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Alias Daniel Cordier

Sotheby’s is incredibly honoured to present La Collection Daniel Cordier, a dedicated auction that will be offered in Paris on 27 September and Online from 24 September to 1 October. Assembled by the celebrated figure of the French Resistance and renowned Parisian gallerist over the past seventy years, this exceptional collection features nearly 400 historic works from the post-war period, paying tribute to this Twentieth century hero revealing his ultimate connoisseurship through a remarkable selection of works by Jean Dubuffet, Simon Hantaï, Henri Michaux, Jean Dewasne, Robert Mapplethorpe, Louise Nevelson and Roberto Matta among others.

On the occasion of the recent tribute paid to Daniel Cordier when awarded the Great Cross of the Légion d’honneur, he who continues to embody the highest idea we can have of France never stopped saying he had “done nothing but staying free”. This is how, with his unfailing spirit and admirable modesty, Daniel Cordier summed up the many fights he carried on over the years guided by the same living principle that seems to have constantly presided over his extraordinary destiny: freedom. Right arm of Jean Moulin, distinguished historian, successful writer, avant-garde gallerist, eclectic collector and great patron of the arts, Daniel Cordier has lived a thousand lives. Today, we are very proud to look back at the trajectory of this champion of contemporary creation. Daniel Cordier was 24 when he discovered the “still world of paintings”. This encounter turned his life into an “adventure”. A unique, fantastic and earth-shattering adventure. We now invite you to dive unbridled into this world with Daniel Cordier’s main teaching in mind: “There is nothing to understand. Just open your eyes.”

Each of the lots included in this auction is offered without reserve. (except Lot 62)