Christie’s is set to unveil a significant piece in its upcoming Avant-Garde(s) Including Thinking Italian auction, scheduled to coincide with Art Basel Paris on 18 October.
The highlight of the event is the remarkable rediscovery of a surrealist work by Francis Picabia, which will be auctioned alongside a rare oil painting by Alberto Giacometti and an iconic piece by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec.
Picabia’s “Myrte,” an exquisite example from his Transparency series, is estimated to fetch between €1 million and €1.5 million.
Giacometti and Toulouse-Lautrec
The auction also features Alberto Giacometti’s “Buste sur la selle de l’atelier,” valued between €2 million and €3 million, and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec’s “Jane Avril au Divan Japonais,” estimated at €2.5 million to €3.5 million. These works are expected to draw significant interest due to their rarity and historical significance.
Executed around 1928, “Myrte” is a captivating example of Francis Picabia’s renowned Transparency series. This series is celebrated for its theatrical superimposition of images, a technique Picabia had previously explored in his films.
Through these works, Picabia wants to trigger the imagination with a surrealist superimposition of images, a sensual hallucination.
The Inspiration Behind Myrte
Inspired by a real-life epiphany in a café in Marseille “Myrte” puts the viewer in a dream state, challenges the notion of painting. The work is a perfect example of Picabia’s innovation, breaking all the rules of art.
Antiquity plays a crucial role in the Transparency series. Picabia often uses groups of classical sculptures as the basis for his compositions. “Myrte” clearly evokes Botticelli’s female figures, blending faces from his Madonnas with pagan elements to create a mysterious, dreamlike atmosphere.
“Myrte” is a fusion of past and present, the sacred and the secular. It pays homage to the masters of the Italian Renaissance while simultaneously defying the artistic conventions of its time.
The Avant-Garde Including Thinking Italian auction will take place on 18 October, with public viewing available from 10 to 18 October. This event promises to be a significant occasion for collectors and art enthusiasts alike.
A Valuable Contribution to Art
Francis Picabia’s work remains influential in the art world, with his Transparency series being a cornerstone of his legacy. “Myrte,” having been kept in the same European collection since the 1970s and exhibited only once since its creation, is a rare find.
Alberto Giacometti’s “Buste sur la selle de l’atelier” represents a significant period in the artist’s career. Known for his distinctive style and exploration of human form, Giacometti’s works are highly sought after.
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec’s “Jane Avril au Divan Japonais” is emblematic of his contribution to the art world. His unique style and portrayal of Parisian nightlife continue to captivate audiences.
The Significance of the Auction
This auction not only highlights the exceptional works of Picabia, Giacometti, and Toulouse-Lautrec but also underscores the importance of preserving and celebrating surrealist and avant-garde art.
Christie’s continues to play a pivotal role in the art market, bringing rare and significant works to auction. Their dedication to presenting high-quality art is evident in the curation of this event.
The auction serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of surrealist and avant-garde art on the contemporary art scene. It also highlights the importance of rediscovering and preserving historical pieces.
The Anticipation of Art Collectors
Art collectors and enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the auction, recognising the rarity and significance of the pieces being presented. The event promises to be a landmark occasion in the art world.
In preparation for the auction, Christie’s has meticulously curated the collection, ensuring that each piece is presented in its best light. The public viewing offers a unique opportunity to appreciate these masterpieces up close.
The Avant-Garde Including Thinking Italian auction is set to be a memorable event, showcasing some of the most significant works of surrealist and avant-garde art. Christie’s continues to uphold its reputation for excellence in the art market, providing a platform for exceptional pieces to be celebrated and acquired.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Avant-Garde Including Thinking Italian auction at Christie’s is a celebration of artistic innovation and historical significance.
Featuring remarkable works by Francis Picabia, Alberto Giacometti, and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, this event underscores the enduring influence of surrealist and avant-garde art.
As collectors and enthusiasts gather to view and bid on these masterpieces, the auction promises to leave a lasting impact on the art community, further solidifying Christie’s reputation as a leading force in the art market.
Images: Christie’s
