Lots Highlights | Pierre Soulages' Masterpiece to Dazzle the Market at Bonhams London
"A good painter needs only three colors: black, white and red." — Titian, Italian Painter.
The art market of 2020 is already well in full vigor with a new round of auctions. Following Sotheby's, Christie's and Phillips London auctions earlier in the year, Bonhams is welcoming its Post-War & Contemporary Art Sale. The auction is scheduled at 4 pm on March 12th, and will feature 35 sublime artworks by 30 artists. ArtPro is proud to present you some of the highlights of this auction.
Pierre Soulages' Abstract Masterpiece - Crown Jewels of the Auction
The abstract masterpiece Painting 128.5 x 128.5 cm, December 16, 1959 is the crown jewels of the auction and has caught the attention of collectors worldwide. This painting represents one of the most creative and distinguished periods of the French master Pierre Soulages' long and productive career. This is the first time this artwork is offered in the market, and leading the action estimated at 5,500,000 - 7,500,000 pounds.
Pierre Soulages is one of the most important representatives of the French Abstract Movement, known for the minimalist style of his works. His preferred tools include rakes, painting knife, and brushes. Black is the most frequently used color, at times in combination with brown or cobalt blue.
The item to be auctioned, Painting 128.5 x 128.5 cm, December 16, 1959, is most notable for its arresting usage of the red and black palette, a rare masterpiece of the artist. The deep crimson background contrasts and submerges with the black in the center with saturated layers of paint emitting intense emotions. The blending colors show influence from oriental water colors, while the dramatic contrasting colors represent rich and free flowing emotions.
The layers of colors hide the artist's nuanced emotions. Soulages uses colors to craft rich and unique textures that give off a glorious sequence of colors under the light. This piece of art also has a sister paining from 1960 that is hosted at the permanent collection at the Art Institute of Chicago.
Ralph Taylor, the Global Head of Post-War & Contemporary Art Department of Bonhams says:
A radiant and captivating work of exceptional mastery, Painting 128.5 x 128.5 cm, December 16, 1959 is perfectly proportioned and comes from one of the most decisive and productive periods of Soulages' long career. The work is a testament to the outstandingly balanced and dynamic surfaces that typify his practice. It comes fresh to market from a distinguished princely collection and is one of the most important paintings by the artist ever to come to the market.
Another Soulages Artwork Ranks Second Highest in Valuation.
Painting 65 x 92 cm, February 9, 1960, fetching the second-highest estimated bid price of this auction, is also created by Pierre Soulage. This 65 x 95cm oil painting is predominantly black and has been exhibited several times in the past.
Soulages is famous for his usage of the color black, and is widely known as "the painter of black and light." His masterful usage of the color reflects a richness of nuances off his artwork. These dark colors on canvas create an extraordinary visual feast to the audience.
Pierre Soulages' works are being exhibited and collected by hundreds of museums worldwide, including the National Gallery of Art in the US and the Centre Pompidou in Paris. In 2019, many international museums and galleries held Soulages exhibitions celebrating his centennial, showcasing his importance to the art world and history. We eagerly expect the performance of Soulages artwork in the market in 2020.
Other Selected Lots
This auction also features works by outstanding masters, including Lucio Fontana, Wifredo Lam, Keith Haring, Yayoi Kusama, David Hockney, and Robert Rauschenberg.
Out of the 35 pieces of artworks, four are by Lucio Fontana, with his bronze statue Space Concept, Nature having the highest evaluation. Although Fontana is most renowned for his "cuts" or slashed paintings, as the son of a sculptor, he frequently uses various materials in his creations. This classic sculpture is also the third-highest estimated piece in the auction.
Wifredo Lam, a Surrealism representative from Cuba, is deeply influenced by Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse. His work The Twins, II reflects Cubism influences, with an aura of a mystery being presented by the images on burlap.
Keith Haring, who is known for his unique graffiti-like artwork, has created some of the most unique iconographic in the latter part of the 20th century. The work on auction is one of his most renowned - the Barking Dog. For more details of lots, please click to enter the special auction.