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COLNAGHI
Robert Mapplethorpe (New York 1946-1989 Boston) Female torso, 1978 Silver gelatin photograph 50.8 x 40.6 cm Made in 1978, the photograph belongs to a life-long dialogue in Mapplethorpe’s work between photography and sculpture. The subject would later serve as the opening image of his 1989 volume Some Women, where its classical reference establishes a point of comparison for the contemporary women portrayed in the book. The photograph was produced in an edition of ten. Impressions of the image are held in major public collections, including the J. Paul Getty Museum and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. The documented provenance of this impression begins with the Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation in New York, from which it passed into a private collection in Belgium.
MassModernDesign
Jorge Zalszupin (Warschau 1922-2020 São Paulo) L'Atelier, Brazil 1959 Bergere chair Hardwood, fabric H 92 x W 83 x D 93 cm This exceptional Bergère armchair perfectly embodies the essence of Jorge Zalszupin’s design philosophy. A masterful interplay of organic forms, contrasting materials and outstanding craftsmanship, the chair combines beautifully sculpted wooden armrests with refined upholstery and luxurious textures in a remarkably harmonious composition. The contrast between the warm brown suede, textured ivory fabric and richly grained wood highlights Zalszupin’s sophisticated approach to materials and his great attention to detail. Every curve, joint and transition has been carefully considered, reflecting the fine woodworking skills and uncompromising standards of quality that defined his workshop, L’Atelier. More than simply a comfortable armchair, this rare 1959 design is a sculptural expression of Brazilian modernism, bringing together elegance, innovation and traditional craftsmanship in a single, harmonious creation. It remains in excellent condition, a rare occurrence for a piece of this age.
Brun Fine Art
James Cox (London 1723-1800 Watford) and Charles Magniac (Bedford 1786-1824 Paris) Coffer, circa 1760 Gilt bronze and glass painted in imitation of agate, pearls and precious stones 15.8 x 24.5 x 19 cm Engraved 'C3' on the inside front edge Expertise by Enrico Colle Literature: E. Colle, Enrico Colle, Brueghel: the Spirit of Collecting. Paintings. Sculptures. Wonders., Milan, 2026, pp. 294-299 Exhibitions: Brun Fine Art and De Jonckheere, Brueghel: the Spirit of Collecting. Paintings. Sculptures. Wonders., Milan, 2026
Epoque Fine Jewels
Van Cleef & Arpels Art Deco bracelet, circa 1925 Platinum and diamonds Total diamond weight: approx. 30 ct Signed Van Cleef & Arpels and numbered The rhythmic, continuous wave motif creates a strong sense of movement and symmetry, characteristic of the refined geometric elegance of the Art Deco period. The dynamic repetition of the wave forms evokes the era’s fascination with speed, progress and technological innovation, reflecting the visual language of the Machine Age, in which streamlined motion and modern engineering inspired both architecture and the decorative arts. This impression of forward movement is reinforced by the uninterrupted horizontal flow of the design, giving the bracelet a distinctly modern and energetic presence. Executed in platinum, the bracelet displays exceptional craftsmanship and meticulous stone setting, allowing maximum brilliance while preserving the lightness of the openwork structure. The scroll-like abstraction of natural forms into repeating patterns exemplifies the Art Deco ideal of transforming organic movement into elegant modern geometry.
Rueb Modern and Contemporary Art
Alighiero Boetti (Turin 1940-1994 Rome) Cinque x Cinque Venticinque, 1988 Embroidery 21 x 22 cm Signed and inscribed n° 82769 on the reverse Certificate of authenticity issued by the Archive Boetti n° 10891 dated May 2026 Provenance: kunsthandel E.J, van Wisselingh & Co, Haarlem, the Netherlands
Heutink Ikonen
Year Icon (Menologion) Russia, late 19th century Egg tempera on gesso on linen-covered wood 35.5 x 30.5 cm Provenance: private collection, Germany This beautifully painted year icon (menologion) brings together the entire Orthodox liturgical year in a single composition. The twelve months are divided into separate sections, each depicting the saints and feast days commemorated throughout the calendar year. At the centre of the composition is the Anastasis (the Resurrection of Christ), surrounded by scenes relating to the Church’s movable feasts, including the Ascension and Pentecost, as well as scenes from Christ’s Passion. Along the edge are numerous venerated images of the Mother of God - each associated with its own feast day in the church year. This icon stands out for its unusually compact size. Despite its modest dimensions, the painter has succeeded in incorporating an exceptionally extensive iconographic programme without compromising on clarity or refinement. Hundreds of figures, scenes and inscriptions are depicted with remarkable precision and virtuosity. Thanks to its good preservation, even the smallest of details remain clearly visible.
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
HELENE BAILLY MARCILHAC
Pierre-Auguste Renoir (Limoges 1841-1919 Cagnes-sur-Mer) Les colettes à Cagnes Oil on canvas 27 x 46 cm Signed lower right 'Renoir' This work will be included in the forthcoming digital catalogue raisonné currently in preparation by the Wildenstein Plattner Institute. Notice of inclusion dated 14 March 2000
Kunsthaus Kende
Bikō Hayashi (Akita, 1937) Kin-Gin-Dō Mokume-gane vase 'Hyotan', 2024 Fine gold, fine silver, copper H 18 cm Signed by the artist below and on the accompanying tomobako (wooden box) Provenance: the artist's personal collection Exhibition: featured in April 2026 at the solo exhibition 'Bikō Hayashi-Gold, Silver, and Copper Mokume-gane: Cultural Property Exhibition' in Akita Japanese metal artist Bikō Hayashi is one of the foremost representatives of contemporary Japanese metalwork. Combining the centuries-old tradition of kōgei with a modern sculptural language, he is renowned for his mastery of tankin, the art of shaping metal through hammering. A defining achievement of his career is the rediscovery of Kin-Gin-Dō Mokume-gane (gold, silver and copper wood-grain metal), a highly complex technique dating back to the early Edo period. Once used to decorate samurai swords and armour, this craft was almost entirely lost with the decline of the samurai class. After more than four decades of research, Hayashi succeeded in reconstructing its traditional methods and metal compositions, bringing this remarkable art form back to life and adapting it for contemporary sculptures and vessels. In recognition of his contribution, he was designated a custodian of intangible cultural heritage by Akita Prefecture. The Hyōtan, or bottle gourd, is a traditional Japanese symbol associated with fertility, prosperity, longevity and protection. Its distinctive shape represents the preservation of happiness and positive energy.
Galeria Jordi Pascual
Fernand Léger (Argentan 1881-1955 Gif-sur-Yvette) Paysage animé, 1937 Oil on canvas 92.1 x 60 cm Provenance: Galerie Simon, Paris; Galerie Louise Leiris, Paris; Kunsthalle Bern; Marlborough Gallery, London; Saidenberg Gallery, New York; Michelle Rosenfeld Gallery, New York; Nierendorf Gallery, New York; Samuel Berger, New York; private collection Literature: Cooper, Douglas, Fernand Léger et le nouvel espace, Lund Humphries / Éditions des Trois Collines, 1949, p. 130; Bauquier, Georges, Fernand Léger: Catalogue raisonné 1932-1937, 1996, pp. 238-39, fig. 938 Exhibitions: San Francisco Museum of Art, Art of Our Time, 1935-1945, 1945, cat. p. 33, fig. 39; Marlborough Gallery, London, Selected European Masters of the 19th and 20th Centuries, 1973, cat. pp. 78-79, fig. 39; Stad Mechelen, Cultureel Centrum, Belgium, Fernand Léger, 1979, fig. 60; Museo de Arte Contemporáneo, Caracas, Fernand Léger, 1982, cat. p. 74, fig. 46; Whitechapel Art Gallery, London, Fernand Léger: The Later Years, 1987-1988, cat. p. 19, fig. 21; Staatsgalerie, Stuttgart. Fernand Léger: Zeichnungen, Bilder, Zyklen, 1930-1955, 1988, cat. p. 190, fig. 21; Michelle Rosenfeld Gallery, Léger: America’s Culture, 1998, cat. fig. 18; Fundació Joan Miró, Fernand Léger, 2002, cat. p. 129; Marlborough Fine Art, London, Jacques Lipchitz and the School of Paris, 2023 This work captures the playful lyricism characteristic of this period, as well as the artist’s distinctive approach to colour, form, and composition. 'Paysage animé' encapsulates the duality at the heart of Léger’s artistic vision: the dynamism of modern life, counterbalanced by figurative elements that reaffirm the importance of nature. His distinctive Tubist style evolves as the landscape becomes an increasingly important subject of exploration. Plant-like forms and bold colors interact in a dynamic composition that balances figuration and abstraction. Created during a particularly prolific year, 'Paysage animé' exemplifies Léger’s enduring contribution to twentieth-century art.
Galerie Jean-François Cazeau
Yayoi Kusama (Matsumoto 1929-2026 Tokyo) Uchu/Universe, 1994 Acrylic on canvas 91 x 73 cm Signed, titled and dated in Japanese on the reverse 'Yayoi Kusama 1994' This work is registered in the Archives of Yayoi Kusama Studio as n° 1518 Provenance: Ota Fine Art, Tokyo; private collection Sotheby’s London, 2022, lot 318; acquired by the current owner at Sotheby’s London; private collection, France
Waddington Custot
Jean Hélion (Couterne, Rives-d'Andaine 1904–1987 Paris) Homme au chapeau, 1943 Oil on canvas 58.1 x 43.1 cm Signed and dated on reverse ‘Hélion va 43’ This work is recorded in the online catalogue raisonné de l’oeuvre peint de Jean Hélion, n° 876 (http://www.helion-cat-rais.com/moteur/pop.php?id=1216) Provenance: John Ashbery, New York (directly from the artist); Connaught Brown, London Exhibitions: ‘Jean Hélion’, Spencer A. Samuels & Co., Ltd, New York, 7 April–22 May 1976, catalogue no. 8 (repro. In b&w); ‘Works from the Collection of John Ashbery’, Kasmin Gallery, New York, 1 November–22 December 2018; ‘Regards croisés’, Waddington Custot, Paris, 11 June–26 September 2026
Galerie Boulakia
Hans Hartung (Leipzig 1904-1989 Antibes) T-1972-H5, 1972 Acrylic on canvas 65 x 92 cm Signed and dated lower right This work is registered in the Archives of the Fondation Hans Hartung & Anna-Eva Bergman under n° T 1972-H5, and will be included in the forthcoming catalogue raisonné currently in preparation Provenance: Galerie Maeght, Zurich, 1973; private collection, Geneva Literature: Peter Althaus, Hans Hartung Peintures récentes, Exhibition catalogue for Galerie Maeght, Zurich, 1973 Exhibition: Hans Hartung Peintures récentes, Galerie Maeght, Zurich, 1973
Galerie Nicolas Bourriaud
Emile Monier (Paris, 1883-1970) Bust of a Peulh woman, 1930 Fine Swedish granite H 65.5 x W 43 x D 30.5 cm Signed ‘EMILE MONIER’, dated ‘1930’ and titled ‘KOUMBO’ Unique piece Provenance: private collection, France Exhibitions: Société coloniale des artistes français, 1930, n° 101; Office privée des colonies, 34 rue Pasquier, Paris 8th arrondissement, until 19 December 1930
Willow Gallery
Georges Mathieu (Boulogne-sur-Mer 1921-2012 Boulogne-Billancourt) Forêts attentives, 1989 Alkyd on canvas 147 x 115 cm Signed and inscribed on the reverse Certificate of authenticity issued by Mr. Jean-Marie Cusinberche Provenance: Galerie Guy Pieters, Belgium; private collection, Brussels; private collection, Savoie; sale, Maison R&C, France, 17 July 2021, lot 93; private collection, Europe
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.