Art

Balthus painting deaccessioned by the Art Institute of Chicago could bring as much as $18m at auction

Published

12 months ago

October 7, 2023

La Patience (1948) by Balthasar Klossowski de Rola Courtesy Sotheby's — *La Patience* (1948) by Balthasar Klossowski de RolaCourtesy Sotheby’s

A painting by the artist Balthasar Klossowski de Rola—better known as Balthus—that has been part of the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago (AIC) for almost six decades has been deaccessioned and will be offered at Sotheby’s New York this autumn. It is expected to fetch an eight figure-price, with the museum planning to use the funds for future acquisitions.

Balthus painted La Patience (1948) during the Second World War in Fribourg, Switzerland, beginning work on the painting in 1943 before revisiting it between 1946 and 1948. During this period of his career, Balthus often devoted extended time to refining his compositions, according to Sharon Kim, Sotheby’s deputy chairman for Modern art. The painting depicts his model Jeanette Aldry—older than many of his young models in Paris, Sotheby’s materials note—playing a game of solitaire, marking the first time Balthus explored card games in his work. The artist’s use of dramatic chiaroscuro lighting and reference to the passage of time with the inclusion of an extinguished candle in the painting nod to Old Master painters, according to Sotheby’s.

The auction house estimates the painting will fetch between $12m and $18m during its evening auction of Modern art in November. While Balthus’s work does appear at auction regularly, especially his works on paper, it’s rare for a painting of La Patience’s significance to come to market, Kim said in a statement.

For nearly 60 years, La Patience has been part of the AIC’s Joseph Winterbotham Collection, a group that contains up to 35 modern European paintings at any time. The collection was established in 1921 with a mandate “for continuous evaluation and improvement”, a museum spokesperson said in a statement. In order to acquire new work for this collection, the museum must deaccession from it. La Patience’s deaccession falls within the guidelines set by the Associated of Art Museum Directors (AAMD) because the funds will be used for acquisition.

La Patience was chosen for deaccession by curatorial staff from the Modern and Contemporary art and painting and sculpture of Europe departments at the AIC, which jointly oversee the collection. The fact that the museum’s collection now contains numerous works by Balthus, including two that are regularly on view, was one factor in the decision, the museum said. Girl with Cat (1937) is now the only significant painting by Balthus in the museum’s collection.

When the AIC acquired La Patience in 1964 directly from Balthus’s dealer Pierre Matisse (son of Henri) in New York, it was the only work by Balthus in the collection. The painting has not been on display in the galleries in nearly a decade, the museum’s spokesperson said, though it has been lent out extensively for exhibitions (the painting is currently on display at Sotheby’s showroom in Hong Kong).

“Deciding which art to part with is always a difficult decision, but this sale is in fulfillment of the ever-changing Winterbotham Collection’s spirit and guidelines,” a spokesperson said in a statement.

Other works from the Winterbotham Collection that were previously deaccessioned include Raoul Dufy’s The Open Window, Nice (1928) which fetched $564,500 (including fees) in 2021 at Sotheby’s New York. The museum said the process has allowed for the acquisition of some of the most recognisable works in the AIC’s collection, including René Magritte’s Time Transfixed (1938) and an 1887 self-portrait by Vincent Van Gogh.

Balthus’s work has come under fire for his suggestive depictions of pubescent girls. In 2014, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York refused to take down a painting by Balthus called Thérèse Dreaming (1938) after thousands signed an online petition that claimed the Met was “supporting voyeurism and the objectification of children” by displaying the work with no clarification or caption acknowledging the controversy over Balthus’s subject matter. In 2014, the Museum Folkwang in Essen, Germany called off an exhibition of the artist’s work, saying that the display of Balthus’s photographs of a nude child may have resulted in “legal consequences”.

Despite the controversy, Balthus’s market remains strong.

“While Balthus, like many other artists, continues to be a topic of discussion for critics, curators and the general public alike, the top three most valuable works by the artist have all sold at auction within the last three years—each selling for more than $10 million—and thus indicating collector demand remains high for the artist,” Kim said in a statement.

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Art

Calvin Lucyshyn: Vancouver Island Art Dealer Faces Fraud Charges After Police Seize Millions in Artwork

Published

6 days ago

September 13, 2024

Harry Miller

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the Vancouver Island art community, a local art dealer has been charged with one count of fraud over $5,000. Calvin Lucyshyn, the former operator of the now-closed Winchester Galleries in Oak Bay, faces the charge after police seized hundreds of artworks, valued in the tens of millions of dollars, from various storage sites in the Greater Victoria area.

Alleged Fraud Scheme

Police allege that Lucyshyn had been taking valuable art from members of the public under the guise of appraising or consigning the pieces for sale, only to cut off all communication with the owners. This investigation began in April 2022, when police received a complaint from an individual who had provided four paintings to Lucyshyn, including three works by renowned British Columbia artist Emily Carr, and had not received any updates on their sale.

Further investigation by the Saanich Police Department revealed that this was not an isolated incident. Detectives found other alleged victims who had similar experiences with Winchester Galleries, leading police to execute search warrants at three separate storage locations across Greater Victoria.

Massive Seizure of Artworks

In what has become one of the largest art fraud investigations in recent Canadian history, authorities seized approximately 1,100 pieces of art, including more than 600 pieces from a storage site in Saanich, over 300 in Langford, and more than 100 in Oak Bay. Some of the more valuable pieces, according to police, were estimated to be worth $85,000 each.

Lucyshyn was arrested on April 21, 2022, but was later released from custody. In May 2024, a fraud charge was formally laid against him.

Artwork Returned, but Some Remain Unclaimed

In a statement released on Monday, the Saanich Police Department confirmed that 1,050 of the seized artworks have been returned to their rightful owners. However, several pieces remain unclaimed, and police continue their efforts to track down the owners of these works.

Court Proceedings Ongoing

The criminal charge against Lucyshyn has not yet been tested in court, and he has publicly stated his intention to defend himself against any pending allegations. His next court appearance is scheduled for September 10, 2024.

Impact on the Local Art Community

The news of Lucyshyn’s alleged fraud has deeply affected Vancouver Island’s art community, particularly collectors, galleries, and artists who may have been impacted by the gallery’s operations. With high-value pieces from artists like Emily Carr involved, the case underscores the vulnerabilities that can exist in art transactions.

For many art collectors, the investigation has raised concerns about the potential for fraud in the art world, particularly when it comes to dealing with private galleries and dealers. The seizure of such a vast collection of artworks has also led to questions about the management and oversight of valuable art pieces, as well as the importance of transparency and trust in the industry.

As the case continues to unfold in court, it will likely serve as a cautionary tale for collectors and galleries alike, highlighting the need for due diligence in the sale and appraisal of high-value artworks.

While much of the seized artwork has been returned, the full scale of the alleged fraud is still being unraveled. Lucyshyn’s upcoming court appearances will be closely watched, not only by the legal community but also by the wider art world, as it navigates the fallout from one of Canada’s most significant art fraud cases in recent memory.

Art collectors and individuals who believe they may have been affected by this case are encouraged to contact the Saanich Police Department to inquire about any unclaimed pieces. Additionally, the case serves as a reminder for anyone involved in high-value art transactions to work with reputable dealers and to keep thorough documentation of all transactions.

As with any investment, whether in art or other ventures, it is crucial to be cautious and informed. Art fraud can devastate personal collections and finances, but by taking steps to verify authenticity, provenance, and the reputation of dealers, collectors can help safeguard their valuable pieces.

Art

Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone – BBC.com

Published

2 weeks ago

September 2, 2024

Harry Miller

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Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone BBC.com

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Art

Somerset House Fire: Courtauld Gallery Reopens, Rest of Landmark Closed

Published

1 month ago

August 18, 2024

Harry Miller

The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House has reopened its doors to the public after a fire swept through the historic building in central London. While the gallery has resumed operations, the rest of the iconic site remains closed “until further notice.”

On Saturday, approximately 125 firefighters were called to the scene to battle the blaze, which sent smoke billowing across the city. Fortunately, the fire occurred in a part of the building not housing valuable artworks, and no injuries were reported. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.

Despite the disruption, art lovers queued outside the gallery before it reopened at 10:00 BST on Sunday. One visitor expressed his relief, saying, “I was sad to see the fire, but I’m relieved the art is safe.”

The Clark family, visiting London from Washington state, USA, had a unique perspective on the incident. While sightseeing on the London Eye, they watched as firefighters tackled the flames. Paul Clark, accompanied by his wife Jiorgia and their four children, shared their concern for the safety of the artwork inside Somerset House. “It was sad to see,” Mr. Clark told the BBC. As a fan of Vincent Van Gogh, he was particularly relieved to learn that the painter’s famous Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear had not been affected by the fire.

Blaze in the West Wing

The fire broke out around midday on Saturday in the west wing of Somerset House, a section of the building primarily used for offices and storage. Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House Trust, assured the public that “no valuable artefacts or artworks” were located in that part of the building. By Sunday, fire engines were still stationed outside as investigations into the fire’s origin continued.

About Somerset House

Located on the Strand in central London, Somerset House is a prominent arts venue with a rich history dating back to the Georgian era. Built on the site of a former Tudor palace, the complex is known for its iconic courtyard and is home to the Courtauld Gallery. The gallery houses a prestigious collection from the Samuel Courtauld Trust, showcasing masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Among the notable works are pieces by impressionist legends such as Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent Van Gogh.

Somerset House regularly hosts cultural exhibitions and public events, including its popular winter ice skating sessions in the courtyard. However, for now, the venue remains partially closed as authorities ensure the safety of the site following the fire.

Art lovers and the Somerset House community can take solace in knowing that the invaluable collection remains unharmed, and the Courtauld Gallery continues to welcome visitors, offering a reprieve amid the disruption.

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