This section will be available this Autumn.
Repetto Gallery
Lucio Fontana (Rosario, Argentina 1899-1968 Varese, Italy) Madonna col Bambino, 1953-1954 Glazed and painted terracotta: white, light blue and blue H 24.5 x W 13.5 x D 9 cm Signed on the reverse 'L. F.' Certificate of authenticity on photograph by Fondazione Lucio Fontana, n° 2543/1 Provenance: Galleria Blu, Milan; private collection, Gorle (2543/1) Literature: L. M. Barbero, 'Catalogo ragionato delle sculture ceramiche', Tomo I, p. 212, n° 53-54 FMA 1
Galerie Raf Van Severen
Jean Brusselmans (Brussels 1884-1953 Dilbeek) Decor for Erwartung, 1936 Mixed media on paper 60 x 90 cm Label at the back; Erwartung; Decor pour 'Erwartung', d’Arnold Schoenberg, 1936; Décor pour le 4e acte Literature: Paul Haesaerts, Jean Brusselmans, 1939, p. 67; Robert L. Delevoy, Jean Brusselmans: CR établi par Mme G. Brys-Schatan, 1972, 421.IV In 1936, the French-language premiere of the monodrama Erwartung by Arnold Schoenberg was organized in the Palais des Beaux Arts in Brussels. And it was Jean Brusselmans who was commissioned with the design of the sets. In “Decor for Erwartung” we see the study for the 4th scene of the drama. During this scene the female protagonist, who is desperately on search for her lover, encounters a road in the middle of the forest. To her horror, she can only discover his lifeless body by the edge of a lonely house. Brusselmans’ typical painting style, where he grabs back to simplicity and clearly alienated figures, remarkably makes it easier to visualize how the sets must have looked during the actual play. It gives the viewer an endless source of imagination. Together with the history behind the work it makes an absolute masterpiece of “Decor for Erwartung’.
Univers du Bronze
Auguste Rodin (Paris 1840-1917 Meudon) Saint John the Baptist preaching, cast in 1899 Bronze, richly dark brown patina H 19.6 x W 12.5 x D 5.3 cm Reduction n° 3 (1/10 of original size) Signed Rodin and marked 'Thiebaut frères, Fumière et Gavignot Successeurs' Edition of 4 (in this size) Provenance: Knoedler and Co collection; sale Sotheby’s New York (6 October 1989) Lifetime cast signed 'Rodin', old cast and edition by Thiébaut with the engraved mark 'Thiebaut frères, Fumière et Gavignot Successeurs' (purchase of the funds and Thiébaut rights by Fumière et Gavignot in 1898). This example is probably the first, maybe the second of an edition of 4 cast in 1899 (prime account from 4 February to 9 December 1899), stamped '200' under the base (sale price 200 frs?) and engraved '4' (number of casts?) Rodin began work on his Saint John the Baptist in 1878, while conceiving La Porte de l’Enfer, the monumental project from which some of his most celebrated sculptures would emerge, including Le Penseur, Le Baiser and Ugolino. The inspiration came from his encounter with an Italian model, César Pignatelli, known as Bevilacqua, whose powerful physique and expressive features immediately struck the sculptor. Rodin recognised in him the image of Saint John the Baptist: a man of nature, a visionary and a prophet. This encounter marked the beginning of a collaboration lasting over twenty years, during which Pignatelli became one of Rodin’s favourite models. The original plaster was conceived larger than life, exceeding two metres in height, and exhibited at the Salon in 1880. The following year, the bronze version was presented and subsequently acquired by the French State. In 1898, Rodin signed an edition contract with Fumières et Cie, leading to the production of three reduced versions measuring 80, 50 and 20 cm. The present Saint John the Baptist belongs to the rarest, third-scale version, of which only four examples were produced: two in 1899 and two in 1903. Its simple engraved foundry inscription, rather than a stamp, suggests that it may be the earliest cast. Through the exceptional finesse of its modelling and chiselling, the sculpture recalls the splendour of Renaissance bronzes. Depicted nude and stripped of his traditional attributes, Saint John embodies the prophet’s asceticism. His raised finger evokes his preaching in the desert, while Rodin’s powerful interpretation and striking musculature give the figure an unprecedented expressive force. A seminal work of modern sculpture, Saint John the Baptist profoundly influenced later generations of artists, notably Alberto Giacometti, whose studio contained numerous books, postcards and photographs documenting his fascination with Rodin’s masterpiece.
Grusenmeyer-Woliner
Power figure (Nkisi) Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kongo, Mayombe region, late 19th century Wood, seeds, beads, metal, glass, and plant fibers (raffia) H 24.5 cm H 29.5 cm (including base) Provenance: Mathias Komor Gallery, New York, USA, 1960s; Elliot Picket (by 1974); Aaron and Joyce Furman, New-York, USA; Daniel Hourdé, Paris; Galerie Alain de Monbrison, Paris Publication: Picket, Elliot, 'L’art Africain congloméré', Arts d’Afrique noire, n° 10, Summer 1974, n° 19, p. 33 Standing just 24.5 cm tall, this exceptional female nkisi from the Mayombe region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo possesses a presence far greater than its size suggests. Its piercing, wide-open eyes, finely modelled features and harmonious proportions reveal the remarkable quality of the carving, while the striking accumulation of black seeds surrounding the body adds to the intensity of its beautifully balanced composition. In Kongo tradition, nkisi figures were created to protect, heal and mediate between the visible and invisible worlds. Activated by a nganga, a ritual specialist and healer, they embodied spiritual forces believed to influence human life. This female figure, with her hands holding her breasts, evokes fertility, motherhood and the continuity of the lineage, while also fulfilling a protective function. At the centre of her abdomen, a mirror conceals a ritual cavity containing bilongo, a potent combination of plant, mineral and animal substances. The mirror establishes a symbolic connection with the spirit world, while the small cowrie shell adorning her forehead evokes prosperity and fertility. What makes this sculpture particularly compelling is the exceptional preservation of its ritual attributes. The abdominal receptacle, its mirror and ritual contents have survived, offering valuable insight into the figure's original spiritual function. Its richly layered, time-worn patina, thick and encrusted in places, bears witness to its ritual history. Equally fascinating are the numerous glossy black seeds, probably from a tropical vine of the Dioclea genus, which have survived along with the cords securing them. Combining sculptural refinement, spiritual significance and a rich assemblage of preserved ritual elements, this intimate yet commanding figure stands as a remarkable testament to the artistic traditions of the Mayombe region.
Douwes Fine Art b.v.
Jeronimus van Diest (The Hague, 1631-1684) Herring busses under the protection of 'Men of War', circa 1652-1654 Oil on canvas 105.5 x 161 cm Monogrammed ‘I VD’ on the barrel bottom right Provenance: Baron van Dedem collection, The Netherlands; M. Wolff Gallery, Amsterdam, before 1940; private collection, The Netherlands; Hoogsteder Gallery, The Hague, 1991; Inder Rieden collection, since 1991 Literature: Gerlinde de Beer, 'The Golden Age of Dutch Marine Painting-The Inder Rieden Collection', edited by Charles Dumas, Primavera Pers, Leiden 2019, Catalogue II, n° 43, pp. 682-694; Charles Dumas, Gerlinde de Beer, 'In de ban van de zee-De Gouden Eeuw van de Nederlandse marineschilderkunst', De Inder Rieden Collectie, Museum Bredius, 2019, Wilco, Amersfoort, The Netherlands, n° 60, ill. in colour; E. Buijsen, in: Buijsen/Ekkart/Dumas 1998, p. 121, fig. 3 in colour Exhibitions: De Inder Rieden Collectie, Museum Bredius, 2019, n° 60, ill. in colour
Galerie Jean-François Cazeau
Victor Vasarely (Pecs 1908-1997 Paris) EG-2, 1965 Acrylic on canvas 160 x 160 cm Signed in the centre Countersigned, titled and dated on the reverse Certificate of authenticity issued by Pierre Vasarely dated 26 July 2020 Provenance: the artist’s studio; Galerie Denise René, Paris; private collection, France
Marty de Cambiaire
Hans Rottenhammer (Munich 1564-1625 Augsburg) Minerva and the Muses, 1606 Oil on copper 32.8 x 39.4 cm Signed with a monogram and dated '1606/ HR' on the rock, centre right Provenance: said to have belonged to the Earl of Roseberry, Mentmore, Buckinghamshire; private collection, Danbury, Connecticut; Jean-Luc Baroni Ltd., London, 2011; Charles Petit collection, London, 2011; Sotheby’s, London, 8 July 2015, lot 39; private collection Literature: Bernard Aikema, in 'Hans Rottenhammer', exhibition catalogue, Munich, 2004, p. 38, repr. fig. 55; Jean-Luc Baroni, 'Master Paintings at the Tefaf Art and Antiques Fair', cat. 2011, n° 8 Painted on copper, signed and dated 1606 by Hans Rottenhammer, this work captivates through its delicate execution, distinctive palette and refined subject matter. It brings together two formative influences on the artist: the northern landscape tradition, absorbed through his association with Paul Bril and Jan Brueghel the Elder and evident in the finely delineated foliage and blue atmosphere of the distance; and Venetian culture, which provided the inspiration for the subject, notably through the work of Tintoretto. The subject of the painting, variously described in the sources as 'The Muses Tuning Their Instruments' or 'The Concert of the Muses', reflects Rottenhammer’s broad artistic culture and his familiarity with courtly life. The variety of instruments and the open mouth of the singing putto in the foreground convey the presence of sound within the image. Yet the painter also seems intent on suggesting his knowledge of music through the means proper to his own art: the harmonies and nuances of colour, the correspondences between the figures and the movements of their arms invite us to see the composition as a pictorial rendering of musical harmony. Rottenhammer frequently depicted the Muses and the arts, contributing to the development of an iconographic programme intended to elevate the status of artists.
Galerie Jean-François Cazeau
Niki de Saint Phalle (Neuilly-sur-Seine 1930-2002 La Jolla, USA) La Force (Strength), 1987 Painted polyester resin 35 x 53.3 x 29.2 cm Edition of 10, numbered 3/10 Artist's signature and number '3/10 Niki de Saint Phalle' (on a plaque fixed at the bottom) Provenance: the artist's studio; Gallery Gimpel Fils, Londres; private collection, acquired in 1989; private collection, France
Galerie Berès
Henri Hayden (Warschau 1883-1970 Paris) Le banjo, circa 1920 Gouache on paper 28 x 36.7 cm Signed lower left 'Hayden' Certificate of authenticity inued by Pierre Célice dated 15 April 2012 This work will be included in the forthcoming Henri Hayden catalogue raisonné currently in preparation Literature: Henri Hayden (1883-1970), Bibliothèque Polonaise de Paris, 12 June-12 July 2013, p. 28 Exhibition: Henri Hayden, Soixante ans de peinture 1908-1968, Musée National d'Art Moderne de Paris, 3 May-2 June 1968
Lemaire
Japanese and Chinese porcelain potpourri Kangxi and Edo periods, circa 1760-1770 Porcelain mounted in gilt-bronze H 23 x Ø 16 cm The piece is composed of two distinct sections. The circular Japanese porcelain base is decorated with a vegetal motif and set within a finely chased gilt-bronze mount, from which rise three small feet. Above, three Chinese biscuit porcelain dogs support a globular potpourri vessel, surmounted by a flower-form finial in porcelain. This work is typical of the marchands-merciers active in Paris during the second half of the 18th century.
Galerie Cento Anni
Philippe Wolfers (Brussels, 1858-1929) Salomé Drapée, 1928 Bonze and marble base H 52.5 x W 49.5 x D 17.5 cm Signed 'Ph. Wolfers' Bears the foundry mark Montagutelli Provenance: Wolfers' family Literature: Werner Adriaenssens and Raf Steel, The Wolfers Dynasty, p. 426, n° 324 Exhibitions: Antwerp, 1929; Ghent, 1979
Repetto Gallery
Christo (Gabrovo 1935-2020 New York) and Jeanne-Claude (Casablanca 1935-2009 New York) The Pont Neuf, Wrapped (Project for Paris), 1985 Graphite, charcoal pastel, wax crayon, fabric, photograph collage on cardboard mounted on a stretcher 144.5 x 165 cm Upper element: 38 x 165 cm Lower element 106.5 x 165 cm Signed, dated and titled lower on the upper element The artwork’s details have been reviewed and confirmed by the Foundation Christo and Jeanne-Claude Provenance: Michael Cullen, London; Deutsche Bank collection, Frankfurt (acquired from the above in 1985)
DIE GALERIE
Christian Dotremont (Tervuren, 1922-1979) Zyzzling aardvark, 1972 Indian ink on Japanese paper 98 x 61 cm Signed and dated lower right 'Dotremont 1972' Titled lower left 'Zyzzling aardvark' Provenance: private collection Exhibition: Pierre Alechinsky and his artist friends, DIE GALERIE, Frankfurt am Main, 2025
Herwig Simons Fine Arts
Door lock with Christ and the Twelve Apostles Germany, 17th century Provenance: former private collection, Belgium Finely crafted 17th-century door lock, featuring an elaborate openwork design depicting Christ and the Twelve Apostles. The lock retains its original key and the lock is in good working order. A fascinating example of 17th-century decorative ironwork, combining historical significance religious iconography, and intricate craftsmanship.
Pauline Janssen
Art Deco diamond bracelet, circa 1920 Set with old European cut diamonds. Estimated total diamond weight approximately 18.00-20.00 carats. Estimated centre diamond weight approximately 1.80 carats. Estimated weight of the two side diamonds approximately 1.50 carats each. Estimated total weight of the small diamonds approximately 0.75 carats. Estimated colour of the diamonds is K-L-M and estimated clarity is VS-SI. Diamonds are bright & lively.
Alexis Lartigue
Max Ernst (Brühl 1891-1976 Paris) Paysage, 1964 Tempera and pencil on paper 8.4 x 15.5 cm Signed ‘Max’ below right Provenance: estate of the artist; Galerie Bel’Art, Stockholm; Sotheby’s sale, London; private collection, New York; collection of Dr. Arthur Brandt, New York; Sotheby’s sale, New York; private collection, Paris Literature: Spies, Werner. Max Ernst Oeuvre-Katalog, Werke 1964-1969, Cologne, 2007, n° 4095, ill. p. 127 Exhibitions: Stockholm, Galerie Bel'Art, Max Ernst, Retrospective, 1979; Boone, Turchin Center for the Arts, The Omnipotent Dream: Man Ray, Confluences and Influences, 2003, ill. in the catalogue p. 23, listed p. 35; Ithaca, Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art, A Private Eye: Dada, Surrealism and More from the Brandt Collection, 2006, illustrated in the catalogue p. 47
