It is on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival, created by His Serene Highness Prince Rainier III in 1974 (46th edition) and the centenary of its birth, that the Hotel of Monte-Carlo sales wanted to organize a thematic sale on the Circus around the Hourdequin collection.
Patrick and Krinou Hourdequin have dedicated their lives to this common passion through a very eclectic collection of paintings, sculptures, posters and various objects, collected over the years, during travels, events and meetings , Patrick Hourdequin having been director of the Princess Grace Theater and artistic advisor to the Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival.
Here is a selection of works that will soon make the auction hammer beat and resonate in the hearts of collectors.
First of all a beautiful work by Fernand Léger (1881 – 1955), entitled “Cirque” (Lot °63,1), a collection of lithographs ordered by the Tériade publishing house in 1950 (Maison Tériade which had already ordered three years earlier, in 1957, a collection of the same ilk by Matisse (1869 – 1954) entitled “Jazz”).
This beautiful collection composed of an artist's booklet and plates (some of which are in color) offers us a nice overview of the artist's plasticity and takes us into the world of the circus where clowns, trapeze artists, dancers and learned animals...
Then we continue with one of the most important works of the sale, a beautiful oil on cardboard by the neo-impressionist Maximilien Luce (1858 – 1941). “The fairground parade” (Lot no. 66) a faithful representation of the artist’s contemporary fairground and popular arts. It is a very concrete illustration of the work of Luce, who based in Charleroi painted the settings of “Black Country” with the interest of Zola descending into the mines to describe the daily life of miners. It is moreover his political commitment more highlighted in his paintings which will earn him recognition perhaps later than other neo-impressionist painters. This oil full of bright colors contrasts with the other paintings from this darker period and immediately takes us into the festive and almost “carnivalesque” atmosphere that the traveling fairgrounds could bring with them during their stays in the North of France. .
Other elegant historiographical evidence should be noted:
The three watercolor drawings of the Vesque sisters Juliette (1881-1949) and Marthe (1879-1962) VESQUE are two sisters passionate about Circus, their work brings together nearly 8 drawings testifying to their passion for Circus shows in Paris and in its suburbs in the first half of the 000th century. The two botanists and designers assiduously attended these performances during which they graphically transcribed the acrobatics of all kinds of the actors in the circus world.
These three color drawings are undoubtedly an elegant and historical tribute from these artists to the great Circus family (Lots no. 36 / 37 / 38).
Finally, how can we not talk about family without mentioning one of the works of Rolf Knie (Born in 1949) presented in this sale “The Elephant” (Lot n°153), a painting on canvas of a circus marquee.
The Knie family is the main protagonist of the Swiss Circus which has continued since its founding in 1803 by Friedrich Knie and which still continues to make young and old alike dream.
A beautiful tribute to this line of artists who will delight the hearts of fervent Cirque collectors.
The sale of this eclectic and wonderful collection will be held on Thursday January 25 from 14:30 p.m. at the Hôtel des Ventes de Monte-Carlo on Quai Antoine 1er.
The exhibition is accessible today to curious or passionate visitors to share this tiny page in the history of the Circus around paintings, bronzes, ceramics, posters or old photographs.
Contact
Arnault PIANO