The Danute and Alain Mallart Collection, a prestigious array of contemporary art goes to auction at Christie’s during Paris Art Basel week.
The Danute and Alain Mallart Collection, a treasure trove of artistic masterpieces spanning Brussels, Paris, and Vilnius, is set to go under the hammer during the prestigious Paris Art Basel week fair in October 2024.
This extraordinary auction event promises to be a highlight of the autumn art season, offering collectors and enthusiasts a rare glimpse into a meticulously curated assemblage of works that have remained largely hidden from public view.
A Collection of Dreams: 30 Years In The Making
The Danute and Alain Mallart Collection stands as a testament to the power of passion, vision, and unwavering dedication to the arts. For over 30 years, the Mallarts have embarked on a painstaking journey of research and acquisition, assembling a collection that reflects not only their personal tastes but also the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary art and design.
Long hidden from the public eye, known only to a few collectors and insiders, the collection is now coming out of the closet to be seen by the world. The buzz is huge in the art world, many are waiting to get their hands on pieces from this legendary collection.
The collection’s strength lies not only in its impressive roster of artists but also in its cohesive vision. It seamlessly blends established names with emerging talents, creating a dialogue between different generations of creators.
This approach has resulted in a collection that is both deeply rooted in European artistic traditions and boldly forward-looking, embracing the cutting edge of contemporary design.
A European Journey: Brussels, Paris and Vilnius
The Danute and Alain Mallart Collection is intrinsically linked to three European capitals: Brussels, Paris, and Vilnius. Each city has played a crucial role in shaping the collection’s identity and scope. The inclusion of Vilnius is particularly noteworthy, as it coincides with the Lithuanian Season in France, adding an extra layer of cultural significance to the auction event.
Brussels, with its rich artistic heritage and vibrant contemporary scene, has provided the Mallarts with a fertile ground for discovery. The city’s blend of tradition and innovation is reflected in the collection’s eclectic mix of works.
Paris, long considered the epicentre of the art world, has naturally exerted a strong influence on the collection. The City of Light’s unparalleled artistic legacy and its ability to attract global talent have undoubtedly shaped the Mallarts’ curatorial choices.
Vilnius, the Lithuanian capital, brings a unique perspective to the collection. Its inclusion highlights the Mallarts’ commitment to exploring art beyond the traditional Western European axis, embracing the rich cultural tapestry of Eastern Europe.
This tri-city focus underscores the truly European character of the collection, offering a panoramic view of the continent’s artistic output over the past several decades.
A Showcase of Artistic Excellence
At the heart of the Danute and Alain Mallart Collection lies a commitment to excellence across various artistic disciplines.
The auction, which is estimated to fetch between 8 million and 12 million euros, will feature approximately one hundred works that span the gamut of contemporary art and design.
Painting: The Power of the Canvas
Leading the charge is a major painting by Marlène Dumas, one of the most influential artists of our time. Dumas’s work, known for its emotional intensity and exploration of the human condition, serves as a fitting centrepiece for a collection that consistently pushes boundaries and challenges perceptions.
The collection’s emphasis on German artists is particularly noteworthy, featuring works by luminaries such as Sigmar Polke, Anselm Kiefer, Georg Baselitz, and A.R. Penck.
These artists, each in their own distinctive style, have grappled with Germany’s complex history, creating works that are both visually arresting and intellectually provocative.
Sculpture and Installation: Redefining Space
The three-dimensional works in the collection are equally impressive, showcasing pieces by renowned sculptors and installation artists.
Anish Kapoor’s mesmerising explorations of form and void sit alongside Yayoi Kusama’s immersive polka-dot universes, creating a dialogue between different approaches to space and perception.
Abstraction: A Global Perspective
The Mallarts’ interest in abstraction is evident in their selection of works by artists such as François Morellet and El Anatsui.
These pieces demonstrate the collection’s global outlook, bringing together abstract expressions from Europe and Africa to create a rich tapestry of non-representational art.
The Body in Focus
One of the central themes running through the collection is the representation of the human body, particularly the female form. Works by Marlène Dumas, Antony Gormley, Martial Raysse, Tom Wesselmann, and Barbara Kruger offer diverse perspectives on this timeless subject.
Through painting, sculpture, and photography, these artists explore the body’s relationship with space and challenge traditional notions of representation.
Design: From Art Deco to Contemporary Innovation
The Danute and Alain Mallart Collection is not limited to fine art; it also boasts an impressive array of design pieces that span nearly a century of creative innovation.
The furniture collection ranges from 1930s classics to cutting-edge contemporary designs, showcasing the evolution of form and function over the decades.
Highlights include pieces by:
- Zsolnay: The renowned Hungarian ceramics manufacturer, known for its innovative use of eosin glazes.
- Georges de Feure: A key figure in the Art Nouveau movement, celebrated for his elegant furniture designs.
- Jean-Michel Frank: The minimalist master whose understated luxury defined 1930s Parisian design.
- Jean Dunand: A pioneer in the use of lacquer in furniture and decorative objects.
- Eugène Printz: Known for his bold, geometric designs that bridged Art Deco and modernism.
- Marc du Plantier: A decorator whose work epitomised the refined luxury of mid-20th century French design.
- Diego Giacometti: The sculptor and designer whose delicate, nature-inspired furniture pieces are highly sought after by collectors.
This carefully curated selection of design pieces complements the art collection, creating a holistic vision of visual culture that transcends traditional boundaries between fine and applied arts.
The Art of Display: Danute Mallart’s Curatorial Vision
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Danute and Alain Mallart Collection is the way in which it has been displayed. Danute Mallart, in particular, has brought her keen eye and sense of scenography to the arrangement of the works, creating a harmonious dialogue between art and design pieces.
Her approach to curation emphasises the strength and cohesion of the ensemble, allowing each piece to shine individually while contributing to a greater whole. This thoughtful presentation has undoubtedly added value to the collection, transforming it from a mere assemblage of works into a carefully orchestrated aesthetic experience.
A Global Event: Christie’s October Extravaganza
The auction of the Danute and Alain Mallart Collection is set to be the crown jewel in Christie’s ambitious October programme, which coincides with Paris’s transformation into the global epicentre of the art market.
As the city plays host to a series of high-profile art events, including Art Basel, Moderne Art Fair, Internationale, Design Miami, Also Known As Africa, Offscreen, and Asia Now, Christie’s has positioned itself at the heart of the action.
The auction house’s Paris location, a stone’s throw from the recently restored Grand Palais, will be a hub of activity throughout the month. The schedule includes:
- Danute and Alain Mallart Collection, Brussels – Paris – Vilnius: Live auction on 17 October at 2 p.m., with public viewing from 10 to 17 October.
- Avant-Garde(s) including Thinking Italian: Live auction on 18 October at 5:30 p.m., with public viewing from 10 to 17 October.
- 20th & 21st Century Art: Live auction on 19 October at 2:30 p.m., with public viewing from 10 to 17 October.
- Marc Chagall: Between Sky and Earth. Works formerly in the artist’s estate: Online sale from 9 to 22 October, with public viewing from 10 to 15 October.
This carefully orchestrated series of events underscores Christie’s commitment to showcasing the very best of contemporary and modern art, with the Danute and Alain Mallart Collection serving as a cornerstone of the programme.
A Catalogue to Remember
To commemorate this extraordinary auction, Christie’s has produced a lavishly illustrated catalogue featuring in situ photographs of the collection. This publication not only serves as a record of the auction but also offers invaluable insights into the Mallarts’ collecting philosophy and the way the works have been displayed in their various residences.
The catalogue is sure to become a collector’s item in its own right, providing a lasting document of one of the most significant private collections to come to market in recent years.
Looking Ahead: The Legacy of the Danute and Alain Mallart Collection
As the art world eagerly awaits the October auction, it’s clear that the dispersal of the Danute and Alain Mallart Collection marks the end of an era. However, it also represents a new beginning, as these carefully selected works find their way into new collections and institutions around the world.
The impact of the Mallarts’ vision will undoubtedly be felt for years to come, influencing future generations of collectors and serving as a benchmark for curatorial excellence.
Their dedication to supporting both established and emerging artists, their keen eye for quality across different mediums, and their commitment to a truly European perspective on contemporary art and design have set a new standard in the field.
As the hammer falls on the final lot in October, the art world will not only be celebrating the culmination of three decades of passionate collecting but also looking forward to the new stories and connections that will emerge as these exceptional works find new homes.
The Danute and Alain Mallart Collection auction is more than just a sale of artworks; it’s a testament to the enduring power of art to inspire, challenge, and transform. As collectors, enthusiasts, and institutions from around the globe converge on Paris this autumn, they will be participating in a historic event that celebrates the very best of contemporary artistic expression.
Images: Christie’s
