65th Art auction, 23 and 24 October 2007

In response to exceptional demand this is the first time that im Kinsky will be hosting two consecutive autumn auctions of contemporary art. The auction of "ancient" art on 23 October is followed on 24 October by works from old masters, 19th century pieces, antiques and oriental art enriched with contemporary pieces.

OLD MASTERS

J.L. de la Fuente

Special interest is expected in Juan Leandro de la Fuente's "Jacob's arrival in Laban's Land", a sensual Spanish painting from the 17th century in the style of the famous pastoral scenes of the Bassani family. The painting harmoniously combines Italian style with Spanish tradition. This large format oil painting, quoted at 70,000 to 120,000 Euros, uses humour, rich colours and attention to natural detail to convey the beginning of the 29th chapter of the book of Genesis, at the same time as the start to a confused love story when Jacob meets the shepherds in Laban's land and falls in love with Laban's daughter Rachel.

PAINTINGS 19th CENTRUY

P. Fendi

One of the paintings from the 19th century is worth a special mention, Anton Romako's haunting "Roman dancer" (35,000 to 55,000 Euros) alongside several paintings from the same estate by Rudolf von Alt, Carl Schindler and Friedrich Gauermann. An outstanding example from the same origins is Peter Fendi's overpowering "Bergrotte von Corniale" (Adelsberger Grotte - Adelsberger cave in Corniale) . He was so taken with this scene on a journey to Venice that he drew numerous sketches and painted an oil painting. The painting dated 1821, for which Fendi received the gold medal from the emperor and became famous as a consequence, goes up for auction at an estimated price of 35,000 to 70,000 Euros.

CONTEMPORARY ART

W. Hollegha

Wolfgang Hollegha, who is rightly known as the "composer of movement", is one of the stars of the contemporary artists in this collection with a work that is highly characteristic of his style. The thinly applied paint and cleverly interspaced colour groupings bring to light the virtuosity of Hollegha's semantics for colour and shape on an enormous canvas (358 x 703 cm) (estimated price 100,000 – 200,000 Euros). Important early works from two large collections are provided by Hermann Nitsch (1966), Kurt Kappa Kocherscheidt, Bruno Gironcoli and Friedensreich Hundertwasser.

ANTIQUITIES

Gotische Madonna, Burgund

The antiquities on offer include several masterly sculptures that would be worthy of a place in a museum, including a Gothic Madonna from Burgund, which originates from the
15th century. The marble comes from the Dijon area. The stylistically perfect mother of God with Jesus child is valued at between 80,000 and 160,000 Euros.

The two larger-than-life marble figures Creugas and Damoxenos along the lines of Antonio Canova carved the 19th century can be admired on entering the domed hall at Palais Kinsky. They are estimated at 80,000 – 150,000 Euros; the originals are located in the Vatican Museum. They tell the story of a brutal contest between two equally matched opponents in which the winner conquers the other with a single blow. Damoxenos' cunning plan is indicated by his outstretched hand, intending to rip out the opponent's intestines.

ASIAN ART

Xu Beihong

The highlights of the oriental art selection are breathtaking in every respect: Xu Beihong sold for millions in international auctions last year. Xu, who lived in the first half of the 20th century, became famous worldwide by mixing traditional Chinese painting with European style elements. The highlight of his opus are the galloping horses ("Horse galloping to the right" and "Horse galloping to the left" estimated at 100,000 – 150,000 Euros per picture). Having studied their movements over many years his skill is demonstrated here by masterly use of the ancient Chinese "ink and wash" method.

His magical Plum bloom branch in portrait format with delicate colours and brush strokes is a classic motive of Chinese and Japanese artists that enjoyed enormous popularity in the 12th and 13th century. It is interpreted as a symbol of durability, having survived ice and snow as well as often having erotic allusions. This picture was originally a wedding present to University President Jian Menglin, and is expected to fetch 50,000 – 100,000 Euros.

Five comprehensive catalogues will be published for this auction.

Auction:

Visitation:

Please contact me if you would like me to send you more information and images.

Mag. Eva-Christina Tondolo
Press & Customer relations
Tel. +43 1 5324200-11
E-Mail: tondolo@imkinsky.com

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