Sotheby's / Masterworks by Cezanne and Modigliani Lead the Collection of Alex & Elisabeth Lewyt
Sotheby’s will offer The Collection of Alex & Elisabeth Lewyt in a series of auctions in New York and Paris in 2013, including seminal paintings by Paul Cézanne and Amedeo Modigliani that will lead the Impressionist & Modern Art Evening Sale in New York on 7 May 2013. Befitting Mr. and Mrs.Lewyt’s deep devotion to philanthropy, proceeds from the sale of their collection – comprising 200 pieces together estimated at more than $65 million – will benefit a charitable foundation to be established in their name. The foundation will support the causes that they both were passionate about, especially those concerned with animal welfare.
“Assembled in the 1950s, this collection is a real time capsule”, commented Simon Shaw, Head of Sotheby’s Impressionist & Modern Art Department in New York. “The Lewyts’ connoisseurship is reflected in the exquisite quality of works from a roll call of key Impressionist and Modern artists – from Renoir, Degas and Pissarro through Picasso, Braque and Matisse.”
Les Pommes, painted by Paul Cézanne in 1889-90, reveals why his work in the still-life genre is considered among his greatest achievements (estimate $25/35 million). These moving compositions, which explore the paradoxes of forms in space, inspired the Cubism of Picasso and Braque and signal the very birth of modern art. “Les Pommes is one of Cezanne’s most perfect still lifes” commented Charles Moffett, Vice Chairman of Sotheby’s Impressionist & Modern Art department. “One could never imagine altering a single brushstroke or touch of color. The painting was a highlight of any visit to the Lewyts’ home, which was filled with works they dearly loved – from small pictures the size of playing cards to important drawings, watercolors and sculpture.”
Amedeo Modigliani’s sensational L’Amazone is an early masterpiece by the artist and one of his most arresting images of women (estimate $20/30 million). Painted in 1909, it depicts Baroness Marguerite de Hasse de Villers, a glamorous socialite and lover of the younger brother of Modigliani’s patron, PaulAlexandre. Marguerite poses in her riding-habit, gloved-hand on her hip and her arch gaze holding the viewer captivated. L’Amazone’s draughtsmanship and exquisite brushwork announced the arrival of a singular talent that Modigliani would explore during the following decade.
Sotheby’s New York
Impressionist & Modern Art Evening Sale
Auction 7 May 2013
The Collection of Alex & Elisabeth Lewyt
Paul Cézanne
Les Pommes
Painted in 1889-90.
Oil on canvas
15 x 18 inches
Estimate $25/35 million
The Collection of Alex & Elisabeth Lewyt
Amedeo Modigliani
L’Amazone
Painted in 1909.
Signed Modigliani lower left
Oil on canvas
36 ¼ x 25 ⅝ inches
Estimate $20/30 million
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