Antiquity and Avant-Garde

VIEW COLLECTION     REQUEST A VALUATION     CONTACT A SPECIALIST

The collection, which includes a group of Roman marble torsos and a variety of pictures and sculptures by renowned European artists such as Marc Chagall, César, Nikos Hadjikyriakos-Ghikas and George Lappas, highlights the appeal of both ancient and modern art, which although thousands of years apart in manufacture, sit together at the vanguard of today’s art market.

At the core of this collection are three Roman marble torsos, each embodying the sophistication and artistic prowess of imperial Rome. Each finely carved - two in the form of athletes and the other as Herakles - they serve as enduring symbols of classical beauty and technical skill, clearly exemplifying why such pieces have long been the archetypal meeting point between style and connoisseurship.

^{▲ César Baldaccini aka 'César' (French, 1921-1998) Compression (£12,000-18,000)}

Roman sculptures continue to command high prices at auction, driven by their rarity and historical significance, and collectors and institutions alike are drawn to these pieces for their beauty, as well as the direct connection they offer to ancient history. In recent years, notable sales in London, New York and Paris have demonstrated that the appetite for antiquities remains robust, with well-preserved and documented pieces consistently achieving impressive results. Contrasting with the ancient allure of the Roman sculptures, are the modern works by artists such as Marc Chagall, Nikos Hadjikyriakos-Ghika, George Lappas, César, and Liana Vassalou, which also form a significant part of this collection.

George Lappas’ ‘Red Man’ offers a contemporary perspective, with its exploration of abstract form and dynamic movement, while ‘Compression – Magazines’ by César Baldaccini, commonly known as César, showcases the artist’s pioneering techniques in modern sculpture. His ‘Compressions’ and use of unconventional materials revolutionised the field of sculpture and established him as a leading figure in contemporary art.

^{A selection of Roman sculptures featuring in our December Fine Interiors sale.}

The market for modern art has shown remarkable resilience and growth in recent years, driven by a globalised art world where collectors are increasingly looking beyond tradition. Contemporary and modern artworks have become key investment pieces, with buyers seeking both aesthetic pleasure from works that resonate on a personal level, as well as financial return potential for long-term appreciation, and the inclusion of works by artists like Chagall, César and Lappas in this collection offers the security of some of the top names in the art world.

This European private collection, with its blend of Roman antiquities and modern masterpieces, brings a unique insight into the current dynamics of the auction market. On one hand, the enduring appeal of ancient art is evident in the ongoing demand for Roman sculptures, which continue to captivate collectors with their historical significance and artistic excellence, and, on the other, the market for modern and contemporary art remains vibrant, fuelled by an ever-growing interest in the innovative and the avant-garde.

^{▲ Marc Chagall (Russian-French, 1887-1985) 'Le Pierrot' (£3,000-5,000)}

The juxtaposition of these two genres within a single collection highlights the diverse interests of today’s collectors, who are increasingly drawn to art that spans both time and style. This trend is reflected in the auction market, where cross-category sales, especially those which celebrate the personality and taste of individuals, are becoming more common, offering buyers the opportunity to acquire works that reflect their own multifaceted collecting habits.  

Tuesday 1 & Wednesday 2 October | 10am

pictures@sworder.co.uk | 01279 817778

VIEW COLLECTION

Tuesday 3 & Wednesday 4 December | 10am

fineinteriors@sworder.co.uk | 01279 817778

REMIND ME