FEATURES ARCHIVE

Elvire de Maintenant, Old Master Paintings specialist, presents the story of this impressive and modern group of works.

‘The Veil-Picard family name is synonymous not only with a famous banking dynasty, but also with generations art collecting and philanthropy. Arthur-Georges Veil-Picard (1854-1944) took a great interest in collecting old master drawings and paintings and over the course of his life he was a generous benefactor to many French museums and collections. Christie’s will be offering 15 paintings, drawings and miniatures from the Veil-Picard collection, with estimates ranging from €15,000 to €800,000.

Arthur-Georges may have been a great businessman, but art was his life’s passion. As he was often in competition with other collectors, all in hot pursuit of the best pieces available, his passion turned into a sophisticated game of outsmarting and outbidding the others.

When these works were first assembled, I don’t think he realised how coherent his collection was. All the works are French and amongst the paintings there is a very prominent theme which highlights Veil-Picard’s enthusiasm about the act of painting and not just the final result. He sought out works with free movement, visible brushstrokes and heavily impastoed surfaces, highly corresponding with modern tastes. This collection truly opens the window to 20th century art.

The painting by Chardin reflects this great vision of ‘the artist at work’. It is a sketch for the Bénédicité which currently hangs in the Musée du Louvre. When you compare the two you notice that the present example is more fluid and atmospheric, and the compositions differ significantly. This provides real insight into the intimate world of the artist. What made him change his mind?

The drawing of the Comtesse de Pastoret by Ingres is another personal favourite. It is so incredibly elegant and Parisian. Ingres was thought by many to be the first modern artist of the 19th century. He was a true visionary, like Mr. Veil-Picard himself.’

Enquiries:
Cécile Bernard
Director
cbernard@christies.com
+33 (0)1 40 76 85 87