Unseen for Over Half a Century, Van Gogh and Cézanne Masterpieces at Sotheby's Auction Make Even Museums Envious
This is undeniably one of the most hotly discussed topics in the art world this year.
Summary
- A legendary private collection comes to light for the first time, with a total estimate expected to reach US$ 450 million.
- Vincent van Gogh's exceptionally rare late landscape, "Chestnut Trees in Blossom," makes its debut, poised to break the artist's auction record.
- Paul Cézanne's "Harlequin," one of the very few works from his series of 15 major late figure paintings still remaining in private hands.
- On view at Sotheby's Hong Kong from October 13 to 15, before heading to Sotheby's New York for the Evening Auction on November 18.
If you love visiting art museums, this news will likely amaze you. Masterpieces usually seen only in art history books have suddenly surfaced together at auction, having been hidden from the public for over half a century. Sotheby’s upcoming sale of The Blaquier-Arrieta Collection boasts such exceptional caliber that it feels like a mini Musée d’Orsay.
A Van Gogh masterpiece estimated at US$ 180 million
The absolute centerpiece of this collection is Vincent van Gogh’s Blossom Chestnut Branches. Estimated at up to $180 million, this painting was created after Van Gogh arrived in Auvers-sur-Oise in May 1890. Only two months before his death, he had just left the asylum and moved near his brother Theo, his heart filled with energy and hope. The thick paint and vibrant brushstrokes bring a chestnut tree to life, giving viewers a direct sense of his eager impulse to paint at that moment.
A rare sight: Cézanne’s Harlequin
Another major highlight is Paul Cézanne’s Harlequin, estimated at around $120 million. Of the 15 large-scale figure paintings Cézanne created late in his career, almost all are held by the world’s leading museums, making this work one of the rare treasures still in private hands. Depicting a figure in a red-and-black diamond-patterned costume, it was the first piece for which Cézanne used his son Paul as a model, possessing a serene, elegant style with a touch of quiet mystery.
A legendary collection preserved like a time capsule
Behind these extraordinary works were the Blaquiers, an Argentine couple. During their frequent visits to London in the 1970s, they acquired these peak Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces from top art galleries of the era. Beyond Van Gogh and Cézanne, the sale features masterworks by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Camille Pissarro, Claude Monet, and others.
If you happen to be in Hong Kong, these masterpieces will be displayed first at Sotheby’s Maison from October 13 to 15, before going under the hammer at Sotheby’s New York on November 18. Opportunities to see legendary works like these are exceptionally rare, making a visit to experience their weight in history well worth the trip.
Join POPBEE Circle and subscribe to the POPBEE newsletter to get the latest updates instantly, along with early access to exciting exclusive rewards and discounts! Beyond this article, here are a few recent stories you might like:
- When the world expected her to break down, she reclaimed control in a daring black gown: Princess Diana's legendary "Revenge Dress" is now on display at Sotheby's
- Safe to use even with pets and kids at home! Korean brand hetras’ fragrance deodorizer uses a 4-step cycle to break down odors and leave a luxe scent
- Even the makeup bag will make your heart skip a beat: LANEIGE’s first collaboration with Matin Kim gives its color-changing lip tint and cushion foundation a minimalist new look
