This section will be available this Autumn.
Grusenmeyer-Woliner
Power figure (Nkisi) Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kongo, Mayombe region, late 19th century Wood, seeds, beads, metal, glass, and plant fibers (raffia) H 24.5 cm H 29.5 cm (including base) Provenance: Mathias Komor Gallery, New York, USA, 1960s; Elliot Picket (by 1974); Aaron and Joyce Furman, New-York, USA; Daniel Hourdé, Paris; Galerie Alain de Monbrison, Paris Publication: Picket, Elliot, 'L’art Africain congloméré', Arts d’Afrique noire, n° 10, Summer 1974, n° 19, p. 33 Standing just 24.5 cm tall, this exceptional female nkisi from the Mayombe region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo possesses a presence far greater than its size suggests. Its piercing, wide-open eyes, finely modelled features and harmonious proportions reveal the remarkable quality of the carving, while the striking accumulation of black seeds surrounding the body adds to the intensity of its beautifully balanced composition. In Kongo tradition, nkisi figures were created to protect, heal and mediate between the visible and invisible worlds. Activated by a nganga, a ritual specialist and healer, they embodied spiritual forces believed to influence human life. This female figure, with her hands holding her breasts, evokes fertility, motherhood and the continuity of the lineage, while also fulfilling a protective function. At the centre of her abdomen, a mirror conceals a ritual cavity containing bilongo, a potent combination of plant, mineral and animal substances. The mirror establishes a symbolic connection with the spirit world, while the small cowrie shell adorning her forehead evokes prosperity and fertility. What makes this sculpture particularly compelling is the exceptional preservation of its ritual attributes. The abdominal receptacle, its mirror and ritual contents have survived, offering valuable insight into the figure's original spiritual function. Its richly layered, time-worn patina, thick and encrusted in places, bears witness to its ritual history. Equally fascinating are the numerous glossy black seeds, probably from a tropical vine of the Dioclea genus, which have survived along with the cords securing them. Combining sculptural refinement, spiritual significance and a rich assemblage of preserved ritual elements, this intimate yet commanding figure stands as a remarkable testament to the artistic traditions of the Mayombe region.
Pauline Janssen
Friedrich Kreuter for Koch Edwardian tiara, circa 1911 Diamond & Ceylon Sapphires Total weight 61.7 gr Set with old cut and rose cut diamonds and faceted sapphires. Estimated centre diamond weight approximately 3.70 carats. Estimated total diamond weight approximately 20.00 carats. Estimated centre sapphire weight approximately 6.50 carats. Estimated total sapphire weight approximately 12.00 carats. The sapphires are of Ceylon origin with no indications of heat treatment. Diamonds are bright & lively. Mounted in platinum. German work by Friedrich Kreuter for Koch. Weight 61.5 gr. Accompanied by a CGL laboratory certificate. Accompanied by the original fitted box.
Artimo Fine Art
Jean-Baptiste Auguste Clésinger (Besançon 1814-1883 Paris) Lucrèce mourante (The Death of Lucretia), 1868 White Carrara marble H 165 x W 206 x D 82 cm Signed and dated 'J. Clésinger Rome 1868' Provenance: Émile de Girardin (1802–1881), Paris; sale of the Émile de Girardin collection, Hôtel Drouot, Paris, December 1887, lot 176; private collection, Château de Vallière, Mortefontaine (Oise), France Literature: Catalogue des marbres, bronzes et terres cuites composant l’atelier de M. Clésinger, Paris, sale of 5 June 1868, lot 2, with a preface by Théophile Gautier; Catalogue de la vente des œuvres de M. Clésinger, Paris, Hôtel Drouot, 6 April 1870, lot 2; Catalogue de la vente de la Société des marbres et bronzes artistiques de Paris, 2-3 April 1883, lot 17 (mentioning the original marble belonging to M. de Girardin); Alexandre Estignard, Clésinger, sa vie, ses œuvres, Paris, 1900 Created in Rome between 1863 and 1867, Lucrèce mourante ranks among Jean-Baptiste Auguste Clésinger’s most ambitious monumental compositions. The sculptor depicts the Roman heroine at the moment when, having revealed the outrage committed against her, she has just taken her own life. Seated, her body abandoned, her eyelids half-open and her gaze turned upwards, Lucretia lets the dagger fall as her drapery reveals the fatal wound. Her loosened chignon, with several strands falling onto the nape of her neck, heightens the sense of abandonment that pervades the composition. The work combines a particularly sensitive observation of human anatomy with the nobility of a composition inspired by classical sculpture. In his preface to the 1868 sale catalogue, Théophile Gautier emphasised the expressive power of this figure, whose inner suffering is conveyed with remarkable restraint. Listed in the catalogues of the Clésinger sales of 1868 and 1870, the sculpture subsequently belonged to Émile de Girardin, the celebrated French journalist and politician. Its presence in his collection is confirmed by the 1883 catalogue devoted to Clésinger’s models, which explicitly states that the original marble belonged to M. de Girardin. The work reappeared in December 1887 at the Hôtel Drouot sale of the Girardin collection, before entering, at an as yet undetermined date, the collections housed at the Château de Vallière in Mortefontaine.
Guy Pieters Gallery
Pierre Alechinsky (Brussels, 1927) Paysage impressionné, 1959 Oil on canvas 205 x 289 cm Pierre Alechinsky’s ‘Paysage impressionné’, executed in 1959, is a large oil painting from an important early period in the artist’s career. Painted after the CoBrA movement had dissolved, it reflects his interest in spontaneous, expressive forms, a vivid sense of movement and the freedom of the brush. The lively brushwork and interplay of colours give the painting a sense of movement, while the broad composition feels balanced and harmonious. This combination of energy and control makes the work especially engaging.
Galerie Raf Van Severen
Elena Laverón (Spain, Ceuta, 1938) Pareja Sentada (Seating Couple), 1975 Cast bronze with dark patina H 170 x W 193 x D 116 cm Edition of 3 + 2 AP Literature: Antonio Abad, 'Elena Laverón, The flight of forms', 1987, p. 168; Juan Ibáñez Plaza (com.), 'de Elena Laverón', Roquetas de Mar (Almería), Ayuntamiento de Roquetas de Mar, 2008, p. 115; Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Telmo de Málaga, Anuario 2016 (n° 16), Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Telmo, 2016, p. 389; Tania Fernández de Toledo, Raya Fayad, Sotheby's France, 'UNESCO: La collection d'art', 2017, p. 431 Reference: in 1993, Pareja Sentada was installed at UNESCO's Bonvin building In 1936, the French-language premiere of Arnold Schoenberg’s monodrama Erwartung was staged at the Palais des Beaux-Arts in Brussels, with Jean Brusselmans commissioned to design the sets. 'Decor for Erwartung' is a study for the fourth scene of the drama. In this scene, the female protagonist, desperately searching for her lover, comes across a road in the middle of a forest. To her horror, she discovers his lifeless body lying beside a lonely house. Brusselmans’ distinctive painting style, characterised by its return to simplicity and its deliberately alienated figures, makes it remarkably easy to imagine what the stage sets must have looked like during the actual performance. The work offers the viewer an endless source of imagination. Combined with the fascinating history behind its creation, these qualities make 'Decor for Erwartung' an absolute masterpiece.
Sceners Gallery
Marcel Kammerer (Vienna 1878-1959 Montreal) Set of one sofa, a pair of armchairs and a pedestal table, circa 1905 Stained beechwood, metal, and dyed winter cowhide Sofa: H 74 x W 165 x D 80 cm Armchairs: H 74 x W 88 x D 80 cm Pedestal table: H 77.5 x Ø 70 cm Signed Mundus For Gebrüder Thonet / Mundus
Galerie Uzal
Jean Delville (Louvain 1867-1953 Forest) La Libération, 1936 Oil on canvas 188.5 x 240.5 cm (framed) Signed and dated Exhibition: Brussels, Salon de la Société des Beaux-Arts-Salon de Printemps 1936 In a letter addressed to the former owner and dated 1 July 1947, Jean Delville described the work as follows: 'Man, in flight, frees himself and escapes towards broader horizons and spaces of freedom, while the forces of evil hold him back in the lower spheres of the world, where the inert mass of beings remains imprisoned by their prejudices, desires, passions and selfishness.'
Galerie Alexis Pentcheff
Carved wooden frame, gilded with gold leaf, fitted with its original mercury glass Spain, 17th century Symmetrical decoration featuring four cherubs, stylised scrolls, acanthus leaves and gemstones at the corners Provenance: Amedeo Montanari collection Literature: Amedeo Montanari and Roberto Lodi, Directory of European frales, editions Galleria Roberto Lodi, 2003, repr. n° 641, p. 323
Vagabond Antiques
A Neoclassical painted and parcel-gilt console table Italy, late 18th century Marble and painted wood H 90 x W 110 x D 54 cm Italian neoclassical console table retaining its beautifully faded original painted and parcel-gilt decoration. The original shaped solid Breccia Violette marble top rests on a panelled frieze decorated with scrolling acanthus, flower-filled classical urns and carved paterae. The table is raised on four beautifully proportioned fluted legs, tapering to an unusually fine point and giving the table a particularly elegant and refined profile.
Caretto & Occhinegro
Lucas Gassel (Deurne circa 1488-1570 Brussels) Landscape with the penitent Saint Jerome, circa 1543-1545 Oil on oak panel 56 x 85 cm Signed with traces of the monogram LG (interlaced) lower left on the rock Expertise by Peter van den Brink and the gallery is grateful to Luc Serck for confirming the authorship of this work
Laurent Schaubroeck
Rick Owens (USA, Porterville, 1961) Small Plug Table, 2013 Black stained plywood H 41 x W 140 x D 75 cm Stamped Rick Owens 02/08 Edition of 8 + 4 AP Produced in France A monolithic composition in black plywood, the Plug Table reflects Rick Owens’ uncompromising approach to furniture: reduced geometry, architectural weight and an almost brutalist sense of proportion.
Klaas Muller
Maarten Rijckaert (Antwerp, 1587-1611) Forest landscape with hunters, 17th century Oil on panel 32.4 x 49.5 cm This beautiful painting is a typical example of Maarten Ryckaert’s talent for creating atmospheric woodland scenes. The painting presents a dense forest filled with tall trees,a river, rough terrain and rocks. Soft light filters through the branches, creating contrasts between illuminated clearings and darker shadowed areas. In the foreground, a group of hunters on the left- and rightside accompanied by dogs: their small scale compared to the towering trees highlights the dominance of nature over human activity. The hunters add a sense of narrative and movement to the otherwise peaceful setting. Ryckaert uses earthy tones such as deep greens, browns, and golden highlights to create a rich and natural atmosphere. Fine details in the foliage, rocks, and tree trunks demonstrate his close observation of nature and his skill as a landscape painter. The scene evokes both tranquility and mystery, inviting the viewer to imagine the sounds and silence of the forest. The painting reflects the Baroque interest in dramatic natural scenery while also expressing a calm, contemplative mood. Through the balance of light, composition, and detail, Ryckaert transforms an ordinary hunting scene into a poetic vision of the natural world. Maarten Ryckaert was born in Antwerp and became especially known for his imaginative woodland scenes, rocky landscapes, and peaceful rural settings filled with travelers, hunters, and small groups of figures. Ryckaert studied painting in Antwerp and was strongly influenced by earlier Flemish landscape artists such as Joos de Momper and Jan Brueghel the Elder. Unlike many painters of his time who focused on religious or historical themes, Ryckaert specialized in landscapes, giving nature the leading role in his compositions. His works often combine realism with fantasy, creating dramatic forests, winding paths, and mysterious mountainous scenery.
Gallery Sofie Van de Velde
Cy Twombly (USA, Lexington 1928-2011 Rome) Untitled, Captiva Island, Florida, 1974 Gouache and pastel on a collage of paper and graph paper, on paper 75 x 106 cm Signed, dated, and inscribed 'Captiva ‘Feb 74’ on the reverse Provenance: Galerie Yvon Lambert, Paris; Pierre Horay collection, Paris; Heiner Bastian Fine Art, Berlin; acquired from the above by the present owner Literature: Y. Lambert, Cy Twombly: Catalogue raisonné des œuvres sur papier, vol. VI, 1973-1976, Milan, 1979, n° 110 (ill. p. 115); N. Del Roscio, Cy Twombly Drawings, Catalogue raisonné, Vol. 6, 1972–1979, Munich, 2016, n° 114 (ill. in colour p. 108) Exhibitions: Paris, Galerie Yvon Lambert, Cy Twombly, April-May 1974; Seattle, Richard Hines Gallery, Cy Twombly: Paintings and Drawings, July-August 1980 This work, composed of a series of collages incorporating gouache and pastel on paper and graph paper, was created during his stay with Robert Rauschenberg on Captiva Island, Florida, in 1974. At first glance, the composition evokes the image of a lotus. Behind this seemingly botanical representation, however, lies a more complex symbolism. Whether viewed as a herbarium or an album, the work’s ambiguity seems to point more towards an erotic interpretation than a purely botanical one.
Dalton Somaré
Slit drum, nedundu Uele Region, Northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo Early 20th century Wood with dark brown patina 52 x 122 cm Provenance: collection Monsieur H., (Agricultural Engineer), France, collected in situ before 1950; thence by descent; private collection, France; Sotheby’s, Paris, Arts d’Afrique et d’Océanie, 21 June 2017; private collection, New York
Beck & Eggeling International Fine Art
Manolo Valdés (Valencia, 1944) 'The Cartier', 2008 Oil and mixed media on canvas 188 x 188 cm H 200 x W 200 x D 10 cm (in artist's frame) Signed 'MAVALDES', dated '2008', titled 'The Cartier' and inscribed with measurements on the reverse Provenance: acquired directly from the artist's studio
Van Herck-Eykelberg
Paul Delvaux (Antheit 1897-1994 Veurne) Hôtel de Ville, 1953 Watercolour and pen and ink on paper mounted on board 69.5 x 50.5 cm Signed and dated 'P. Delvaux 4.53' Provenance: Albert and Georges Niels, Brussels; Galerie Isy Brachot, Brussels; private collection, Belgium Literature: Jean Stengers, Bruxelles: Croissance d'une capitale, Anvers, 1979, ill. in colour on the cover Exhibitions: Brussels, Le Cercle Royal Gaulois, Bruxelles vu par les artistes, 1959, n° 46, listed (titled L'Hôtel de Ville); Brussels, Galerie Isy Brachot and Paris, Galerie Isy Brachot, Paul Delvaux: dessins, aquarelles et encres de Chine, 1987-88, n° 48, ill. in colour (titled L'Hôtel de Ville de Bruxelles)