The highlight of the upcoming sale is René Magritte’s La Statue Volanteestimated to be £90,000-12 million. Described by Sotheby’s as “recent surreal jewels”, the painting is a masterclass of cryptographic symbols and mystery with outstanding origins – it was obtained directly from the artist by Alexander Iolas. Prior to entering the Karpidas collection in 1985, the work appeared in two landmark exhibitions, which helped to strengthen Magritte’s international reputation: first at the New York Gallery in Iolas in 1959, and then in the 1960s Magritte at the Dallas Museum of Art in the first American Museum retrospective.
“It was one of the most troubling and important paintings of his late career, with surreal portraits and philosophical depth,” Buck said. It is worth noting that the evening auction on September 17 included seven works by Magritte, when his market was at its highest point ever. According to Artnet’s annual ranking, Magritte received $312.3 million in 2024’s 119 batches, up sharply from $192.7 million and 134 batches in 2023. This surge has contributed to this surge in new auction records set in 2024 L’Empire des Lumières (1954) sold in Christie’s New York for $121.6 million (fees), the highest price for auctioning surreal work. Buck pointed out: “The great feat also proves Pauline’s extraordinary eyes.”
Other Magrittes on sale include Untitled (Lers Prophecy) Since 1927, homemade by famous surreal customers Elt Mesens and Harold Diamond, estimated at £700,000-1,000,000; a haunting bronze recliner long-foffin titled Mrs. Récamierde David (£500,000-£700,000); and elegant Les Menottes de Cuivreestimated at £300,000-500,000. Also includes vibrant blue sculptures tête (£300,000-500,000), which was obtained at Sotheby’s for sale, sold from the artist’s legacy and long-term display on Pauline’s eclectic bookshelf La Race Blancheestimated at £1,000,000-1,500,000 and £250,000-350,000, respectively.
Apart from Magritte, Karpidas’ collection is deeply involved in the surreal psychology, outstanding works of Yves Tanguy, Giorgio de Chirico, Francis Picabia, Victor Brauner, Dorothea Tanning and Hans Bellmer. A subtle picture, Portrait of de Gala Galarina Salvador Dalí’s estimate is £350,000-450,000, while another job Messager dans un payaysage palladienpresenting a mysterious figure in the Palladian Dreamscape – its spinning, irregular canvas evokes a surreal conversation with art history – estimated at £200,000 to £300,000.
“Surrealism caught Pauline’s attention in the early days, not only an artistic movement, but also a way to look at the world,” said Buck. The overall pulsation of the series is filled with tension between beauty and drama, fragility and epic ferocity.
According to Buck, when Iolas lived in Athens, he changed the way she collected it when she first introduced Karpidas to surreal art. “She has sharp eyes and she is never afraid to believe her intuition,” he added. “Surrealism attracts her because it may immediately be surprised, disturbed and charming. Its wit, mystery and psychological depth resonates with her.”
Jeff Koons Poodleestimated at £1,000,000-1,500,000, adding some charm and some kitsch. The sculpture once stood in the entrance hall of Capidas, stationed under the Lalana console. Karpidas met Koons in the early days of his career in the 1980s and became an early supporter when he became a global star.
Barker said what sets Pauline Karpidas apart is the depth of participation behind each acquisition. “There is a sensation and confidence in everything she chooses, she has always tried to understand every artist, immerse herself in her own thoughts, and collect caution and belief.” Due to these deep relationships, many of her works have extraordinary origins – her surreal works once belonged to the founders of the movement, including André Breton, Roland Penrose and Pauléluard.
Although Surrealism is the centerline of the series, Capidas never limits himself to single sport or medium. “She is deeply integrated in both fine art and design, filling both worlds with boldness and imagination,” said Buck. In addition to the artwork, she also assembled a large number of design works by the most groundbreaking characters of her era.
Karpidas’s sixty works are also works by Les Lalanne, many of which have never been seen commissions specially made for her, and commissions that are gifted directly by the artist themselves. Barker points to Claude Lalanne’s Unique choupettedescribed as “a icon in itself”, is estimated to be £300,000-400,000. Other highlights include her rare crocodile stool, a market that has never been seen before (£180,000-£250,000), which is a lyrical Unique structure Végétale Mirror and wall lights (£350,000-£450,000) and gorgeous fancy bed with Karpidas’ beloved owl symbol (£200,000-£300,000).
Karpidas’ connection with Les Lalanne is deeply rooted – a passionate early supporter who visited workshops in Paris before their work gained global fame, and the creation of the French duo became essential to the immersive, surreal environment built in her home.
Les Lalanne’s rare, largely invisible work is linked to the eye-catching works of other key designers on her track, including Mattia Bonetti and André Dubreuil. “These are not accessories, but life components of her world – drama, surreal and completely personal,” Buck said. “Her house was never a showroom, but living, breathing, imaginative space where art is embedded in everyday life.” The result is a collection of life full of creativity, curiosity and enduring relationships with the artists and designers she advocates.
To respect this spirit, Sotheby’s London will host a full-on exhibition that recreates the single world of Karpidas. The show features the indoor Les Lalanne Gardens, which takes place from September 8 to 17 at Mayfair Galleries in Sotheby’s and takes place on September 17, 18, 18 and 19 in the evening, daytime and before online auctions.
New features in auction
