In a monumental revelation slated for early June, Christie’s will unveil a spectacular auction, spotlighting 33 masterpieces from the Renault Group’s prestigious art Collection.
These meticulously curated works, cherry-picked from a vast ensemble comprising 550 pieces by prominent post-war luminaries, serve as a testament to the enduring liaison between Renault and the realm of art.
Rooted in history, the Renault Group’s Collection has perpetually spearheaded innovation, embodying a profoundly avant-garde outlook that converges art, design, and pioneering creativity.
A Cultural Tapestry Unravelled
Initiating on 6th June, this extraordinary auction will feature rare treasures, including pieces custom-crafted for Renault alongside acquisitions spotlighting artists patronised by the conglomerate.
A live sale will ensue, set to captivate connoisseurs, while an online auction dedicated entirely to Henri Michaux will transpire from 30th May to 7th June 2024. Beyond mere transactions, these auctions serve a noble cause, directing proceeds towards a burgeoning endowment fund championing art, culture, and heritage.
Moreover, they serve as a poignant ode to Renault’s unparalleled cultural stewardship, etched into the annals of France’s automotive legacy.
The Genesis: Renault’s Artistic Odyssey
In 1967, Renault embarked on a transformative odyssey, propelled by the visionary insights of Claude Renard, an executive whose ardour for art and culture knew no bounds. Renard, with his intimate affiliations with André Malraux and a constellation of artists, catalysed this epoch-making journey.
Renault pioneered an unprecedented sponsorship model, fostering direct engagements with artists, from financial backing to privileged studio access, fostering groundbreaking collaborations. This symbiotic alliance birthed monumental creations, exhibited in Renault’s industrial precincts, underscoring the company’s unwavering commitment to societal evolution through art.
Today, Renault’s art trove, a testimony to its cultural immersion, encompasses a kaleidoscope of 550 pieces, including a rich anthology of 200 photographs predominantly through the lens of Robert Doisneau.
Charting a New Trajectory
True to its heritage, Renault pledges the proceeds from these auctions to its nascent endowment fund, dedicated to nurturing art, culture, and heritage. The fund envisages amalgamating the collection’s pièce de résistances with a historic ensemble of photographs, symbolising a paradigm shift in Renault’s artistic narrative.
Estimate: €180,000 – 250,000
Emblematic of a new era, the fund is poised to champion contemporary creation, envisaging a monumental assemblage of street art. Originating in France during the 1960s and 70s, street art remains an indomitable force, representing an avant-garde cultural movement ripe for exploration.
The Artistic Pantheon Unveiled
Renowned for sculpting Renault’s iconic diamond emblem until 1992, Victor Vasarely holds a revered position in the company’s chronicles.
The live auction on 6th June promises an enthralling showcase, spotlighting three masterpieces by Vasarely: Tonk (€100,000 – 150,000), Re. Na (€60,000 – 80,000), and CTA 102 (€50,000 – 70,000), juxtaposed with seminal works by kinetic art luminaries such as Gran Amarillo by Jesús-Rafael Soto (€180,000 – 250,000) and Volume virtuel by Julio Le Parc (€50,000 – 70,000).
Further enriching the auction, three gems from Jean Dubuffet’s L’Hourloupe series take centre stage: Lice tapisse (€1,000,000 – 1,500,000), Le Moment critique (site avec deux personnages) (€600,000 – 800,000), and Fiston la Filoche (€400,000 – 600,000).
Estimate: €4,000 – 6,000
The collection also boasts evocative pieces by Sam Francis (Untitled, €200,000 – 300,000) and Robert Rauschenberg (Untitled, €180,000 – 250,000), underscoring the pivotal role of contemporary American art in Renault’s artistic odyssey.
Epilogue: A Vision Unveiled
In a grand finale, the auction presents a plethora of individual masterpieces, including an abstract marvel, Brisures (€180,000 – 250,000), and two bronze marvels by Jean Fautrier (€15,000 – 20,000 each), alongside the captivating painting Quand? (€40,000 – 60,000) and four enchanting works on paper by Roberto Matta (€4,000 – 6,000 each).
As a complement to this illustrious affair, Christie’s will host an online auction from 30th May to 7th June, showcasing a magnificent series of thirty works on paper by Henri Michaux, with modest estimates (€3,000 – 8,000) and no reserve price.
In conclusion, the forthcoming auction by Christie’s, featuring a selection from the Renault Group’s illustrious art Collection, not only unveils a treasure trove of masterpieces but also symbolises a profound nexus between automotive ingenuity and artistic brilliance.
As Renault embarks on a new chapter, allocating proceeds to its visionary endowment fund dedicated to nurturing art, culture, and heritage, it reaffirms its commitment to fostering creativity and innovation.
With each stroke of the brush and every sculpted form, this auction transcends mere commerce, offering a glimpse into the timeless dialogue between industry and art, shaping cultural landscapes for generations to come.
Images: Christie’s
