Beaune, France is set to host a unique auction this weekend, offering a diverse collection of art, furniture and rare books. The Hôtel des Ventes de Beaune will present the sale on Sunday, March 15th, with a particular highlight being a rare album dedicated to the Art Nouveau masterpiece, the Castel Béranger in Paris. The auction likewise features works by female artists Émilie Charmy and Julia Beck, expected to draw significant interest from collectors.
Beyond the standard fare of fine art and antiques, this auction distinguishes itself with a piece of architectural history: a first edition of Hector Guimard’s 1898 album, “L’Art dans l’habitation Moderne – Le Castel Béranger.” Guimard, renowned for his iconic Paris Métro entrances, designed the Castel Béranger, a landmark building that embodies the spirit of French Art Nouveau. The album, estimated to fetch between €1,000 and €1,500, is made even more special by a handwritten dedication to Alexandre Sandier, a prominent architect, and designer.
The auction isn’t limited to paper artifacts. A significant ceramic vase from the Longwy manufactory, estimated between €3,000 and €5,000, will also be up for bid. Created in 1931 for the colonial exposition, the vase showcases the operate of Maurice-Paul Chevallier and exemplifies the decorative arts of the period. A separate sale on Saturday, March 14th, at 2 PM will focus on coins, jewelry, and silverware, including a 19th-century gold bracelet estimated between €4,000 and €6,000.
A Rare Glimpse into Art Nouveau Design
The inclusion of Guimard’s album offers a fascinating insight into the origins of Art Nouveau architecture. The Castel Béranger, located at 14 rue Jean-de-La-Fontaine in Paris’ 16th arrondissement, was Guimard’s first independent residential project and quickly gained recognition for its innovative design. As noted by French Moments, the building won the prize for Paris’ most attractive façade in 1898.
Alexandre Sandier, the recipient of the album’s dedication, was a notable figure in his own right. Born in Beaune, he established a successful career as an interior architect in both the United States and France, eventually becoming the artistic director of the Manufacture de Sèvres from 1897 to 1916. According to Stanislas Boyer, a commissioner at the Hôtel des Ventes de Beaune, Sandier played a key role in introducing the Art Nouveau style to the renowned porcelain manufacturer. Boyer notes that Sandier’s work is currently undergoing a period of rediscovery by cultural institutions.
Female Artists Accept Center Stage
The auction also highlights the contributions of female artists. Émilie Charmy, a painter associated with Fauvism, is represented by a work expected to attract considerable attention. Her paintings are exhibited at the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon, and a recent portrait sold for over €10,000 at a Bern, Switzerland auction in November. Julia Beck, a Swedish artist who settled in France in the late 19th century, also has a landscape painting included in the sale, which fetched €15,000 at a Marseille auction in December.
The upcoming auction provides a unique opportunity to acquire pieces from a range of artistic disciplines and periods. The Saturday sale will feature a 1932 American ten-dollar gold coin, estimated between €1,500 and €2,000, alongside a selection of watches, rings, and other valuable items. The Hôtel des Ventes de Beaune, established for over 23 years, can be contacted at 03 80 22 28 87 or via their website.
What to Expect at the Beaune Auction
This weekend’s auction in Beaune promises a diverse selection for collectors and art enthusiasts. From a rare glimpse into the Art Nouveau movement with the Guimard album to the works of celebrated female artists and a collection of fine jewelry and coins, the sale offers something for a wide range of interests. The Hôtel des Ventes de Beaune’s auction is scheduled to begin at 2 PM on both Saturday, March 14th, and Sunday, March 15th.
The auction house anticipates strong bidding on the featured items, particularly the Guimard album and the paintings by Charmy and Beck. The sale represents a significant cultural event for Beaune, attracting both local residents and art collectors from further afield.
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