The Collection of Yolande & Lucien Clergue
A tribute to Lucien Clergue, the poet photographer
This rare ensemble, consisting of over 150 pieces in the first sale and more than 170 lots in the photography section, unveils an intimate part of his journey, reflecting both foundational influences and deep friendships. The auction will be divided into two distinct sections:
A Fine Arts section, bringing together works by Picasso, Cocteau, Prassinos, and other major artists witnesses to Clergue’s close ties with the worlds of painting and literature. This first sale will take place at Hôtel Drouot at 2 PM.
A Photography section, featuring Clergue’s personal collection, including iconic prints by Ansel Adams, Robert Mapplethorpe, Irving Penn, and Sebastião Salgado, among others. This selection reveals his collector’s eye and his exchanges with leading figures in photography. This second sale will be held at 5 PM in Ader's rue de la Grange Batelière auction venue. Among the treasures in this collection, works signed by Picasso, Cocteau, and Prassinos interact with original drawings, prints, and valuable documents. Some, annotated in Picasso’s own hand, bear dedications addressed to “his friend Lucien Clergue,” tangible traces of an extraordinary artistic camaraderie.
« The Yolande and Lucien Clergue auction offers a unique opportunity to unveil the friendships and professional relationships of one of the greatest French photographers of the 20th century with the cultural and artistic microcosm of southern France. Previously unseen works, full of charm, embodied by this legendary couple, once adorned the walls of their Arles townhouse, a true crossroads for artists and intellectuals from around the world. »
David Nordmann, Associate auctioneer, Ader
Foundational encounters
This collection traces a journey shaped by decisive encounters that influenced Lucien Clergue’s vision and career.
It all began on April 5, 1953, in the Arles arena. After a bullfight, the young photographer boldly handed one of his prints to Pablo Picasso. This moment marked the start of a special relationship: captivated by Clergue’s energy, Picasso became a mentor, sharing his work with Jean Cocteau, convinced that he would recognize the young artist’s talent.
This auction includes several previously unseen documents that bear witness to these artistic and personal exchanges between Clergue and Picasso: letters, prints, and dedicated photographs that highlight the Spanish master’s acknowledgment of the young photographer’s unique eye.
The relationship between Jean Cocteau and Lucien Clergue was a dialogue where images and words converged in a shared poetic quest. Their rich and extensive correspondence is reflected in several works: a series of 115 handwritten letters from Cocteau—soon to be republished by Actes Sud, 17 of which are illustrated with drawings, along with an original drawing and a lithograph. These pieces stand as powerful testaments to an exchange in which Cocteau, through his words and images, recognized Clergue as a true « poet of photography. »
Pablo Picasso, Portrait de Yolande, 1965, unique piece
Estimate : €30,000 - €50,000 © Succession Picasso 2025
Other notable figures enriched this journey. Salvador Dalí, with his characteristic exuberance, fostered a freer relationship with Clergue, marked by gestures of friendship and a few dedicated works. Mario Prassinos, on the other hand, offered a more attentive and singular perspective on Clergue’s work. He did not merely paint his portrait, he wrote about him with almost pictorial precision, questioning how Clergue captured reality. In a text of rare depth, Prassinos described the photographer as a magnifying glass, revealing what escapes the first glance and seeing beyond the obvious. Many other renowned names also crossed his path. Christian Lacroix, Roy Lichtenstein, Christo, and Robert Rauschenberg were among those in his artistic network, demonstrating the far-reaching influence of his work beyond the realm of photography.
But these friendships and artistic connections did not emerge in isolation. At his side, his wife, Yolande Clergue, played a fundamental role. More than just a supportive partner, she shared his passion for art, welcomed, and nurtured dialogue with these major figures. Her dedication found a powerful expression in the creation of the Van Gogh Foundation in Arles, which attracted numerous artists and further cemented the city’s place in the cultural landscape. Her vision, determination, and sensitivity accompanied Lucien Clergue throughout his journey, helping his work resonate far beyond their home in Arles. This exceptional auction offers a glimpse into the world of a photographer deeply rooted in his native land yet in constant dialogue with the giants of the 20th century, an artist whose visual poetry continues to shape and inspire the way we see.
Lucien Clergue : A Collector's Eye
This April 10 auction marks the first step in this tribute. At 5 PM, in Ader's rue de la Grange Batelière auction room, Lucien Clergue’s personal photography collection, comprising over 170 lots—will be offered for sale. This second part of the day unveils a crucial aspect of his collector’s eye, featuring works by Ansel Adams, Robert Mapplethorpe, Irving Penn, Sebastião Salgado, and many others. Each print, carefully selected and annotated, reflects Clergue’s artistic affinities and the close relationships he built with these iconic photographers. A unique opportunity to delve into Lucien Clergue’s intimate world, where his legacy continues to shine through these images, true reflections of his admiration and passion for the art of photography.
