Three Cézanne masterpieces from Langmatt Museum to be auctioned at Christie's New York
Christie's New York will auction three Paul Cézanne paintings from the Langmatt Museum in Baden, Switzerland, during its 20th Century Evening Sale on November 9, 2023. The works—'Fruits et pot de gingembre' (est. $35–55 million), 'Quatre pommes et un couteau' (est. $7–10 million), and 'La mer à L’Estaque' (est. $3–5 million)—come from the Sidney and Jenny Brown collection. Proceeds aim to raise approximately $45 million to secure the museum's financial sustainability and fund renovations. The lots will be offered sequentially, with the option to withdraw subsequent ones if the target is met. Museum director Markus Stegmann stated that selling the works is the only way to preserve the core of the collection and keep it accessible to the public. Max Carter, Vice Chairman of 20th/21st Century Art at Christie's, called 'Fruits et pot de gingembre' one of the most important still lifes by the artist ever offered at auction.
Key facts
- Three Paul Cézanne paintings are being auctioned at Christie's New York on November 9, 2023.
- The works are 'Fruits et pot de gingembre' (1890, est. $35–55 million), 'Quatre pommes et un couteau' (1885, est. $7–10 million), and 'La mer à L’Estaque' (late 1870s, est. $3–5 million).
- The paintings come from the Langmatt Museum in Baden, Switzerland, housing the Sidney and Jenny Brown collection.
- Proceeds aim to raise about $45 million for museum renovations and endowment.
- The lots will be sold sequentially; if the target is reached, remaining lots may be withdrawn.
- Museum director Markus Stegmann described the sale as necessary to preserve the collection.
- Max Carter of Christie's called 'Fruits et pot de gingembre' one of the most important Cézanne still lifes ever auctioned.
- The museum opened in 1990 in Villa Langmatt, originally the Brown family residence.
Entities
Artists
- Paul Cézanne
Institutions
- Christie's
- Langmatt Museum
- Langmatt Foundation
- Villa Langmatt
Locations
- New York
- Baden
- Switzerland
- L'Estaque
- Marseille