Félix Vallotton, Au marché. Estimate CHF 1,500,000–2,000,000.
Félix Vallotton’s painting Au marché is a fascinating example of his oeuvre during his Nabi period, the most sought-after for the artist and one which would prove crucial for the rest of his career. This stunning painting depicts a scene at the heart of late 19th-century Paris, in the bustling market of a popular neighbourhood. Vallotton brings the urban character of this exterior scene to life, using strong outlines and bold unmediated colour alongside textured surfaces – motifs characteristic of Japanese woodcuts, which Vallotton used to great effect in his famous woodcuts and illustrations for the literary magazine La Revue blanche.
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Félix Vallotton, La cuisinière, 1892. Estimate CHF 350,000–450,000.
This painting illustrates Félix Vallotton’s exploration during the 1890s of the decorative aspect of Nabi philosophy. Vallotton takes great care over the detail of the work, and his depiction of the interior is anchored in reality. Vallotton has chosen an everyday scene – in this case his lover at the time, Hélène Chatenay. The result is an exquisite and intimate rendering of this moment in time.
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Cuno Amiet, Schlafende Bretonin, 1893. Estimate CHF 300,000–500,000.
The 1890s were a crucial period in the oeuvre of Cuno Amiet. After studying at the academy of fine arts in Munich and Paris, he became dissatisfied with the conventional approach to painting prevalent at the time. In 1892/93 Amiet spent time in the Breton fishing village of Pont-Aven which, following the residency of Paul Gauguin in 1886, had become very popular among young artists. Schlafende Bretonin reveals Amiet’s interpretation of Nabi philosophy: bold brush strokes and outlines framing flat planes of colour illustrate the artist’s analysis of Gauguin’s practice and the influence of Japanese prints.
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Robert Zünd, Luzern im Abendlicht von Tribschenhorn. Estimate CHF 80,000–120,000.
19th century painting is represented by works by Albert Anker, François Diday and Robert Zünd. Zünd is a master at capturing the serenity and calm of the country’s landscape and his oeuvre is represented by this wonderful view of Lucerne at dusk.
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Max Bill, Gelbes Quadrat mit roten Verfärbungen, 1984. Estimate CHF 50,000–70,000.
Three significant geometric works from Max Bill, led by this painting completed in 1984, will feature in the auction. The artist’s passion for modern design is also reflected in three very fine geometric sculptures also in the sale.
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Hans Arp, L’agressif. Estimate CHF 150,000–200,000.
The master of abstraction, Jean (Hans) Arp, will be represented by two bronzes. This work, L’agressif, which boasts a beautiful patina, is a stunning sculpture from 1964.
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Le Corbusier, Nature morte au portrait de famille, 1940. Estimate CHF 300,000–400,000.
The section dedicated to Dada and Surrealism will be led by a group of Le Corbusier works, most notably Nature morte au portrait de famille from 1940. This painting tangibly illustrates the artist’s masterful use of colour and composition.
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Fritz Glarner, Tondo, 1966. Estimate CHF 25,000–35,000.
Geometry is at the very heart of constructivism and concrete art. It is central to the work of Fritz Glarner, who was highly influenced by Piet Mondrian and the painters of the De Stijl movement. Two superb works on paper in the sale give fascinating insight into the artist’s work, including Tondo, 1966.
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Our November auction of Swiss Art features a diverse selection of works, which perfectly demonstrate the variety of Switzerland’s artistic output. The sale is led by Félix Vallotton’s striking painting Au Marché, alongside a group of exquisite and sought-after works from the Nabi movement. The sale also celebrates 100 years of Dada, as well as presenting 19th-century, surrealist and contemporary Swiss pieces. Click ahead to see highlights.
Schweizer Kunst-Swiss Made/ Swiss Art-Swiss Made
29 November 2016