EDITORIAL

Important paintings by Paul Signac, Domenico Gnoli, and Ferdinand Hodler take pride of place in our June auctions of Modern, Post–War and Swiss Art. For more than a century, Signac’s painting ‘Saint-Tropez, port en fête’ remained in private hands in Germany, its whereabouts unknown and absent from publications and public exhibitions. Now, this 1895 masterpiece will be offered for sale on 27 June.

PAUL
SIGNAC

Saint-Tropez, port en fête, 1895
Oil on canvas
65.5 × 81 cm
Estimate:
CHF 2 / 3 million

Equally emblematic of its creator’s oeuvre is the 1968 work ‘Zipper no. 2’ by the Italian Pop Art artist Domenico Gnoli. Its unanticipated focus on an everyday object – a zipper – is a delightful play on our perceptions and viewing habits. Hodler’s ‘Salève in Autumn’, painted in 1891, marks a decisive turning point in his development toward Modernism, with its rich reds and blues.

DOMENICO
GNOLI

Zipper no. 2 (Zip), 1968
Acrylic and sand on canvas
195 × 89 cm
Estimate:
CHF 1 / 1.5 million

In addition to the highlights presented on the following pages, between 26 June and 2 July we will auction several hundred further paintings, sculptures, and works on paper – from the 19th century to the present day – both in our classic saleroom auctions and online.

Jewellery and watches enthusiasts will also find much to discover during our ten-day public preview. The selection ranges from exquisite 19th-century antique jewellery to solitaire diamonds and coloured gemstones.

Meanwhile, on 17 and 18 June we will hold our traditional auction of works from China, Nepal, India, and Japan.

One more note: if you’d like to take a behind-the-scenes look at how an auction house or gallery operates, explore the materials and conservation of artworks, or gain insight into art law, you can register for the continuing education course offered by the Swiss Institute for Art Research. You’ll find more information on page 19.

The entire Koller team looks forward to welcoming you to our auction preview from 14 to 23 June on the Hardturmstrasse in Zurich.

With warm regards,
Cyril Koller