FREITAG, 4. JULI 2025

Major Figures of Modern Art: From Picasso to Chagall

I D Facto Enchères will strike its very first auction gavel through an eclectic selection that spans eras and civilizations. Numismatics, jewellery, Asian art, ceramics, and paintings—each category reflecting its own artistic and cultural identity.Among the highlights is a vase titled Lampe femme by Picasso, based on a model created in 1955. Produced in a limited edition of 100 by the Madoura workshop, the piece is estimated between €10,000 and €15,000. Upon discovering the Madoura ceramics studio in Vallauris, Picasso became aware of the immense creative potential of clay—a medium still regarded as a minor art form in the West. Guided by Suzanne Ramié in his exploration of clay and glazes, Picasso gave free rein to his imagination, contributing to a revival of ceramics in the 20th century. In the hands of the artist, the vase becomes a woman, and ceramics become sculpture. An authentic replica of the largest version of Lampe femme, this vase is a fine example of Picasso’s ceramic production.

Pablo Picasso - Madoura
Lampe femme, modèle créé en 1955
Vase tourné
Est. 10 000 - 15 000 €

The artistic journey of Charles Artus began in Paris, in the studio of animal sculptor Édouard Navellier. However, the artist quickly broke away from his mentor’s naturalist influence, becoming the assistant and studio head (massier) of François Pompon. He immediately joined Les XII, the group founded by Pompon in 1931, and took part in all the major exhibitions dedicated to animal sculpture. Following in the footsteps of the renowned creator of Ours blanc, Artus embraced his mentor’s simplified aesthetic—evident in the rounded modelling and smooth surface of Cardinal rouge huppé, estimated at €9,000–10,000.
Adorned with a rich, nuanced brown patina, Charles Artus’ signature style is distinguished by a more subtle expression of animal psychology. In his studio on rue de Vaugirard, the artist devoted his work to small animals, especially birds, whose soft curves naturally lent themselves to stylisation.

Charles ARTUS
Cardinal rouge huppé
Épreuve en bronze à patine brun nuancé
Est. 9 000 - 10 000 €

A lithograph on China paper, this time, will catch our eye. Created between 1950 and 1951, Madeleine, étude is estimated at €1,000–1,500. Echoing Gustave Moreau’s remark that his student would one day “simplify painting,” Matisse offers here the portrait of a woman sketched in just a few pencil strokes.

Henri Matisse
Madeleine, étude, 1950-1951
Lithographie sur chine appliquée sur vélin
Est. 1 000 - 1 5000 €

Another delightful highlight is a color lithograph on paper by Marc Chagall, titled Le soleil de l’atelier and dated 1971 (est. €3,000–5,000). Jean Hélion will also be featured through lot 239, Les sorties, comprising four acrylic compositions on a large canvas, depicting one of the artist’s favorite themes: street scenes (est. €2,500–3,500).