Wassily Kandinsky's iconic painting, Le Rond Rouge (1939), is set to be the highlight of Christie's 20th/21st Century evening auction on March 5 in London. The esteemed auction house has placed a high estimate of £15.5 million on this remarkable piece, which measures 35 by 45.7 inches.
This artwork was created during Kandinsky's time in Paris, where he lived with his wife Nina towards the latter part of his career. The couple relocated from Germany to France in 1933, seeking refuge from the escalating threats posed by the Nazi regime. In Paris, Kandinsky engaged deeply with the avant-garde art scene, cultivating a fresh visual language that propelled his artistic expression into new realms.
"Le Rond Rouge is a significant representation of Kandinsky's Parisian period, showcasing a vibrant and large-scale embodiment of his unwavering dedication to abstraction, innovation, and the emotive strength of color and form," stated Keith Gill, Christie's vice-chairman for 20th/21st century art. "It is a privilege to feature this masterpiece in our London season, as I recall its long-term loan to The Courtauld Gallery from 2002 to 2018."
The painting features a striking red circle surrounded by whimsical biomorphic forms and geometric elements, indicating a departure from traditional norms. Characteristic of Kandinsky's later style, it intertwines Surrealist influences with his unique Bauhaus abstraction.
Remaining in Kandinsky's personal collection until his passing in 1944, the piece was inherited by his widow, Nina, who retained artworks that she believed epitomized his artistic vision. Its provenance includes notable collectors such as Galerie Maeght and Gustav Zumsteg, and it was last auctioned at Sotheby's New York in 2018 for $20.6 million.
Also featured in Christie's evening sale is a newly introduced Henry Moore sculpture titled King and Queen (1952-53), estimated to reach £15 million ($20.5 million). Katherine Arnold, Christie's vice chairman of 20th/21st century art and head of post-war and contemporary art for Europe, expressed that the bronze sculpture is "the most exciting piece I've ever seen brought to market."
Both masterpieces will be on public display at Christie's London starting February 25.
