AN important collection of Czech Modernism from the Roy and Mary Cullen Collection in Houston comes up at Sotheby’s in London on November 12. Adrian Biddell, Senior Director, Sotheby’s 19th Century European Paintings Department, describes the Roy & Mary Cullen Collection, as “an extraordinary collecting achievement. Formed with a combination of passion and patience, it focuses on the rich and compelling story of Czech Avant-Garde art between the First and Second World Wars as told by the artists, illustrators, photographers and writers of the time. The paintings, works on paper, prints and books capture the visual, literary and intellectual ideas that flourished in Prague and Paris during this period. Sotheby’s sale of the Hascoe Collection of Czech Modern Art in London in June 2011 revealed enormous interest in the market for Czech art and realised more than double the pre-sale estimate. The Roy & Mary Cullen Collection presents the next chapter in Czech art, specifically Czech Surrealism between the wars.” Comprising approximately 120 lots, the Roy & Mary Cullen Collection is expected to bring in the region of £1.7 million.
TOYEN
Czech 1902 – 1980
PORTRAIT OF ANDRÉ BRETON
signed and dedicated à andré Breton / Toyen / 18 II 1950 lower right (£120,000-180,000).
KAREL TEIGE
Czech 1900 – 1951
UNTITLED (£50,000-70,000).
FRANTISEK KUPKA
Czech 1871-1957
ETUDE POUR ACCENT NOIR (FEMMES) (£20,000-30,000).