NEW YORK, N.Y.- Christie’s is pleased to present the season-opening sale of Impressionist and Modern art, which will take place on September 20. Comprised of nearly 200 lots, Impressionist Modern will offer works by renowned masters such as Salvador Dalí, Paul Klee, Pablo Picasso, Georges Braque, and Paul Gauguin. A selection of works on paper by Tamara de Lempicka are featured, many of which come directly from the family of the artist. Christie‘s is also honored to present property from the estate of Charles E. Curry, which represents twelve Modern works in the sale. Impressionist Modern is expected to realize in excess of $1.5 million.
“The September 20th sale will surely be a strong start to the Fall season of Impressionist and Modern art sales. In keeping with recent market trends, a wonderful selection of Surrealist pieces will be offered. Works by leading masters will be available to collectors of all levels, with prices ranging between $800 and $70,000,” commented Jessica Fertig, Head of Sale.
Sale Highlights
From the collection of Louis Markoya is Salvador Dalí‘s The Eye of Time (estimate:$18,000-25,000). As a young student in Connecticut in the late 1960s, Markoya greatly admired the work of Dalí (1904-1989). Upon meeting with the artist to discuss his own ventures, Dalí pronounced, we will do some collaborations.‖ This was the beginning of a five year period in which Markoya served as Dalí‘s apprentice, assisting with everything from research, to sourcing and designing unique material for the artist to work with. The Eye of Time is a rolux collage, which was a gift from the artist in 1974.
Also highlighting the sale is Femme au chapeau by Jean-Pierre Cassigneul (b. 1935) (estimate: $40,000-60,000). Acquired from the artist by the present owner, this stunning oil on canvas is a quintessential representation of Cassigneul‘s elegant depictions of fashionable women.
Camille Pissarro‘s Nini, la nièce de l’artiste (estimate:$15,000-20,000) stands out as another highlight of the sale, not only due to the fantastic quality of the work itself and sensitive rendering, but also because of its provenance. Ralph T. Coe, the previous owner received the drawing from his parents, who had acquired the work directly from the artist. The wonderful details of the work – the velvety texture of the work and soft contrast – are a quintessential representation of Pissarro‘s approach in the late 19th century.
Christie‘s is delighted to present works from the private collection of Charles E. Curry. Mr. Curry was passionate in every aspect of his life—when he was Captain in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1945; in his work as a prominent businessman and civic leader in Kansas City, where he tirelessly championed the Equal Rights Amendment in the early-1960s; and as the founder of his eponymous charitable foundation. Also representative of his passion is his impressive collection of Modern art, including Camille Bambois‘ Arnay le duc, Côte d’Or (estimate: $10,000-15,000) and Vu Cao Dam‘s L’idylle (estimate: $15,000-20,000).
