Rayan Bamhayan, Courtesy Sotheby’sA remarkable private art collection is poised to achieve a significant milestone in the London auction scene, with estimates exceeding £200 million. This figure represents the highest valuation ever placed on a single-owner collection at auction in Europe.
The esteemed Lewis Collection, comprising 48 exceptional pieces, is currently on display at Sotheby’s ahead of its auction on June 24th. The collection boasts a curated selection of works from titans of modern art, including Gustav Klimt, Lucian Freud, and Francis Bacon.
Among the highlights is Amedeo Modigliani’s provocative 1917 nude, “Nu assis au collier.” This piece famously caused a scandal that led to the closure of its exhibition on its opening day and is now anticipated to command a price upwards of £45 million. Remarkably, the painting has not been publicly exhibited in the UK since 1938.
Oliver Barker, Sotheby’s European Chairman, commented on the collection’s impact, noting that many of the featured works “sent shockwaves through the art world and polite society” during their initial unveiling.
PA MediaFurther notable entries include Lucian Freud’s “Sleeping by the Lion Carpet,” with an estimated value between £25 million and £35 million, and Edgar Degas’ exquisite sculpture “Petite Danseuse de quatorze ans,” expected to fetch up to £25 million.
The collection also features seven works by Pablo Picasso, including his striking 1938 portrait “Buste de femme,” which carries an estimate of £12 million to £18 million.
René Magritte’s enigmatic 1965 piece “La belle promenade” and Francis Bacon’s intense 1976 painting “Study for Portrait” are also set to be presented at auction.
PA MediaBarker elaborated on the significance of the artworks, stating, “This group of works brings together some of the most powerful, most revolutionary, and most beautiful achievements in 20th-century figurative art.”
He continued, “Having witnessed the Lewises build this collection with such care and passion over the years, it is a privilege to now see these works presented together.”
The exhibition, titled “Masterworks from the Lewis Collection,” is open to the public at Sotheby’s London until June 23rd, with the auction scheduled for June 24th and 25th.
Business Style Takeaway: The record-breaking potential of the Lewis Collection underscores the enduring value and cultural cachet of iconic 20th-century art. For global businesses and luxury brands, understanding the provenance, historical context, and artistic significance of such collections offers insight into the mindset of high-net-worth individuals and the cultural trends that drive significant investment and aspiration.
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