20th/21st Century: London Evening Sale
Lucian Michael Freud was a British painter and draughtsman, specialising in figurative art, and is known as one of the foremost 20th-century English portraitists. He was born in Berlin, the son of Jewish architect Ernst L. Freud and the grandson of Sigmund Freud. Freud got his first name "Lucian" from his mother in memory of the ancient writer Lucian of Samosata. His family moved to England in 1933 to escape the rise of Nazism. From 1942 to 1943 he attended Goldsmiths College, London. He served at sea with the British Merchant Navy during the Second World War.
Lucian Michael Freud was a British painter and draughtsman, specialising in figurative art, and is known as one of the foremost 20th-century English portraitists. He was born in Berlin, the son of Jewish architect Ernst L. Freud and the grandson of Sigmund Freud. Freud got his first name "Lucian" from his mother in memory of the ancient writer Lucian of Samosata. His family moved to England in 1933 to escape the rise of Nazism. From 1942 to 1943 he attended Goldsmiths College, London. He served at sea with the British Merchant Navy during the Second World War.
Pablo Ruiz Picasso, a Spanish artist renowned for his revolutionary contributions to the 20th-century art scene, is a figure that resonates profoundly with collectors and art experts. His unique blend of talents in painting, sculpture, printmaking, and ceramic art, infused with his time in France, positioned him as a pivotal character in modern art history.
Picasso's artistic journey was marked by distinct periods, each showcasing his evolving style and genius. His early years were characterized by the Blue Period (1901-1904), followed by the Rose Period (1904-1906), and then the African-influenced Period (1907-1909). Picasso's name is synonymous with Cubism, a movement he co-founded, which significantly altered artistic perspectives and methods. Works like "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon" (1907) and "Guernica" (1937) are emblematic of his cubist legacy, the latter being a poignant anti-war statement that remains influential.
His later years saw a return to more traditional styles, with neoclassical and surrealist influences becoming evident. Works from these phases reflect a deep engagement with mythological themes, as seen in "Faun with Stars" (1955), symbolizing his late-life romance with Jacqueline Roque, his second wife.
Picasso's prolific output and innovative spirit made him a legend in his own time, a status that only grew after his death. His works, housed in major museums and private collections worldwide, continue to captivate and inspire.
As a collector or expert in art and antiques, staying informed about Picasso's works, their auction events, and sales is essential. To stay updated on the latest developments and opportunities related to Pablo Picasso, sign up for our specialized updates. Rest assured, this subscription will focus solely on new product sales and auction events pertaining to Picasso's art, ensuring that you receive only the most relevant and valuable information.
Alexander Calder was an American artist celebrated for his revolutionary contributions to modern sculpture, including his invention of the mobile. Born into a family of artists on July 22, 1898, in Lawnton, Pennsylvania, and passing away on November 11, 1976, in New York, Calder harnessed his background in mechanical engineering to create kinetic sculptures that moved with air currents, alongside his monumental stationary sculptures known as "stabiles".
Calder's early life was marked by his creation of toys and various objects, showcasing his inherent talent and creativity from a young age. Despite initially pursuing a career in mechanical engineering, Calder's true calling in the arts was undeniable. He moved to New York City, where he enrolled at the Art Students League, laying the groundwork for his iconic artistic style. In 1926, Calder relocated to Paris, which became a pivotal moment in his career, leading to the creation of "Calder's Circus," a whimsical assembly of wire figures that gained him entry into the avant-garde art circles of Europe.
Throughout the 1930s and beyond, Calder's work evolved from figurative painting to abstract sculptures that brought motion into the realm of art, a transition influenced by his visit to Piet Mondrian's studio. His innovative mobiles and stabiles were celebrated for their ingenuity and aesthetic appeal, earning Calder international recognition and numerous accolades. Among his well-known public commissions are the .125 mobile for John F. Kennedy Airport and the monumental red-painted steel stabile, "Flamingo," for the Federal Center Plaza in Chicago.
Calder's legacy extends far beyond his sculptures; his work encompassed painting, printmaking, jewelry design, and even set and costume design for theatre productions. His influence on modern art is profound, inspiring future generations of artists to explore the kinetic possibilities of sculpture.
For art enthusiasts and collectors interested in Alexander Calder's groundbreaking work, staying informed about upcoming sales and auctions is essential. Sign up for updates to never miss an opportunity to own a piece by this influential American sculptor, highlighting his unique contributions to the art world.
Lucio Fontana was an Argentine-Italian artist known for his pioneering work in the field of Spatialism, an artistic movement that explored the relationship between space and art.
Fontana studied sculpture at the Academy of Fine Arts in Milan, Italy. In the 1940s, he began experimenting with a technique he called "Spatial Concept," in which he punctured or cut holes into the canvas to create a sense of depth and dimensionality.
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Fontana continued to explore the possibilities of Spatialism, creating works in a variety of media, including sculpture, ceramics, and painting. One of his most famous series of works is the "Tagli" (Cuts), which consist of monochromatic canvases with one or more slashes or punctures.
Fontana's work had a significant influence on the development of the Arte Povera movement in Italy, as well as on the development of Minimalism and Conceptual Art. He exhibited his work widely in Europe and the United States, and his legacy continues to be celebrated by artists and critics today.
Fontana's innovative approach to art and his exploration of the relationship between space and form continue to be a source of inspiration for artists working in a wide range of media.
Alberto Giacometti was a Swiss sculptor, painter, draftsman, and printmaker, renowned for his distinctive elongated sculptures of solitary figures. Born in Borgonovo, Switzerland, in 1901, into a family of artists, Giacometti's talent was evident from an early age, encouraged by his father, Giovanni, a post-Impressionist painter, and his godfather, Cuno Amiet, a Fauvist painter. Moving to Paris in 1922 to study under the sculptor Antoine Bourdelle, Giacometti became a pivotal figure in Surrealism before focusing intensely on the human form, leading to his signature style of thin, elongated figures that evoke feelings of solitude and existential dread.
Giacometti's work spans several decades and various phases, including his early involvement with Surrealism and his later, more recognized existential and figurative sculptures. Notably, his sculptures, such as "Walking Man I" and "The Palace at 4 a.m.," reflect his unique view of reality and his relentless pursuit to capture the human essence. His approach was influenced by his associations with prominent figures of the art world, including Miró and Picasso, and intellectuals like Jean-Paul Sartre.
Despite facing challenges, including periods of self-doubt and the physical toll on his health, Giacometti's legacy as a master sculptor and artist remains influential. His works are celebrated worldwide and featured in major museums, such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Tate Gallery in London, testament to his enduring impact on the art world.
Collectors and experts in art and antiques continue to revere Giacometti's work for its emotional depth and unique aesthetic. For those interested in the pioneering spirit of modern sculpture, Alberto Giacometti's oeuvre offers a profound exploration of the human condition and the artist's relentless pursuit of reality through art.
To stay updated on sales and auction events related to Alberto Giacometti's work, sign up for updates. This subscription is an excellent opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts to remain informed about new discoveries and opportunities related to Giacometti's enduring legacy.
Isamu Noguchi (野口 勇) was an American artist and landscape architect whose artistic career spanned six decades, from the 1920s onward. Known for his sculpture and public artworks, Noguchi also designed stage sets for various Martha Graham productions, and several mass-produced lamps and furniture pieces, some of which are still manufactured and sold.
In 1947, Noguchi began a collaboration with the Herman Miller company, when he joined with George Nelson, Paul László and Charles Eames to produce a catalog containing what is often considered to be the most influential body of modern furniture ever produced, including the iconic Noguchi table which remains in production today. His work lives on around the world and at the Isamu Noguchi Foundation and Garden Museum in New York City.
René Magritte, a Belgian artist, was renowned for his significant contributions to the Surrealist movement. His art, known for merging ordinary objects with bizarre, dream-like contexts, captivated the art world. Born on November 21, 1898, in Lessines, Belgium, Magritte's early artistic pursuits were impressionistic, transitioning through Cubism and Futurism influenced by artists like Jean Metzinger. However, his encounter with Giorgio de Chirico's work in 1922 steered him towards Surrealism.
Magritte's career was marked by various phases, each showcasing his evolving style and thematic focus. His initial foray into Surrealism began in 1926 with "The Lost Jockey" and was further solidified during his time in Paris, where he mingled with other prominent Surrealists like André Breton. Despite facing initial criticism and financial challenges, Magritte's unique blend of familiar imagery in unfamiliar contexts, like in "The Empire of Light" and "Time Transfixed," earned him acclaim.
Magritte's distinct visual language, characterized by recurring motifs like bowler hats and apples, and his exploration of reality and illusion, remain influential. His works are displayed in major galleries worldwide, continuing to inspire and intrigue art collectors and enthusiasts.
For collectors and experts in art and antiques, staying informed about Magritte's works and related auction events is crucial. Signing up for updates ensures you're alerted to new sales and events focusing on René Magritte's art, offering unique opportunities to acquire or learn more about his remarkable creations. This subscription will exclusively cover new product sales and auction events related to Magritte, keeping you updated on the most relevant information in the art world.
Piero Manzoni was an Italian artist. He was a leading figure in the Italian avant-garde movement of the 1950s and 1960s, and is best known for his conceptual and performance artworks.
Manzoni's works often involved the use of unconventional materials, such as his famous series of "Artist's Shit" cans, which were filled with his own excrement and sealed with a label that declared "Artist's Shit". He also created works using cotton balls, balloons, and even human hair.
One of Manzoni's most famous performances was "Living Sculptures," in which he covered himself in gold paint and posed as a living statue in a gallery. He also created a "Base of the World," a pedestal labeled with that phrase, and invited people to stand on it, thereby declaring themselves the center of the world.
Manzoni's works challenged traditional notions of art and pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable as artistic expression.
Cy Twombly, birth name Edwin Parker Twombly, was an American artist renowned for his contributions to painting, sculpture, and photography. Embracing a unique blend of classical references and graffiti-like elements, Twombly's work stands out in the art world for its distinctive, emotive scribbles and use of historical and literary themes. His art, often categorized within the realms of Abstract Expressionism and minimalism, diverges significantly in its lyrical sensitivity and intellectual depth, making it a subject of fascination and study among art collectors and experts.
Twombly's career, which spanned over six decades, was marked by a relentless pursuit of innovation and an intimate engagement with the materials of his art. His paintings, characterized by their gestural brushstrokes and cryptic symbols, evoke a range of emotions and ideas, bridging the gap between the personal and the universal. Notable works such as "Fifty Days at Iliam" displayed at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and his series inspired by the seasons, showcase his ability to transform classical narratives into contemporary masterpieces. These pieces not only reflect Twombly's profound understanding of history and literature but also his capacity to reinterpret them within a modern context.
Furthermore, Twombly's sculptures, often overlooked next to his paintings, provide a tangible connection to the ancient world through their use of classical forms and unconventional materials. His work in this medium further emphasizes his fascination with the past, while simultaneously asserting the relevance of historical themes in contemporary art.
For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Cy Twombly's oeuvre represents an intriguing blend of poetic grace and intellectual rigor. His works, found in major museums and galleries worldwide, continue to inspire and challenge audiences with their enigmatic beauty and depth.
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Edgar Degas, a French artist, was a master of painting, sculpture, and drawing, celebrated for his profound influence on the Impressionist movement despite his preference for being called a realist. Degas was born into a well-off family in Paris, France, and demonstrated a keen interest in art from an early age, eventually shaping his path to become one of the most sophisticated draftsmen of his time. His rigorous academic training and close study of classical art initially aimed him towards a career in history painting, but Degas soon pivoted towards contemporary subject matter, thus cementing his role as a classical painter of modern life.
Degas is renowned for his dynamic portrayals of movement, particularly in his depictions of dancers, racehorses, and everyday Parisian life. His works are characterized by their psychological depth and the isolation of his figures, showcasing his unique ability to capture the essence of his subjects with both empathy and critical distance. More than half of his oeuvre focuses on dancers, reflecting not only his fascination with the ballet but also his innovative approach to composition and form. This focus on the human figure, explored in various media including oil, pastel, and sculpture, underscores Degas's commitment to studying the nuances of human movement and expression.
Degas's artistic career is marked by his experimentation with various techniques and materials, as seen in his bronze sculptures and pastel nudes. One of his most famous sculptures, the study of the young ballet student Marie van Goethem, showcases his pioneering use of real objects in sculpture, a practice that prefigured later artistic innovations. Despite the controversies that sometimes surrounded his work, particularly in his depictions of the female nude, Degas's legacy as an artist who bridged the gap between traditional academic art and the modern movements of the early 20th century remains undisputed.
For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Degas's work offers a fascinating study in the evolution of modern art, highlighting the artist's deep engagement with the cultural and social dynamics of his time. His pieces, whether in the form of paintings, sculptures, or prints, continue to captivate audiences with their complexity, beauty, and innovative spirit.
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Wassily Wassilyevich Kandinsky (Russian: Василий Васильевич Кандинский) was a trailblazer in the art world, known for his pioneering role in the development of abstract art. Born in Moscow, Russia, in 1866, Kandinsky embarked on a journey that would take him from the study of law and economics to becoming one of the most influential artists of his time. His journey into the arts began at 30, a significant shift from a promising career in law to attending the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich. This decision marked the start of a profound exploration of color, form, and the spiritual in art.
Kandinsky's work is celebrated for its innovative use of color and abstract forms, with notable pieces such as "Composition VII" and "On White II" showcasing his ability to evoke emotional resonance through non-representational means. His art was not just about visual aesthetics but also aimed to touch the spiritual and emotional realms of the viewer. He often compared his method of painting to composing music, emphasizing the emotional power of abstract forms and colors. This philosophy was reflected in his theoretical writings, notably in "Concerning the Spiritual in Art," where he laid out his beliefs about the role of art and the artist in society.
Throughout his career, Kandinsky was involved with several avant-garde groups, including Der Blaue Reiter and Die Blaue Vier, collaborating with other influential artists of the time like Paul Klee and Alexej Jawlensky. After the Bauhaus school, where he taught, was closed by the Nazis, Kandinsky moved to France, where he spent the remainder of his life, continuing to evolve his style and contribute to the art world until his death in Neuilly-sur-Seine in 1944.
Kandinsky's legacy is not only in his artworks, which are held in esteemed collections worldwide, such as the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York, but also in his impact on the course of modern art. He opened up new possibilities for artists by demonstrating that art could venture beyond the representational and delve into the purely abstract, exploring the inner emotional and spiritual life through form and color.
For those captivated by Kandinsky's revolutionary approach to art and interested in the evolution of abstract expression, signing up for updates on new product sales and auction events related to Kandinsky's work is an excellent way to stay informed. This subscription service is tailored for collectors and art experts, ensuring you are the first to know about opportunities to acquire pieces by or related to this groundbreaking artist.
Pablo Ruiz Picasso, a Spanish artist renowned for his revolutionary contributions to the 20th-century art scene, is a figure that resonates profoundly with collectors and art experts. His unique blend of talents in painting, sculpture, printmaking, and ceramic art, infused with his time in France, positioned him as a pivotal character in modern art history.
Picasso's artistic journey was marked by distinct periods, each showcasing his evolving style and genius. His early years were characterized by the Blue Period (1901-1904), followed by the Rose Period (1904-1906), and then the African-influenced Period (1907-1909). Picasso's name is synonymous with Cubism, a movement he co-founded, which significantly altered artistic perspectives and methods. Works like "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon" (1907) and "Guernica" (1937) are emblematic of his cubist legacy, the latter being a poignant anti-war statement that remains influential.
His later years saw a return to more traditional styles, with neoclassical and surrealist influences becoming evident. Works from these phases reflect a deep engagement with mythological themes, as seen in "Faun with Stars" (1955), symbolizing his late-life romance with Jacqueline Roque, his second wife.
Picasso's prolific output and innovative spirit made him a legend in his own time, a status that only grew after his death. His works, housed in major museums and private collections worldwide, continue to captivate and inspire.
As a collector or expert in art and antiques, staying informed about Picasso's works, their auction events, and sales is essential. To stay updated on the latest developments and opportunities related to Pablo Picasso, sign up for our specialized updates. Rest assured, this subscription will focus solely on new product sales and auction events pertaining to Picasso's art, ensuring that you receive only the most relevant and valuable information.
Alberto Giacometti was a Swiss sculptor, painter, draftsman, and printmaker, renowned for his distinctive elongated sculptures of solitary figures. Born in Borgonovo, Switzerland, in 1901, into a family of artists, Giacometti's talent was evident from an early age, encouraged by his father, Giovanni, a post-Impressionist painter, and his godfather, Cuno Amiet, a Fauvist painter. Moving to Paris in 1922 to study under the sculptor Antoine Bourdelle, Giacometti became a pivotal figure in Surrealism before focusing intensely on the human form, leading to his signature style of thin, elongated figures that evoke feelings of solitude and existential dread.
Giacometti's work spans several decades and various phases, including his early involvement with Surrealism and his later, more recognized existential and figurative sculptures. Notably, his sculptures, such as "Walking Man I" and "The Palace at 4 a.m.," reflect his unique view of reality and his relentless pursuit to capture the human essence. His approach was influenced by his associations with prominent figures of the art world, including Miró and Picasso, and intellectuals like Jean-Paul Sartre.
Despite facing challenges, including periods of self-doubt and the physical toll on his health, Giacometti's legacy as a master sculptor and artist remains influential. His works are celebrated worldwide and featured in major museums, such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Tate Gallery in London, testament to his enduring impact on the art world.
Collectors and experts in art and antiques continue to revere Giacometti's work for its emotional depth and unique aesthetic. For those interested in the pioneering spirit of modern sculpture, Alberto Giacometti's oeuvre offers a profound exploration of the human condition and the artist's relentless pursuit of reality through art.
To stay updated on sales and auction events related to Alberto Giacometti's work, sign up for updates. This subscription is an excellent opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts to remain informed about new discoveries and opportunities related to Giacometti's enduring legacy.
Keith Allen Haring was an iconic American artist, recognized globally for his distinctive contributions to painting, sculpture, and art culture. Haring's work is celebrated for its vibrant, dynamic imagery and its profound social activism, which addressed critical themes such as AIDS awareness, racial inequality, and the empowerment of communities through art. His art transcends conventional galleries, marking its presence in public spaces, museums, and collections worldwide, thereby democratizing art access and engagement.
Haring's unique approach to art was characterized by bold lines, vivid colors, and animated figures, which not only attracted art collectors and experts but also resonated with a broader audience. His ability to blend art with activism, using public spaces as his canvas, was revolutionary. Works like the "Crack is Wack" mural and the untitled piece on the Berlin Wall stand testament to his commitment to societal issues, making him a pioneer in using art as a tool for social change.
Keith Haring's legacy continues through the Keith Haring Foundation, established by the artist in 1989 to support children's programs and organizations dedicated to raising AIDS awareness. The Foundation ensures that Haring's artistic and philanthropic vision persists, facilitating exhibitions and educational initiatives. For collectors and art experts keen on exploring Haring's influential body of work and its impact on contemporary art and culture, his creations offer profound insights into the intersection of art, social activism, and community engagement.
For those interested in staying informed about new product sales, auction events, and exhibitions related to Keith Allen Haring, signing up for updates is a straightforward way to remain connected with the ongoing celebration of his art and humanitarian legacy. This subscription ensures direct access to the latest on Haring's impactful contributions to the world of art and culture.