The visionary collection of Simone and Antoine Veil
The Visionary Collection of Simone and Antoine Veil: A Testament to Art and History
In a remarkable auction at Christie's Paris on December 4, 2024, 60 exceptional works from the collection of Simone and Antoine Veil come to market, offering collectors a unique opportunity to acquire pieces that interweave significant art history with one of France's most extraordinary personal stories.
The Remarkable Simone Veil
Before exploring the collection, we must understand the remarkable woman who built it. Simone Veil stands as one of France's most revered figures, whose life journey embodied resilience, vision, and dedication to European unity. As a Holocaust survivor who rose to become France's Health Minister and the first female President of the European Parliament, Veil's commitment to peace and progress shaped not only her political career but also her approach to collecting art.
Born Simone Jacob on July 13, 1927, in Nice, France, Simone Veil's life was a testament to strength and perseverance. As a Holocaust survivor, she endured the horrors of Auschwitz-Birkenau and Bergen-Belsen, emerging with a profound commitment to justice and human dignity. Her political career was equally distinguished; she served as Health Minister in several French governments, where she championed women's rights, most notably spearheading the 1975 law that legalized abortion, now known as the Veil Act (French: Loi Veil).
Simone became the first woman to serve as President of the European Parliament, further cementing her legacy as a pioneer for women in leadership. From 1998 to 2007, she served on France's Constitutional Council, the nation's highest legal authority.
Her dedication extended beyond politics. She was a firm believer in European integration as a way of guaranteeing peace and served as president of the Fondation pour la Mémoire de la Shoah from 2000 to 2007, and then as its honorary president.
Among many honours, she was made an honorary dame in 1998, elected to the Académie Française in 2008, and in 2012 received the grand cross of the Légion d’honneur, the highest class of the highest French order of merit. Among France's most revered figures, Simone Veil and her husband Antoine were buried at the Panthéon on July 1, 2018, with her eulogy delivered by President Emmanuel Macron.
A Collection Built Through Personal Connection
The Veils' collection reflects their deep engagement with the international artistic community that flourished in post-war Paris. Simone would dedicate her Saturday mornings to visiting galleries, including Galerie Claude Bernard, Galerie Georges-Philippe et Nathalie Vallois, Galerie Seroussi, Galerie Berggruen, Galerie de France, Leo Castelli Gallery, Galerie Larock-Granoff, Galerie Louis Carré & Cie., and Galerie 1900-2000. These visits weren't mere transactions; they led to meaningful relationships with artists, as evidenced by her friendship with Helena Vieira da Silva.
The Zao Wou-Ki Masterpieces
At the heart of the collection are two extraordinary early works by Zao Wou-Ki, both painted in 1949 and gifted directly from the artist to Simone and Antoine Veil: "Sans titre (Vase de Fleurs)" and "Sans titre (Parc)". These pieces represent pivotal moments in the artist's development, created just a year after his arrival in Paris from China.
AT Lot 312 "Sans titre (Vase de Fleurs)" is an oil on canvas measuring 65.2 × 54.4 cm. Estimate Eur 500,000 - 800,000
This beautiful still-life painting features pale pink roses emerging from a vase against a richly worked backdrop, with hatched lines energizing the grey surface in the foreground. The painting’s subject and delicacy makes it a perfect example of the artist’s faithfulness to Chinese ancient traditions before he moved increasingly towards abstraction.
This piece, part of Zao's early oeuvre, was significant enough to be included in his major retrospective that toured museums from Shanghai, Beijing to Guangzhou in 1998-1999, further establishing his reputation as a bridge between cultures
At Lot 313 Zao’s "Sans titre (Parc)", is an oil painting on masonite, measures 59.8 × 72.7 cm painted between May and June 1949.
This enigmatic landscape with spectral trees, fences, and roofed structures is conveyed in fine, calligraphic lines, reflecting the influence of traditional Chinese ink painting. The atmospheric haze of magenta, black, and blue-green anticipates Zao's later shift towards pure abstraction, making it a pivotal piece in understanding the evolution of modern art.
Sans titre (Parc) was exhibited in his very first Paris solo show at the Galerie Creuze in May that year.
Both works are stunning early examples of Zao Wou-Ki's work and capture pivotal moments in the artist’s career.
Zao Wou-Ki in Paris: A Cultural Melting Pot
Born in Beijing in 1920, Zao Wou-Ki brought a rich cultural heritage to the Parisian art scene. At the age of 14, he enrolled in the Hangzhou School of Fine Arts, where he was exposed to both Western and Chinese artistic traditions. Fascinated by painters such as Cézanne, Matisse, and Picasso, Zao's early works reflect a unique blend of Eastern calligraphy and Western abstraction.
In 1948, after a long voyage to Marseille, Zao moved to Paris with his wife, establishing a small studio in the vibrant artistic district of Montparnasse. Surrounded by luminaries like Alberto Giacometti, Sam Francis, Joan Mitchell, and Jean-Paul Riopelle, Zao immersed himself in a cosmopolitan community that was redefining modern art. His early exhibitions received praise from esteemed figures including Joan Miró and Pablo Picasso, propelling him into the international art spotlight.
Zao's time in Paris was marked by a continual exploration of form and color, influenced by his studies under both Western and Chinese mentors. In 1951, his discovery of Paul Klee's works inspired a transition towards greater abstraction, blending interior energies with reflections on the external world. This period was crucial in shaping Zao's distinctive style, characterized by serene, intricate, and spacious compositions that seem to exist in multiple dimensions simultaneously.
Decorative Arts: Spotlight on Diego Giacometti
The Veil collection also highlights the exceptional work of Diego Giacometti, a key figure in the decorative arts. Notably, the auction will feature "Chat Maître d’hôtel", a bronze sculpture that epitomizes Diego's playful yet elegant approach to form and functionality. Estimated between €100,000 and €150,000, this piece symbolizes the unique artistic partnership between Diego and his elder brother, Alberto Giacometti.
Additionally, the collection includes "Table Grecque Carrée" and "Table Torsade", both designed by Diego Giacometti and valued between €200,000 and €300,000 each. These pieces demonstrate Diego's ability to blend artistic creativity with practical design, making them coveted additions to any discerning collector's portfolio.
The Broader Collection
The collection showcases the Veils' sophisticated understanding of the École de Paris, featuring works by an international array of artists who made Paris their home. Notable pieces include:
Works on paper by Roger Bissière, Serge Charchoune, and Henri Michaux.
Two pieces by Maria Helena Vieira da Silva, including a tempera on paper estimated between €30,000 and €50,000.
A watercolour on silk by Sam Szafran at lot 302, “Escaliers”
Jean-Paul Riopelle’s oil on canvas “Chuchotes”
A 1944 watercolor by Jean Hélion, his complex work could stand as a metaphor for the entire collection moving from abstraction to new forms of figuration.
Significant furniture pieces by Diego Giacometti, including his iconic Greek table (estimate €200,000-€300,000) at lot 326 and Table Torsade at lot 327
These works not only highlight the Veils' stunning aesthetic taste but also their commitment to fostering cultural dialogue and preserving artistic heritage.
A Living Legacy
The collection, estimated at €2-3 million overall, represents more than just a group of valuable artworks. It embodies the Veils' commitment to cultural dialogue and European unity.
As Simone wrote in her memoir "Une vie": "In the distance, I hear Antoine playing the piano... Little by little, night fills the house. My gaze wanders before my favorite paintings, to the sound of the piano." This intimate glimpse reveals how art was woven into the fabric of their daily lives.
The personal relationships between the Veils and their artists add an invaluable dimension to the works' provenance. Simone's presence at Zao Wou-Ki's 2003 induction into the Académie des Beaux-Arts symbolizes these deep connections between collector and artist, further enhancing the historical significance of these pieces.
A Testament to Global Artistic Exchange
The Veil collection is a testament to the power of artistic exchange and the blending of diverse cultural influences. Simone Veil's personal history as a Holocaust survivor and her dedication to European integration are mirrored in the global nature of her art collection. The inclusion of artists like Zao Wou-Ki, who bridged Eastern and Western artistic traditions, and Diego Giacometti, who worked closely with his brother Alberto, underscores the Veils' commitment to fostering a rich, multicultural artistic dialogue.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Collectors
For emerging collectors, the Veil auction presents a rare opportunity to engage with art that has historical significance and artistic excellence. These auctions serve as educational experiences, allowing new collectors to deepen their understanding of art movements and the stories behind each masterpiece. Established collectors will appreciate the chance to add rare and meaningful works to their portfolios, enhancing their collections with pieces that embody both artistic innovation and cultural heritage.
Conclusion: Preserving a Legacy Through Art
Simone Veil and Antoine Veil's art collection is more than a mere assortment of paintings and sculptures; it is a legacy of resilience, cultural appreciation, and artistic excellence. As these remarkable works enter the auction market, they carry forward the Veils' vision of a world united through art and shared cultural values. Whether you are an experienced collector or just beginning your journey, the Veil auction offers an inspiring glimpse into a collection that stands as a lasting testament to the power of art to transcend boundaries and foster understanding.
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