In a move that's set to redefine the art world in Paris, Sotheby's is preparing to open the doors of its new flagship building at 83 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré on October 12, 2024. This historic moment for the auction house in France will be marked by a series of exceptional exhibitions and sales, showcasing masterpieces unseen for decades and celebrating the centenary of Surrealism.
Courtesy of Sotheby's
The new Sotheby's Paris headquarters, designed to be both elegant and innovative, will feature a grand atrium adorned with a playful 'mobile' chandelier by artist Hubert Le Gall. Visitors will also be able to enjoy a café and restaurant run by rising culinary talent Gaetan Thibert, as well as an exclusive wine cellar offering rare and sought-after vintages. Mario Tavella, President of Sotheby's France and Chairman of Sotheby's Europe, expresses his enthusiasm: "Our new building in Paris is the fruit of our past success and an emblem of our belief in this extraordinary city. It's an irresistible feature in the cultural landscape of Paris."
The inaugural program will bring together an extraordinary range of masterworks and collections, with a combined value of over €300 million - the highest total ever assembled under one auction house roof in Paris. One of the highlights is "Jubilation," a collection of six masterpieces by Jean Dubuffet and Lucio Fontana, unseen for over 30 years. The star of this collection is Dubuffet's "Francis Ponge Jubilation" (1947), estimated at €5-7 million, which exemplifies the artist's radical use of materials like tar, sand, and asphalt.
Another significant offering is Paul Gauguin's "Le Jardin de Pissarro" (1881), considered the most important work by the artist to appear on the French market in over 25 years. This early masterpiece also features two of Gauguin's earliest self-portraits on the reverse, adding to its historical importance. In celebration of Surrealism's 100th anniversary, Sotheby's will present a major sale spotlighting great women artists of the movement, including Leonor Fini, Kay Sage, and Dorothea Tanning. The sale will also feature iconic gouaches by René Magritte, André Masson, and Diego Rivera, created for the covers of the legendary Surrealist magazine Minotaure.
Lucio Fontana, Maschera, 1948© Art Digital Studio, Paris
3Jean Dubuffet,Visiteur au Chapeau Bleu, 1955© Art Digital Studio, Paris
Paul Gauguin, Le Jardin de Pissarro, Quai du Pothuis à Pontoise (1881)
A non-selling exhibition titled "Excellence à la Française" will celebrate the best of French artistry and craftsmanship over the last millennium. This showcase will span various categories, from French furniture and design to silverware, wine, watches, and fine art. In a groundbreaking move, Sotheby's will host the first-ever auction dedicated solely to the work of Joseph Beuys. This sale will feature around 30 works from the personal collection of Jörg Schellmann, a close friend and collaborator of the artist. Alongside these exceptional exhibits, Sotheby's will also present "LDN-PAR," an assemblage of masterpieces by leading international figures such as Wassily Kandinsky, Francis Bacon, and Jean-Michel Basquiat, all available for private sale.
Marie-Anne Ginoux, Managing Director of Sotheby's Paris, draws parallels between the new space and Sotheby's vision: "The building's illustrious past as the home of the ground-breaking Bernheim-Jeune gallery speaks to Sotheby's long tradition of championing great art. Its open, luminous facades speak to our active engagement with collectors and enthusiasts."
This spectacular opening program not only showcases Sotheby's commitment to the Paris art market but also highlights the city's enduring importance in the global art scene. As the art world eagerly anticipates the unveiling of this new cultural destination, it's clear that Sotheby's Paris is poised to offer an unparalleled experience for art lovers and collectors alike.
Exhibition Details:
- Jubilation: A Private Collection
- Modernités Sale
- Surrealism and Its Legacy
- Excellence à la Française
- Joseph Beuys: The Schellmann Collection
- LDN-PAR Private Selling Exhibition
Dates: October 12-24, 2024
Location: 83 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Paris
Open to the public: Daily, 10 AM - 6 PM
Admission: Free
For more information and to register for the auctions, please visit sothebys.com.
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