Collector Bill Koch is preparing to offer a selection of European and Latin American art at Christie's November sales in New York. The group is expected to generate more than $40 million.
Two paintings lead the collection: Claude Monet's 1890 landscape Champ d'avoine et coquelicots and Paul Cézanne's still life Tasse, verre et fruits, painted around 1877. Each carries an estimate of $12 million to $18 million and is scheduled for Christie's 20th Century Evening Sale.
The offering also features works by Edgar Degas, Henri Matisse, Joan Miró, Diego Rivera, Marc Chagall and Gabriele Münter. The pieces will be presented across the auction house's 20th Century Evening Sale, Impressionist and Modern Art Day Sale, and Works on Paper Sale during its November sales week.
Koch acquired the Monet in 1985 and the Cézanne in 1986. He has built collections spanning fine art and rare wine over several decades, and says the works in this sale are among his favorites.
As the paintings pass to new owners, the auction may bring landmark works from multiple artistic traditions into fresh collections and conversations.
