The auction at Sotheby’s, which concluded at 22:20 on June 14, 2024, was a resounding success. With a total of 238 lots, including paintings, antiques, furniture, and sculptures, the auction drew significant interest from collectors and art lovers. Highlight pieces were hammered at high prices, affirming the allure and value of these rare items. Notably, the works “Portrait of a Young Girl with Blond Hair” and “By the Window” by the late artist Mai Trung Thu stood out. The event contributed to a memorable auction night and made a significant impression on the collecting and art-loving community.
The Sotheby’s auction concluded, attracting the attention of collectors and art enthusiasts with special works by three renowned artists: Mai Trung Thu, Vu Cao Dam, and Nguyen Tien, along with pieces from the Indochina Fine Arts College and many valuable antiques. This was a rare opportunity for collectors to own works of deep historical and artistic value.
Please take a moment to admire the standout works from the auction:
First, the works of Mai Trung Thu, characterized by personal touches and vibrant colors, captivated art lovers. Vu Cao Dam’s pieces, with meticulous detail and elegance, also garnered special interest from collectors.
“Young Girl with Blond Hair” – MAI TRUNG THU. 1941.
Gouache and ink on silk. 52.5 x 40.5 cm.
The standout piece that fetched a high price was “Portrait of a Young Girl with Blond Hair” by Mai Trung Thu, a symbol of elegance and refinement in Vietnamese art. The painting illuminates the youthful grace of the girl with bright colors and meticulous brushstrokes. Mai Trung Thu skillfully captured the unique personality and charm of the subject, showcasing the artist’s finesse and emotional sensitivity.
“By the Window” – MAI TRUNG THU. 1952.Gouache and ink on silk.
30.5 x 20 cm.
Another remarkable piece that was hammered at an astonishing price is “By the Window” by Mai Trung Thu. “By the Window” uses light and color subtly to depict an everyday scene filled with emotion, featuring a girl sitting by a window, creating a serene and enchanting space.
There were also wonderful works by other renowned artists at the auction, many reflecting the beautiful, simple, and mysterious qualities of Indochina art.
“Northern Vietnam Landscape” – Indochina Fine Arts College. 1945.
Lacquer on wood. 100.5 x 32.4 cm.
Following is the half-body sculpture of a young Indochinese man by Vu Cao Dam, one of the famous quartet Thu-Phổ-Lựu-Dam. The ceramic sculpture, with even and smooth coloring, highlights the lifelike quality of the piece.
“Half-body Sculpture of a Young Indochinese Man” – VU CAO DAM. 1934.
Ceramic sculpture. 17 x 23 x 34 cm.
Nguyen Tien’s works were also featured in this auction. As one of the first artists of the New Art Movement in Vietnam, he made a strong impression with his meticulous brushwork and relentless creativity.
“Duet” – NGUYEN TIEN. 2003. Oil on canvas. 70 x 70 cm.
“Young Woman” – NGUYEN TIEN. 1989. Pastel on paper. 41 x 31.5 cm.
“Young Woman” – NGUYEN TIEN. 1984. Ink on silk. 45 x 32 cm.
“Garden Scene” – Nguyen Tien. Watercolor on paper. 36 x 51 cm.
“Young Woman by the Lotus Pond” – NGUYEN TIEN.
Lacquer on wood. 65 x 45 cm.
The Sotheby’s auction was not just a commercial event but a meeting place for art pieces and art lovers. It was an occasion to explore and experience the beauty of Vietnamese art through the skillful hands of these three renowned artists.
The success of this auction is a testament to the enduring appeal of Vietnamese art on the international stage and a source of pride for the country regarding its invaluable artistic heritage.
Trà My.
