The Masterpieces of Mica Ertegun's Collection—A Collector's Dream (Part 2 of 2 posts).
As Christie's New York prepares to unveil the treasures of Mica Ertegun's collection on November 19th at 7:00 PM EST, collectors and art enthusiasts are presented with a rare opportunity to acquire works that exemplify the refined taste of one of the 20th century's most discerning collectors. With 19 exceptional lots, including masterpieces by renowned artists such as René Magritte and David Hockney, this auction promises to be a highlight of the art world calendar.
Mica Ertegun's passion for art was seamlessly intertwined with her design philosophy. Her collection stands as a testament to her discerning eye, showcasing pieces that embody both aesthetic beauty and intellectual depth. Each work was selected not merely for its visual appeal but for its power to inspire and provoke thought.
Highlights of the Sale:
René Magritte Paintings:
Lot 5A: "La Mémoire"
Estimate: $3,000,000 - $5,000,000 USD
Lot 9A: "La cour d'amour"
Estimate: $9,000,000 - $12,000,000 USD
Lot 19A: "L'empire des lumières"
A masterpiece from Magritte's iconic series, one of only 17 oil paintings exploring this enigmatic theme.
David Hockney Works:
Lot 4A: "Three Chairs with a Section of a Picasso Mural"
Estimate: $4,000,000 - $6,000,000 USD
Lot 7A: "Still Life on a Glass Table"
Estimate: $15,000,000 - $20,000,000 USD
These Sotheby's highlights offer collectors a chance to own works by some of the 20th century's most celebrated artists. Each piece reflects Mica's impeccable taste and her ability to curate a collection that feels both deeply personal and universally significant.
Spotlight on Magritte's "L'empire des lumières" (Lot 19A)
Among the exceptional works in the sale, René Magritte's "L'empire des lumières" stands as a pinnacle of Surrealist art. This painting is part of a renowned series comprising 17 oil paintings and 10 gouaches created between the 1940s and 1960s. Many of these works reside in prestigious museum collections, making this offering exceptionally rare.
"L'empire des lumières" mesmerizes viewers with its paradoxical scene—a day-lit sky over a nocturnal streetscape. The juxtaposition challenges perceptions of reality, a hallmark of Magritte's oeuvre. The painting's composition, featuring a serene blue sky dotted with clouds above a darkened street illuminated by a solitary lamppost and warm window glows, creates an atmosphere that is both familiar and otherworldly.
The creation of this particular "L'empire des lumières" is tied to a significant moment in Magritte's career—the 1954 Venice Biennale. Celebrating 30 years of Surrealism, the Belgian Pavilion featured a retrospective of Magritte's work, displaying 24 paintings spanning from 1926 to his latest compositions.
An earlier version of "L'empire des lumières" showcased at the Biennale garnered immense attention. Due to its popularity, Magritte faced the challenge of having promised the work to three collectors. Ultimately, famed art patron Peggy Guggenheim acquired the original directly from the exhibition.
To satisfy the other eager collectors, Magritte agreed to create three additional versions. The present work, commissioned by Belgian collector Willy van Hove, is one of these exceptional pieces. Executed on a slightly larger scale, it introduces new elements, such as a body of water reflecting the lamplight, enhancing its poetic allure.
The 1954 Venice Biennale, which attracted over 170,000 visitors, played a crucial role in solidifying Surrealism's place in 20th-century art history. It also inspired Magritte to revisit and refine the "L'empire des lumières" motif, resulting in some of his most compelling works.
A Record-Setting Artwork
The most valuable "L'empire des lumières" sold at auction to date achieved a record £59.4 million (approximately $79.8 million USD) at Sotheby's in London in 2022. Experts anticipate that Mica Ertegun's version could surpass this figure, with some suggesting it might reach up to $95 million USD, potentially setting a new record for Magritte's work.
Mica Ertegun was ahead of her time in recognizing the significance of Surrealist art. Her acquisition of "L'empire des lumières" exemplifies her pioneering spirit and her commitment to collecting works of profound impact. The painting resonates with her design ethos—merging simplicity with depth, and elegance with intrigue.
Max Carter, Vice Chairman of 20th and 21st Century Art at Christie's, reflects, "Magritte's deceptively simple subjects and spirit of invention continue to enchant us. He combined technical mastery with vision and imagination as virtually no other 20th-century artist had. As we celebrate the centenary of Surrealism, we are honored to offer one of the movement's icons."
The upcoming auction is more than a sale; it's a celebration of Mica Ertegun's legacy and her extraordinary contributions to the art world. Collectors have the unique chance to acquire works that not only represent significant artistic achievements but also embody the refined taste and vision of a remarkable woman.
Tune in tonight at Christie's New York on November 19th at 7:00 PM EST to experience the elegance and vision of Mica Ertegun's collection. Witness masterpieces like Magritte's "L'empire des lumières" and Hockney's "Three Chairs with a Section of a Picasso Mural" and "Still Life on a Glass Table." Let her life's work inspire your own journey in the world of art and collecting.
At Vitruvian Arts, we specialise in guiding collectors through blue-chip art acquisitions—whether in galleries, at auctions, or through private collections. Our expertise lies in assisting collectors with secondary market fine art purchases, helping you build a legacy collection that stands the test of time. To learn more about the art of collecting and creating your own enduring collection, follow us at @vitruvianarts.
Photo credit: Photo by Franklyn Gutierrez: https://www.pexels.com/photo/illuminated-buildings-in-new-york-19516342/
