Nude portrait by Modigliani sets record at auction; nude painting by Freud sells for $38.8 million

Nude Portrait by Modigliani Sets Auction Record; Freud's Work Fetches $38.8 Million

Nude portrait by Modigliani sets record - Wednesday marked a historic moment in the art world as the initial phase of a major London auction of a private collection achieved a staggering $392.6 million. The sale was driven by a standout piece: a nude portrait by Amedeo Modigliani that shattered previous records in Europe. Alongside this, a striking nude depiction by Lucian Freud, a descendant of the famed psychologist Sigmund Freud, sold for nearly $39 million, highlighting the enduring legacy of both artists in the global art market.

The Modigliani Masterpiece: A European Record

The Modigliani painting in question, titled "Nu assis au collier" (Seated Nude Wearing a Necklace), commanded $63.9 million at auction. This figure represents the highest price ever paid for a Modigliani work in Europe, according to Sotheby's, the auction house overseeing the event. The painting, which showcases the artist’s signature stylized figures and flowing lines, had been part of Joe Lewis’s personal collection since its acquisition from Acquavella Galleries in 1996. Its sale underscores the growing demand for Modigliani’s nudes, which have long been prized for their enigmatic beauty and emotional depth.

Joe Lewis, the 89-year-old former owner of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, has amassed a remarkable private collection over the years. Known for his eclectic taste, Lewis has acquired works from diverse artistic movements, including modernist and surrealist masterpieces. His decision to auction a portion of this collection in London has drawn significant attention, with the sale spanning two days and featuring pieces by renowned artists like Picasso, Magritte, and Klimt. Lewis’s wealth, estimated at £5.8 billion by The Sunday Times Rich List, has enabled him to curate an extraordinary array of art, now being offered to the public.

Freud’s Nude: A Legacy in the Spotlight

Among the highlights of the sale was Lucian Freud’s "Sleeping by the Lion Carpet," a nude portrayal of Sue Tilley, the model and muse who became central to Freud’s artistic vision. The painting, which had been held in Lewis’s collection since its creation in 1996, fetched $38.8 million. This figure is a testament to the lasting impact of Freud’s work, particularly his nudes, which have become iconic in the history of modern art. Tilley, now 69, shared her thoughts on the painting’s significance, reflecting on her unique role in the artist’s life.

"Mona Lisa wasn’t alive when she became famous — but I am," Tilley told the Wall Street Journal.

Tilley first met Freud when she was working at an unemployment office, an encounter that would forever change her life. Her presence in Freud’s paintings, notably those from the 1990s, has since become legendary, with the works now celebrated as some of the most valuable in the art world. As she sat in front of the 7 ½-foot-high nude image of herself in the auction house showroom, Tilley expressed her astonishment at the journey from her modest beginnings to the global stage of Sotheby’s.

Freud’s connection to the Freud family adds another layer of intrigue to the auction. As a grandson of Sigmund Freud, the artist’s work often delves into psychological themes, capturing the raw vulnerability of his subjects. The sale of "Sleeping by the Lion Carpet" not only highlights the commercial success of his pieces but also reinforces their cultural and historical importance. This particular painting, with its intimate portrayal of Tilley, is a powerful example of how personal relationships can shape artistic output and, ultimately, market value.

Other Notable Sales: Klimt and Picasso Among the Stars

While the Modigliani and Freud works dominated headlines, other pieces from the collection also drew substantial bids. Gustav Klimt’s full-length portrait "Bildnis Gertrud Loew" achieved the second-highest price of the evening, selling to a private collector from Asia for $47.9 million. The painting, which showcases Klimt’s distinctive ornamental style, was a key addition to the auction’s offerings.

Among the works from Joe Lewis’s collection, Picasso’s "Buste de femme" (Bust of a Woman) from 1938 was another notable sale. This piece, depicting the French artist Dora Maar, is part of the broader group of works from the Vienna Secession movement, including those by Egon Schiele. Lewis also included modernist and surrealist works by prominent figures like Magritte and Schiele, further enriching the auction’s diversity. The 23 pieces set to be auctioned on Thursday represent a carefully curated selection of art that spans decades and styles.

Historical Context: A Record-Breaking Collection

Joe Lewis’s auction follows in the footsteps of other high-profile private collections that have redefined art market benchmarks. The previous European record for a single private collection was set in 2009 when the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Berge’s collection sold for 373.9 million euros at Christie’s. The collection had an initial estimate of 200-300 million euros, but the final sale price surpassed expectations, becoming a landmark event in art history.

Comparisons to this past record are inevitable, as Lewis’s auction continues to generate buzz. The sale of 48 works by artists such as Modigliani, Freud, and Klimt reflects the continued relevance of private collectors in driving the market forward. The recent success of the Lewis Collection also aligns with the trend of auctions in New York setting new records for works by artists like Jackson Pollock, Constantin Brancusi, and Mark Rothko. This global competition has raised the stakes for collectors and auction houses alike, with London now emerging as a key player in this arena.

The Broader Impact of the Sale

As the auction progressed, it became clear that the Lewis Collection was not only a showcase of artistic talent but also a reflection of the interconnectedness of art, culture, and commerce. The inclusion of works by British artists from the School of London group, including Freud and Bacon, added a regional dimension to the sale. In March, four other pieces from the collection had already fetched £35.8 million, demonstrating the sustained interest in Lewis’s holdings.

The sale of the Modigliani painting, in particular, has sparked discussions about the evolving value of early 20th-century art. While Modigliani’s works have been admired for years, this auction highlights their growing appeal in the contemporary market. The painting’s record-breaking price suggests that collectors are increasingly drawn to the artist’s unique vision, which blends elegance with a touch of melancholy. This dynamic has not only boosted the value of Modigliani’s oeuvre but also inspired renewed interest in his legacy.

Meanwhile, the Freud painting’s sale has reignited debates about the role of personal narratives in art. Tilley’s story, from her early days in an unemployment office to her status as a celebrated muse, adds a human element to the auction. The fact that her image has been immortalized in a piece worth over $38 million underscores the transformative power of art in shaping individual legacies. Such narratives often become as valuable as the works themselves, adding layers of meaning to their sale.

A New Era for Private Collections

The success of the Lewis Collection auction signals a new era for private collections in the art market. With the participation of seven bidders for the Modigliani piece alone, it’s evident that the competition for high-value art remains fierce. The auction’s ability to attract such attention, even in the wake of previous record-breaking sales, speaks to the enduring allure of Modigliani and Freud’s works. As the art world continues to evolve, private collectors like Lewis play a crucial role in maintaining the vitality of the market.

Looking ahead, the Lewis Collection’s auction is expected to set a new standard for European art sales. The combination of historical significance, artistic innovation, and personal stories has made this event a landmark in the art world. As the final pieces are auctioned on Thursday, the collection’s legacy will be further cemented, offering a glimpse into the diverse and dynamic world of private art holdings. The results of this sale will undoubtedly influence future auctions, inspiring a new wave of interest in both classical and contemporary masterpieces.

Ultimately, the Lewis auction represents more than just a financial achievement. It serves as a celebration of art’s ability to transcend time, connecting past and present in a way that captivates collectors and enthusiasts alike. The Modigliani and Freud pieces, in particular, have become symbols of this connection, proving that even works from the early 20th century can command extraordinary prices in today’s market. As the art world continues to evolve, such sales remind us of the timeless power of creativity and the enduring value of private collections in preserving and celebrating artistic excellence.