An exceptional collection by the illustrious artist Raoul Dufy, an emblematic figure of Modern Art, has recently been rediscovered, arousing keen interest among art lovers from all over the world. These artistic treasures, which had long resided in the artist's personal collection, were given by Emilienne Dufy to her friend and steward Raymonde, before being rediscovered in Nice.
Raymonde's son contacted our auction house BESCH CANNES AUCTION to authenticate the works and put them up for auction. Among the remarkable works is "Hommage à Mozart" dating from 1952 (81 x 65 cm), a singular piece in one of Dufy's last series in which he paid tribute to his favourite composers and attempted to translate their musical emotions into works of art.
This previously unpublished collection dates back to the 1940s, when Raymonde became the Dufy couple's devoted housekeeper at their studio in Impasse de Galma, Paris. In the late 1950s, Émilienne and Raoul Dufy moved to the Cimiez district of Nice, where the artist died in 1953. Alone, Madame Dufy asked Raymonde and her family to leave Paris and join her. A strong bond of friendship developed between the two women, and Émilienne donated to her devoted friend a collection of oils, watercolours, drawings and sketchbooks, which are presented in our sale.
This auction offers collectors a rare opportunity to acquire authentic works steeped in history by one of the greatest masters of Modern Art.
The estimate for this unique piece is between 120000€ and 180000€, with a certificate of authenticity issued by Madame Fanny Guillon Lafaille.
For further information on this exceptional auction, please contact Maître Besch on 00.33.(0)4.93.99.33.49 or by e-mail at besch@cannesauction.com
Raoul DUFY (1877-1953) - Tribute to Mozart, 1952 - Oil on canvas signed lower right - 81 x 65 cm
Provenance : Galerie Louis Carré Paris / Sale London Sotheby's 5/4/78 n°69
Exhibitions : 1952 Venice 26th Biennale n°68 / 1957 Vichy Salle Majestic Second Festival of Paintings & Sculptures - Tribute to Raoul Dufy
On sale on Sunday April 28th 2024 in Cannes in the lounges of the Hôtel Martinez, 73 boulevard de la Croisette
Exhibition in the lounges of the Hôtel Martinez in Cannes : April Saturday 27th from 4pm to 8pm & April Sunday 28th from 10.30am to 12.30pm