Two days were devoted to a sale evoking modern and contemporary sensibilities, from the transcendence of the Dutch master to the imagination of Picasso and the energy of street art.
Geer Van Velde (1898-1977), Composition, c. 1951, oil on canvas, signed on the bottom right and on the back, 60 x 73 cm (23.6 x 28.7 in).
Result: €36,909
In his final years, looking back on his career, Geer Van Velde said: "I have tried all my life to paint light. I strive to reach the very sources of light. This light is something spiritual: an absolute concept as well as the space I want to paint." His Composition of c. 1951 distinctly illustrates this quest, with its luminous palette and vibrant volumes, and duly garnered €36,909. It is worth noting that the work, listed as No. 118 in the Geer Van Velde Archives by Pierre-François Moget, will soon be included in the artist's catalogue raisonné, currently being prepared by this specialist.
Next, at €20,320, a buyer carried off a small Fish by Pablo Picasso: a sculpture in wood highlighted in pencil (3.4 x 10 x 1.6 cm/1.3 x 3.9 x 0.6 in). The history of its provenance also made it a fine catch, as the artist gave it to Gérard, the son of Inès and Gustave Sassier, who worked for Picasso from 1937 to 1970. The artwork was accompanied by a certificate from Maya Picasso, dated October 7, 2007.
In terms of street art, the French artist Mr. Brainwash dominated the picture rails with Never Give Up, a mixed media on paper signed on the back (128 x 98 cm/50.4 x 38.6 in). Sold with a certificate from the artist, it fetched €22,733.
Print the article
