Headlining the latter will be two trademark monochrome works by major names in French post-war art: Yves Klein’s (1928-62) untitled blue IKB 265 from 1957 and Pierre Soulages’ (1919-2022) untitled textured black work from December 13, 2008.
The Klein painting, in pigment and synthetic resin on paper, measures 13½in x 2ft 2in (34 x 66cm) and is signed and dated lower right Yves Klein 57 and dedicated on the reverse A François Dufrêne et Ginette, Yves. It has an estimate of €300,000-500,000.
The more recent work by Soulages, who died late last year, is larger at 2ft 1½in x 4ft 8in (65 x 1.43m), executed in acrylic on canvas and is signed and dated on the reverse. The guide is €700,000-900,000.
The sales are complemented by an evening auction on June 7 of works from the estate of the famous French conductor and composer Pierre Boulez (1925-2016).
On offer is a mix of paintings, prints and works on paper by the artists whose work he admired, a number of them personal friends.
