Fruits et pot de gingembre, one of the three Paul Cezanne masterpieces to hit the auction block at Christie’s. It has an estimate of $35 million–55 million. Image: Christie’s

Excitement and anticipation intensify among art collectors as three Paul Cezanne masterpieces hit the auction block.

BY KAZEEM ADELEKE, ARTCENTRON

NEW YORK, NY- Three exceptional Paul Cezanne masterpieces are set to take center stage at Christie’s 20th Century Evening Sale on November 9, 2023, during New York Fall Marquee Week. Originating from the esteemed collection of the Museum Langmatt in Baden, Switzerland—a repository renowned for its outstanding collection of Impressionist art in Europe—these paintings are integral to the museum’s endeavor to raise $45 million for an endowment, ensuring its enduring legacy.

Since the announcement, a palpable sense of anticipation has enveloped art enthusiasts and collectors. This anticipation is undoubtedly fueled by the paintings’ remarkable provenance. These three Paul Cezanne masterpieces hold historical significance as representations of Cezanne’s artistic prowess. They are also a part of the Museum Langmatt’s broader mission. The museum seeks to secure its future through this strategic sale, aligning art with financial stability.

As the date approaches, the buzz surrounding these paintings continues to grow, drawing attention to the convergence of artistic excellence and institutional sustainability. The anticipation building since the announcement attests to the resonance of this auction within the art community. It’s not merely an event but a pivotal moment where art and heritage converge, and the echoes of Cezanne’s genius reverberate through the halls of the Museum Langmatt.

The Trio: Three Paul Cezanne Masterpieces

1. Fruits et pot de gingembre: A Symphony of Colors

At the heart of three Paul Cezanne masterpieces is the remarkable Fruits et pot de gingembre, estimated at $35 million to $55 million. Painted in the late 1880s and early 1890s, this iconic masterpiece highlights Cezanne’s heightened sophistication in still-life representation. As part of Cezanne’s signature achievements, the painting engages viewers in a nuanced dialogue between its subjects, infused with almost human-like characteristics. Originating from Cezanne’s studio at his parents’ estate in Aix-en-Provence, the same locale that witnessed the creation of his renowned Card Players series, it holds historical significance.

2. Quatre pommes et un couteau: The Essence of Cezanne’s Apple Obsession

The second piece, Quatre pommes et un couteau, valued at $7 million to $10 million, explores one of Cezanne’s preferred subjects—the apple. Departing from the spontaneity of classic Impressionist technique, Cezanne employs a distinct and tightly “constructed” painting style, revealing a more structured approach to formal rendering. This shift marks a pivotal moment in the artist’s oeuvre, showcasing his evolving mastery.

3. La mer à l’Estaque: Capturing Serenity in a Coastal Landscape

Concluding the trio is La mer à l’Estaque, priced at $3 million to $5 million—a serene landscape painted at the end of the 1870s. This work encapsulates the growing boldness of Cezanne’s style as he gazed upon the vistas of L’Estaque, a picturesque fishing village on the Mediterranean coast.

Dirk Boll, Deputy Chairman of 20th and 21st Century Art at Christie’s EMEA, underscores the meticulous selection process, emphasizing Christie’s decades of experience in handling such transactions. Max Carter, Vice Chairman of 20th/21st Century Art at Christie’s, hails Cezanne as the progenitor of modern art, highlighting the historical significance of the Langmatt trio, particularly Fruits et pot de gingembre.

The Museum Langmatt’s Noble Cause

The auction will consecutively feature the three Paul Cezanne masterpieces until they attain the target of CHF 40 million, or approximately US$45 million. This approach aligns with the museum’s commitment by offering only the essential number of lots required to achieve the fundraising goal.

Sidney W. Brown, the scion of a successful British-Swiss family, and his wife, Jenny Sulzer, played a pivotal role in the formation of the Langmatt collection. Sidney’s career at Brown, Boveri & CIE (BBC) in Baden, Switzerland, provided the financial means to amass significant wealth, enabling the couple to realize their vision for an influential art collection.

A Noble Cause: Support for the Museum Langmatt

The Museum Langmatt, housed in the architecturally significant Villa Langmatt, traces its origins to Sidney and Jenny Brown’s early acquisitions in 1896. Initially focused on the Munich Secession, the collection transitioned to French Impressionism under the guidance of Carl Montag. The Browns’ passionate curation yielded one of Switzerland’s first and most significant collections of Impressionist art.

As a testament to the Browns’ enduring legacy, the Museum Langmatt remains a cultural treasure, attracting around 20,000 visitors annually. The upcoming sale, set against the backdrop of the museum’s financial needs, represents a pivotal moment in securing the institution’s long-term future. This sale marks a significant chapter in the narrative of this historic collection, providing art enthusiasts and philanthropists with the opportunity to contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage. The Browns’ visionary legacy, embodied in the Langmatt collection, is poised to endure through the generous support of art lovers worldwide.