An exceptional painting by Henri Matisse, which has emerged after 85 years in a private collection, is among the highlights at Sotheby’s Impressionist and Modern and Surreal Art evening sales in London on February 3. Highlights from these sales will preview in Hong Kong from January 5-8. Matisse’s La Lecon de piano combines two of the artist’s passions, music and art. Painted in 1923 this fine interior composition is from his early Nice period when he produced some of his boldest and most life affirming works. It is estimated at £12-18 million.
There is a rare example of one of Francis Picabia’s machinist compositions from his DADA period. Le Ventilateur was painted in 1917 and is estimated at £1.8-2.5 million.
The year 2015 was a record one for Sotheby’s sales of Impressionist & Modern Art worldwide. Sales achieved a grand total of US$1.72 billion – the highest annual figure for the company in this category.
Henri Matisse – La lecon de piano. UPDATE: THIS SOLD FOR £10.8 MILLION
Francis Picabia – Le Ventilateur UPDATE: THIS SOLD FOR £2.3 MILLION