LONDON — Three long-hidden masterpieces by Belgian surrealist pioneer Paul Delvaux are expected to achieve multimillion-euro sales at Christie’s in London on Wednesday, March 5.
The works, unseen by the public for decades, are the highlights of “The Art of the Surreal Evening Sale,” marking a significant moment for collectors and admirers of Delvaux’s enigmatic vision.
The paintings — “Les belles de nuit” (1936), estimated at €600,000 to €1.2 million; “La ville endormie” (1938), expected to fetch between €1.45 million and €2.2 million; and “Nuit de Noël” (1956), with an estimate of €1.2 million to €2.4 million — epitomize Delvaux’s signature blend of lyricism and melancholia.
Olivier Camu, Christie’s Deputy Chairperson, described the collection as a testament to Delvaux’s enduring legacy within the Surrealist movement.
“These paintings capture pivotal moments in Delvaux’s career,” said Camu. “They are from the best years of his oeuvre and stand as a testament to his enduring legacy within the Surrealist movement.”
The auction coincides with the conclusion of the Surrealist centenary celebrations, marking 100 years since André Breton’s first Surrealist manifesto was published.
Hidden from the Public Eye
The three works have spent over 30 years stored in a Christie’s warehouse in London, known only to their unnamed owner who passed away last year.
According to Camu, the owner was passionately devoted to Delvaux’s work, visiting the paintings sporadically to admire their intricate details and melancholic beauty.
“He was totally passionate about Delvaux and only Delvaux,” Camu said. “He would come and visit them once in a while, spend a long time looking at them and discussing with me, and then go away happy and come back to start again only a few years later.”
A Glimpse into Delvaux’s World
The paintings themselves are a window into Delvaux’s surrealist vision. “La ville endormie” depicts a haunting cityscape of nude and semi-clothed female figures illuminated by moonlight, set against the ruins of an imaginary city with anachronistic architectural styles spanning archaic, Roman, Greek, and 18th-century Brussels influences.
The work is a tribute to Delvaux’s fascination with architecture and history, woven into a dreamlike narrative.
Meanwhile, “Les belles de nuit” once belonged to Surrealism patron Edward James, who displayed it at Monkton House in West Sussex, a setting that mirrored the painting’s blend of antiquity and modernity. The painting captures the essence of Delvaux’s surrealism with its enigmatic female figures and ethereal lighting.
Nuit de Noël, painted while Delvaux was a professor at the École Nationale Supérieure d’Art et d’Architecture in Brussels, portrays a young girl at an urban train station, bathed in the silvery glow of a full moon. Its serene atmosphere and delicate handling of light reflect Delvaux’s ability to merge reality with the fantastical.
A Legacy Reclaimed
The auction represents a rare opportunity for collectors to acquire works from what are considered the most significant years of Delvaux’s career. For decades, these paintings remained out of sight, fueling anticipation and intrigue among collectors and art historians alike.
As Christie’s prepares to open the bidding, the anticipation is palpable. For admirers of Delvaux’s work, the auction not only offers a chance to witness these masterpieces but also reaffirms the artist’s place within the pantheon of surrealism.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
