Tag Archives: Sotheby's Videos

Art: ‘Dubuffet, Wols & Fautrier In Post-War Paris’

Dubuffet, Fautrier and Wols created powerful cathartic works in the aftermath of the Second World War. In this latest episode of Expert Voices, Sotheby’s specialist Haleigh Stoddard explores how all three artists translated their personal experiences on to canvas, from Fautrier’s abstract ‘Corps d’otage’ and ‘Tête d‘otage N. 15’, to Wols’ powerfully evocative ‘La Turquoise’, and Dubuffet’s vision of hope in ‘La Cavalière au Diamant’.

Jean Philippe Arthur Dubuffet was a French painter and sculptor. His idealistic approach to aesthetics embraced so-called “low art” and eschewed traditional standards of beauty in favor of what he believed to be a more authentic and humanistic approach to image-making. 

Jean Fautrier was a French painter, illustrator, printmaker, and sculptor. He was one of the most important practitioners of Tachisme. 

Wols was the pseudonym of Alfred Otto Wolfgang Schulze, a German painter and photographer predominantly active in France. Though broadly unrecognized in his lifetime, he is considered a pioneer of lyrical abstraction, one of the most influential artists of the Tachisme movement. 

Art: Chilean Abstract Impressionist Roberto Matta – ‘Prince Of Blood’

Roberto Matta’s Prince of Blood (triptych) was not only the painter’s first contribution to Surrealism, it was also the first artistic attempt to visualize Einstein’s theory of space-time. In this episode of Anatomy of an Artwork, discover how Matta was inspired by Marcel Duchamp to create a work that gives visual form to a world in flux and contradictions.

Roberto Sebastián Antonio Matta Echaurren, better known as Roberto Matta, was one of Chile’s best-known painters and a seminal figure in 20th century abstract expressionist and surrealist art. 

Forest Homes: ‘Măgura – Eastern Romania’ (Video)

In Buzau Valley, following a charming road through forests, an unexpected view emerges: Carpathian Estate, a domain created as a micro-universe of relaxation and supreme comfort. Located on a previous 10 hectares orchard, the place enjoys a panorama that stretches to the balneary resort Sarata-Monteoru.

Măgura is a commune in Buzău County, Muntenia, Romania, located on the right bank of the Buzău River, in the hillside next to the Carpathian Mountains’ curvature. It is composed of two villages, Ciuta and Măgura. 

The rustic feel of the wood (Romanian pine logs) and natural stone (brought from the French Alps, Norway and Brazil) merges with contemporary elements that create a truly original building. The main residence has 1200 square meters and displays five accommodation areas, each with an individual design (3 double rooms with en-suite bathrooms and 2 apartments), a master bedroom area of 80 square meters with its own fire place, a day area with 2 fireplaces, open kitchen, lounge areas, generous terraces and a SPA with a 22 meters long pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam bath.

The domain also features a farm, two lakes, a young orchard, 49 hectares of forest with oaks, cherry and lime trees, a garden with strawberry and raspberry and a greenhouse. The proximity to Dealul Mare creates proper conditions for exploiting a vineyard. Carpathian Estate represents an escape from the daily routine into a world subordinated to nature, harmony and well-being, where seasons enchantingly pass by and time has learned to be patient.

Art Insider: ‘Delightful Dance’ Of Degas (Video)

Edgar Degas was a prolific artist of dance. In this latest episode of Expert Voices, Sotheby’s specialist Brooke Lampley takes us through his fascination with dance, exploring how he perfectly captured every movement both on and off-stage. Ahead of Sotheby’s upcoming Art Impressionniste et Moderne Evening Sale (25 March 2021 | Paris) discover how his painting ‘Danseuse au Tutu Vert’ beautifully illustrates a dancer’s private moment backstage. Find out about the artist’s intense use of colour and how his chosen medium of pastel has truly stood the test of time.

Penthouse Views: ‘Abu Dhabi – UAE’ (Video)

A 4 bedroom penthouse apartment in a prime Dubai Marina location.
This really is a one-of-a-kind property. Located on a high floor this 4 bedroom, 5 bathroom penthouse comes with its own, spacious private terrace from which residents can enjoy expansive views of Palm Jumeirah, the Burj Al Arab and the Marina. If the view itself wasn’t enough, the property has been fully upgraded with Fendi design touches, marble floors and beautiful Crate and Barrel furniture. 

Paris Art History: Van Gogh’s ‘ Windmills of Montmartre’ (Video)

Vincent Van Gogh created many wonderful works during his time in Paris, not least some stunning paintings featuring the moulins of Montmartre. Sotheby’s upcoming Art Impressionniste et Moderne Evening Sale (25 March | Paris) offers one such highlight, ‘Scène de rue à Montmartre’. In this latest Sotheby’s video, specialist Etienne Hellman takes us on a tour of Montmartre, from the apartment where Van Gogh lived with his brother, to the very site where Van Gogh sat and created this incredible painting. Learn about the influence Paris had on Van Gogh’s oeuvre and how he executed this piece of Parisian history.

Views: A ‘1950 Hudson Commodore Eight Convertible Brougham’

1950 Hudson Commodore Eight Convertible Brougham

Lot Location: Tilburg, Netherlands

Hudson’s step-down cars for 1948 marked a new direction for the company, as it had a partially unitary design, with the floor pan on the bottom of the frame rather than on the top, resulting in one literally stepping down to enter a Hudson. There was an all-new six-cylinder engine, but the legacy straight eight, which had been continually updated since its introduction in the 1930s, was also carried over. Its low center of gravity made for excellent handling, for which step-downs are still revered.

The new cars bowed on December 7, 1947. “You’re face to face with tomorrow,” said the ads, and “this time it’s Hudson.” Both dealers and the public were elated. The roof was low, but there was still plenty of room inside. Sales jumped nearly 50 percent over 1947, and Hudson rose from 13th to 11th place in the market.

Incremental internal improvements were made to the engines for 1949, and for 1950 the grilles and taillights were updated. Genuine leather was used on convertible interiors, and an electro-hydraulic power top and windows were standard.

Views From A Penthouse: An ‘Urban Lighthouse’ In Seattle, Washington

Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to secure a long term lease in the only private residence atop Seattle’s iconic Smith Tower, owned and managed by Unico Properties. This extraordinary “Urban Lighthouse’ space, cleverly renovated by Graham Baba Architects and Valor Builds, incorporates elegant modern touches, while retaining its original architectural character.

One bedroom, a guest space, and two baths on the 37thfloor and an open living room, kitchen and dining fills the 38th floor. The iconic glass globe at the tower’s peak is accessible via a spiral staircase.24 teardrop windows offer rare 360º views of Puget Sound, Olympic Mountains, the Cascades, Mt. Rainier & the city below. The Penthouse at Smith Tower celebrates Seattle’s heritage with singular style and sophistication.

Design & Home Tour Video: ‘Wanaka – New Zealand’

This is undoubtedly one of the best homes to become available in Wanaka, located in the prestigious Mt. Gold area offering mountain and lake views. A property with rare presence, scale and distinction, the exterior design presents clean lines and sophisticated detailing.

Exquisite internal finishes including engineered French Oak flooring, European timber joinery with aluminum facing, and granite bench tops. Enveloped in shou sugi ban timber (larch) and bluestone highlights, vaulted ceilings, quality finishes, extensive indoor-outdoor flow, this property offers the best of Wanaka living. Set on 3,003 square meters this newly completed property has a 552 square meters floor plan encompassing seven bedrooms, master with en-suite and walk-in wardrobe, two bathrooms, separate toilet, laundry room, generous open plan kitchen/dining/living space, and separate lounge or media room.

The living spaces continue to the outdoor area with expansive decking offering an entertainers delight with large BBQ area, outdoor fire and kitchen. The azure waters of the outdoor heated swimming pool entice and delight. In addition to the internal double garaging offered within the house, there is also extensive 135 square meters garaging/shed area for toys and more. Plenty of guest parking is also available on-site.

Art History: ‘Orientalism’ – Visionary Delights (Video)

Orientalist art transports and immerses the viewer into a place in time. 100 and more years after it was painted, it beguiles us even now. Sotheby’s upcoming Orientalist sale (22 – 30 March) which includes works from the celebrated Najd Collection, features fascinating landscapes from John Lavery’s depictions of Tangier to Edward Lear’s View of the Pyramids Road. As well as stunning scenery, artists captured the lives of water sellers, musicians and soldiers, providing valuable documentary evidence of how the Orient looked at a time when the region was still an elusive dream to many.