The Gert Henry Van Den Loop Collection: Explorer of Forms and Civilizations
Gert Henry Van Den Loop selected the Giquello auction house and the Hôtel Drouot to release part of his collection — that dedicated to the arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas, alongside works by contemporary artists such as Anselm Kiefer, Eugène Leroy, and Dodeigne.
In the field of contemporary art, the sale features works by major artists — the result of encounters and friendships. From Anselm Kiefer, Gert Henry Van Den Loop acquired two canvases: Étroits sont les vaisseaux (2002) and Von den Verlorenen gerührt… (2003). Both works are appearing at auction for the first time and are estimated at €400,000–600,000 and €65,000–80,000 respectively. The auction also presents a patinated bronze sculpture by Julio González, Main aux piquants (1935), estimated at €30,000–50,000, as well as an abstract composition by Eugène Leroy, Marina (1991), carrying the same estimate. A unique piece, Amor Rorschach, a nickel-plated bronze by Wim Delvoye, is expected to fetch between €20,000 and €30,000. Joseph Beuys is also featured, with six negatives based on an installation the German artist created in February 1976 at the Schellmann & Klüser gallery in Munich, Zeige deine Wunde, estimated at €15,000–20,000.
The eclectic choices of this explorer of forms and civilisations gravitate toward “objects” that lie outside the norm — often little-known pieces from Nepal, Africa, Oceania, and Pre-Columbian cultures. Among them are two sculptures from Sumatra: an anthropomorphic Toba funerary stele and a Sihotang Pakpak Kalasan Batak horseman, each estimated at €30,000–40,000, both of which were exhibited at the Musée du Quai Branly in 2008. Also featured is an impressive Uli figure from New Ireland, formerly in the collection of Léon Fouks (est. €30,000–40,000).
Finally, Old Master art will be highlighted by a superb portrait signed by Nicolas de Largillière. Renowned for his virtuosity and elegance, Largillière mastered the art of enhancing his sitters while preserving a touch of realism. The portrait likely depicts Louis-François, a member of the Palisot d’Incourt family and First President of the Artois Council (est. €10,000–15,000).
Prefaced by Alain Tapié, Honorary Chief Curator of Heritage, and Franck Maubert, the catalogue is available here: Collection G. H. Van Den Loop.
