Philanthropy
Mica Ertegun was renowned for her dedication and benevolence towards a variety of charitable organisations throughout her lifetime. Mrs. Ertegun’s legacy of generosity will be perpetuated by a substantial portion of the proceeds from these auctions, which will be allocated to philanthropic initiatives.
During her lifetime, Mrs Ertegun supported numerous worthy causes, including the Graduate Scholarship Programme in the Humanities at Oxford University, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and the World Monument Fund.
Her philanthropic efforts extended to preserving cultural heritage sites, such as Brancusi’s Endless Column in Romania and the Edicule of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
The Auctions: A Celebration of Art and Culture
Christie’s has organised a series of auctions to properly showcase the breadth and depth of the Ertegun collection. The first part, MICA: THE COLLECTION OF MICA ERTEGUN | Part I, will take place on Tuesday, 19 November 2024, at 7 pm EST at Christie’s New York.
This will be followed by Part II on Wednesday, 20 November 2024, at 10 am EST, also at Christie’s New York. The third part of the live auctions, MICA: THE COLLECTION OF MICA ERTEGUN | Part III, is scheduled for Friday, 13 December 2024, at 10 am EST, again at Christie’s New York.
Additionally, two online sales will run concurrently. The New York online sale, MICA: THE COLLECTION OF MICA ERTEGUN | New York Online, will take place from 4 to 17 December 2024. The Paris online sale, MICA: THE COLLECTION OF MICA ERTEGUN | Paris Online, will run from 4 to 18 December 2024.
Highlights from the Collection
While Magritte’s L’empire des lumières stands as the centrepiece, the Ertegun collection boasts numerous other exceptional works. Joan Miró’s Peinture (Amour), created in 1925, is an oil on canvas measuring 71.1 x 90.2 cm that exemplifies Miró’s unique approach to Surrealism, blending abstract forms with poetic imagery.
Another masterpiece in the collection is René Magritte’s La cour d’amour from 1960. This oil on canvas, measuring 78.7 x 100.3 cm, showcases Magritte’s ability to create mysterious and thought-provoking imagery, further cementing his status as a master of Surrealism.
David Hockney’s Three Chairs with a Section of a Picasso Mural, painted in 1970, is an acrylic on canvas measuring 121.9 x 152.4 cm. This work demonstrates Hockney’s skill in creating vibrant, spatially complex compositions that challenge the viewer’s perception of space and form.
Another significant Hockney piece in the collection is Still Life on a Glass Table, created between 1971 and 1972. This larger work, measuring 182.9 x 274.3 cm, showcases the artist’s exploration of perspective and colour in still life compositions, highlighting his versatility and innovative approach to traditional genres.
The Ertegun Aesthetic: A Harmonious Blend
Not only was Mica Ertegun capable of acquiring exceptional works of art, but she also possessed the ability to design harmonious living spaces that integrated these masterpieces. This was what distinguished her.
Her New York townhouse and Southampton home were testaments to her design philosophy, which prioritised balance, restraint, and a subtle interplay between different artistic styles.
In her interiors, one might find a Russian Modernist painting hanging alongside an Ed Ruscha, or a piece of contemporary furniture juxtaposed with a classical sculpture. This eclectic approach created environments that were at once intellectually stimulating and deeply comfortable.
The Impact on the Art Market
The Mica Ertegun collection auctions are expected to have a significant impact on the art market. With its combination of blue-chip artworks and Mrs Ertegun’s impeccable provenance, the sale is likely to attract collectors from around the globe.
According to art market analysts, the Magritte is among the works that have the potential to establish new auction records for their respective artists. The sale is also anticipated to reignite interest in some of the less mainstream movements represented in the collection, including Ukrainian Modernism and Purism.
A Lasting Legacy
As the art world prepares for this historic series of auctions, it’s clear that Mica Ertegun’s influence extends far beyond the realm of interior design. Her collection stands as a testament to a life lived in pursuit of beauty, knowledge, and cultural exchange.
The “MICA: THE COLLECTION OF MICA ERTEGUN” auctions at Christie’s will not only disperse one of the great private collections of the 20th and 21st centuries but will also cement Mrs Ertegun’s legacy as a tastemaker, philanthropist, and custodian of cultural heritage.
As the artworks find new homes and the proceeds support worthy causes, Mica Ertegun’s vision will continue to inspire future generations of collectors, designers, and art enthusiasts. Her story serves as a reminder of the power of art to transcend boundaries, spark dialogue, and enrich our shared human experience.
Images: Christie’s
