Leendert van Lier
(1910 - 1995)
Mr. Leendert van Lier was a charming blend of an artist, gentleman and art-dealer. He was quite a good painter and a passionate collector of art who succeeded in making a living from his hobbies. Although he dealt in all kind of beautifull things, he had a preference for modern and tribal art.
He took up office with the 'Kunstzaal Van Lier' on the Rokin in Amsterdam in 1950, which was founded in 1927 and already internationally known before World War II. The owner, Mr. Carel van Lier, was no family of his but the reputation of the name was in his favour. He stayed in Amsterdam until 1955. From 1955 till 1961 he received his clients at his house in Utrecht. Next came a succesful and pleasant period in the small town of Veere, Zeeland, that lasted till 1968. From 1968 until his death in 1995 he lived in Blaricum. Regular he went to his beloved Provence, France, to paint.
There was always plenty of variety in his gallery. For example during the month of March 1951 one could enjoy an exhibition of paintings painted by the former Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands. In September of the same year there was the extremely avant-gardistic work of Karel Appel.
Important Dutch artists like Jan Wiegers, Herman Kruyder and Jan Sluyters showed their paintings in 'Kunstzaal Van Lier'. He even had work from many famous European painters and sculptors in stock of whom he knew several personally.
The other pillar of the gallery was the Tribal and Southeast Asian art, which was at least as important to him. His flawless taste and vast knowledge in these fields made every visit to his house a treat, every conversation an enrichment. Well-known Dutch collections, like those of Prof. dr. Th. van Baaren and Mr. Cees Meulendijk were built up largely by his intervention.
He spent his last years at home surrounded by his exquisite collection. Only now and then he was willing to part from an object that was dear to him.
When he was eightteen years old he bought his first object, a Batak wand. The last thing he sold as a man of nearly eighty-five was that same staff. Together with more than hundred other objects I bought from him in the almost thirty years of friendship, it now adorns my own house.
A larger part of Leendert van Liers ethnographic collection is now for sale. May these objects find new owners who will cherish them just as the exemplary art-dealer Mr. Leendert van Lier one cherished them.
Hans Warren
TUESDAY, APRIL 15TH, 1997
Catalogue
All sales subject to the Conditions of Bussiness printed in this catalogue
Condition is not stated in the catalogue. The absence of such reference does not imply that the lot is in good condition or free from faults or imperfections. All dimensions are approximate and intended only as guide.
All objects in this catalogue are of wood unless it is stated to the contrary.
Estimates. Please see under Auction Practice at Christie's
AFTERNOON SESSION AT 2.00 P.M. PRECISELY
(Lots 1 - 250)
AFRICA
(Lots 1 - 78)
A DOGON MASK, ireli
Details
A DOGON MASK, ireli
Of rectangular form with pierced rectangular eyes, tapering ears and horns, painted with bands of black, white and red triangles and zigzags
96 cm high
Of rectangular form with pierced rectangular eyes, tapering ears and horns, painted with bands of black, white and red triangles and zigzags
96 cm high