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Van Gogh Masterpiece Expected to Fetch $50 Million at Hong Kong Auction
Hong Kong, 14 September 2024 — A rare and valuable painting by the legendary Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh is set to go under the hammer at a prestigious auction in Hong Kong this month. Les canots amarrés (The Anchored Boats), a late 19th-century landscape painting, is expected to sell for up to HK$380 million ($50 million) at Christie’s 20th and 21st Century Evening Auction.
The auction, scheduled for September 26, will mark the inauguration of Christie’s new Asian headquarters in Hong Kong. The painting, which has not been on the market for three decades, is part of a collection that once belonged to the royal family of Bourbon-Two Sicilies.
Les canots amarrés was created in 1887 during van Gogh’s two-year stay in Paris. The artist spent the summer in Asnières, a Parisian suburb, and was inspired by the river landscape, including boats, beaches, and more, which he immortalized in his work. The painting is renowned for its vibrant colors and intricate brushwork, hallmarks of van Gogh’s distinctive style.
Jacky Ho, Deputy Head of Department for 20th/21st Century Art at Christie’s Asia Pacific, commented on the significance of the piece: A diverse range of artistic traditions inspired van Gogh’s creative journey. His approach was influenced by Impressionism and Pointillism, and his exposure to Ukiyo-e prints from Asia further widened his perspective. Les canots amarrés is a standout piece that represents a pivotal moment in the artist’s career and opens doors for future generations.
The painting is one of the most expensive works by van Gogh ever to be auctioned in Asia. According to Artnet, the current auction record for the artist was set in 2021 with Vase with Gladioli, which sold for HK$71 million ($9.1 million) at a Sotheby’s auction in Hong Kong.
The sale of Les canots amarrés is being facilitated by Princess Camilla of the Bourbon Two-Sicilies family, who owns the painting through a family trust, and Mr. Abraham, a trustee of the family.
The Christie’s auction will also feature other notable works, including Claude Monet’s Nymphéas, expected to fetch between HK$200 and 280 million ($25 to $35 million), and Zao Wou-Ki’s abstract triptych 05.06.80-Triptyque, estimated to reach up to HK$128 million ($10 to $15 million).
The sale of Les canots amarrés is poised to make history as collectors and art enthusiasts from around the world watch with bated breath.
This article provides a concise overview of the upcoming auction, the significance of the painting, its historical context, and the anticipated sale price, while also highlighting other notable works that will be featured in the auction.
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