Sotheby's to Sell Blaquier Collection Worth $450M
Sotheby's has acquired the Blaquier Collection, which is estimated to be worth approximately $450 million. This collection was previously owned by María Elena “Nelly” Arrieta de Blaquier and Carlos Pedro Blaquier. In 1995, the New York Times recognized Nelly's collection as the most significant private collection in Argentina. Nelly passed away in 2020, followed by Carlos Pedro in 2023. Among the highlights are Vincent van Gogh's 'Châtaignier en fleurs roses et blanches' (1890), valued between $150-$200 million, and a Paul Cézanne Harlequin, which could surpass $120 million. The sale comes after a legal dispute with Argentine customs regarding paintings worth over $350 million, settled in July 2026. Sotheby's has yet to announce the consignment or sale date.
Key facts
- Sotheby's secured the sale of the Blaquier Collection, valued at around $450 million.
- The collection belonged to María Elena 'Nelly' Arrieta de Blaquier and Carlos Pedro Blaquier.
- Nelly died in 2020; Carlos Pedro Blaquier died in 2023.
- Van Gogh's 'Châtaignier en fleurs roses et blanches' is estimated between $150 and $200 million.
- Cézanne's Harlequin could exceed $120 million.
- Other works include Degas, Pissarro, and Renoir, each expected to fetch over $25 million.
- Christie's previously handled sales from the family, including Van Gogh's 'The Zouave' for about $190 million.
- In 2023, Argentine customs fined the family for exporting works to Luxembourg; the sanction was waived in July 2026.
Entities
Artists
- María Elena 'Nelly' Arrieta de Blaquier
- Carlos Pedro Blaquier
- Vincent van Gogh
- Paul Cézanne
- Edgar Degas
- Camille Pissarro
- Pierre-Auguste Renoir
- Paul Signac
- Claude Monet
- Paul Gauguin
Institutions
- Sotheby's
- Christie's
- Artnet News
- New York Times
- National Gallery of Art
Locations
- Argentina
- Luxembourg
- Washington