The collection consists of 78 lots, including several works that have never before appeared on the market.
They come directly from some of the greatest artists of the 20th century such as Jean Dubuffet, Niki de Saint Phalle and Claude and François-Xavier Lalanne.
The most coveted piece of the sale is none other than “Petit buste d’homme” by Alberto Giacometti.
This very rare painted bronze, dating from 1950, comes from the collection of Pierre Matisse, Jacqueline’s father.
It is part of a group of eight works by the Giacometti brothers that have remained in the family home until now. Christie’s has estimated it at between three and five million euros.
The blue “Hippopotame I” bathtub by François-Xavier Lalanne will also go under the hammer at Christie’s.
This is the first resin version of this iconic model, particularly appreciated by collectors.
A bathroom set composed of three ‘Hippopotames’ sold for 2.1 million euros at Sotheby’s in June 2020. The blue bathtub on sale at Christie’s is estimated at 800,000 to 1.2 million euros.
An exceptional collection
Henri Matisse also features prominently in this sale with more than 30 works by the painter offered, including three portraits of Jacqueline, as she was a model for her grandfather, and “Nymphe et faune rouge” (Nymph and Red Faun).
This 1935 canvas could fetch up to 2.2 million euros, according to Christie’s.
Two important serigraphs on linen, very dear to Henri Matisse, will also be auctioned. They are estimated at between 1.2 and 1.8 million euros each.
Jacqueline Matisse Monnier also played a key role in the preservation of the archives of her step-father Marcel Duchamp.
This includes a copy of the book “Marcel Duchamp. Propos et souvenirs de 1964,” which belonged to an artist who many see as the father of contemporary art. It could go for 800,000 euros, according to Christie’s estimates.
Set to be auctioned off on April 13, the personal collection of Jacqueline Matisse Monnier could cross the 20-million euro mark.
Art lovers will be able to view it from April 7 to 12 in the Parisian galleries of Christie’s, before it is put up for sale.