Over the recent years, Sotheby’s has brought in various celebrities such as Robert Pattinson, Oprah Winfrey and Kim Jones to curate an event. The latest in the long list of luminaries is jewelry designer and granddaughter of Pablo Picasso, Diana Widmaier Picasso.
Claude Lalanne, La Pomme de Londres, 2007.
Her fondness for collecting is reflected in this highly curated collection of eclectic pieces of furniture and objets d’art. This year, which marks the 50th anniversary of Pablo Picassso’s death, the sale will offer a 200-piece collection of furniture and objects from the early 20th century to the present day. Each piece is representative of Ms. Picasso’s appreciation of art and beauty.
Alberto Giacometti, Masque aux serpents.
Among the star lots are 50 major works from inimitable sculptors Claude & François-Xavier Lalanne, including a €1 million Golden Apple; a rare set of five Oies sauvages in patinated bronze; Claude Lalanne, La Pomme de Londres, 2007, bronze with gold patina (€700,000 – 1,000,000) and François-Xavier Lalanne, Canard Flottant, 1998 (€200,000 – 300,000). Alberto Giacometti’s Masque aux serpents, patinated bronze, features a calm and perfectly poised Medusa.
Charlotte Perriand, Bibliotheque Maison de Mexique, 1952.
Ms. Picasso says, “While most representations of the myth of Medusa are violent, Alberto Giacometti offers a beautiful and serene vision of the Gorgon, with sinuous curves. Originally intended as a wall lamp, this fascinating work has been turned into a sculpture.”
Marc Newson, Event Horizon table, 1992.
Ms. Picasso’s curated collection features works from different genres and eras. Selection from the 1950s include works by Charlotte Perriand, Jean Prouvé, Serge Mouille and Georges Jouve, while significant pieces from the 1960s include Gio Ponti’s Proteo lamp, 1967, and other notable works by Jean Garçon, Pierre Paulin, Etienne Fermigier, and Ado Chale.
Ceramics by Pablo Picasso.
Other highlights from the collection are a rose quartz lamp by Jean-Michel Frank, circa 1925 (€120,000 – 180,000); a desk by Marcel Coard, circa 1930 (€80,000 – 120,000); Charlotte Perriand’s Bibliothèque Maison du Mexique, 1952 (€120,000-180,000); Marc Newson’s Event Horizon table, 1992 (€120,000-180,000); and an assortment of Picasso’s 17 ceramics featuring his favorite themes: bulls, picadors, doves, suns or owls.
Diana Widmaier Picasso.
The collection will be exhibited in Sotheby’s galleries on Rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré from May 20 to 23, ahead of the auction on May 24, 2023.
