A highlight of the week, the evening auction on April 16th, brings together several major works, reflecting the richness and diversity of the century’s artistic practices.

Among the standout pieces, Walking Horse by Edgar Degas (circa 1919–1937), estimated at €250,000–350,000, is in dialogue with Breton Eve (II) by Paul Gauguin (1889), estimated at €550,000–750,000. Created in Le Pouldu, this work marks a decisive turning point in the artist’s career, as he moved away from Impressionism to develop a synthetic and Symbolist language. Through this figure inspired by a Breton model and the biblical myth, Gauguin introduces the female nude into an allegorical and universal dimension.

Pierre Bonnard is represented with The Linen or The Laundry (1900), estimated at €120,000–180,000, while Fernand Léger offers a structured vision of modernity with The Farm Woman and the Cow (1953), also estimated at €120,000–180,000.

Still in the evening sale, sculpture takes center stage with two major works by Rembrandt Bugatti: Centre de table aux six marabouts (1932), a unique silver group, estimated at €200,000–300,000, and Les cigognes au repos, l’une couchée (1907), a unique piece, estimated at €300,000–400,000.

The auction also highlights the post-war and contemporary scene with Night Portrait (2001) by George Condo, estimated at €650,000–850,000, as well as a drawing by Alberto Giacometti, Diego Sitting on the Bed in the Studio, Dog on a Stool in the Studio (circa 1951), estimated at €100,000–150,000. This contemporary selection is further enriched by an iconic neon by Tracey Emin, My Heart is With You And I Love You Always Always Always (2006), estimated at €150,000–200,000, and Child with Cabbage Head by Claude Lalanne, estimated at €180,000–250,000. Finally, In Motion by Josef Sima is estimated at €180,000–280,000. 

Roger Vergé Collection, A Story of Friendship
On April 17th for the day sales, Artcurial will present a selection of works from the collection of Roger & Denise Vergé, iconic figures of French gastronomy. Bringing together major artists of the contemporary scene such as Arman, César, Jean-Michel Folon, Bernar Venet, and Frank Stella, this collection reflects the unique vision of a collector deeply connected to his era.

A charismatic, multi-starred chef, Roger Vergé (1930–2015) established himself in the 1970s as one of the leading figures of “nouvelle cuisine,” alongside Paul Bocuse, Alain Chapel, and the Troisgros brothers. Based at the Moulin de Mougins, his restaurant became a must-visit meeting place where artists, writers, and cultural figures came together. It was in this context that an intimate collection was formed, nourished by exchanges and friendships.

Reflecting this close connection with artists, the collection brings together several major figures of the École de Nice. Often gifted by the artists themselves, the works testify to a direct link between creation and the art of living.