The right time to be collecting art - Ketterer Kunst spring auctions

Munich, 25 March 2009, (kk) - “The art market has always been a law unto itself. That is why I am looking forward so optimistically to our spring auctions on 28/29 April 2009,” thus Robert Ketterer, owner of Ketterer Kunst. “Now is just the right time to invest in art. We have agreed with our consigners to reduce reserve prices, thus taking the current market situation into account.”

Carrying an estimate of € 35000-45000, this work measuring 100.5 x 165 cm by Markus Prachensky is a highlight of the Munich auction of Post War/Contemporary Art. Its expressive force and palette make it a memorable example of the work produced by this artist in one of his most important periods. Prachensky is rightly regarded as an outstanding exponent of the Austrian avant-garde. This superlative painting is a must for any collector of Informel.

The auction that will be held in the new Munich House for Art on 29 April 2009 exemplifies the diversity distinguishing that era. Apart from oil paintings and works on paper, the auction catalogue also contains unique works of sculpture and outstanding photographs by Thomas Ruff, Thomas Struth and Bernd and Hilla Becher.

Well worth mentioning are works by the following: Jean Miotte (“Format 30 F.”, 1987, oil on canvas, 92 x 73 cm; estimate: € 7000-8000); Graham Sutherland (“Untitled. For Mike”, 1976, gouache, 24.4 x 17.7 cm; estimate: € 4000-6000) and three works of sculpture by Fritz Koenig, including “Janus”, which has never appeared on the art market (estimate: € 8000-12 000).

Admirers of Otto Mueller and Max Beckmann especially should be sure to note the date of the Modern Art auction on 28 April 2009. “Zwei Zigeunerinnen (Zigeunermutter mit Tochter)” [“Two Gypsy Women (Mother and Daughter)”] is from the Gypsy Portfolio, which undisputedly represents Otto Mueller at the height of his powers as a graphic artist. This impressive lithograph was worked over by the artist and is remarkable for its freshness of palette and good condition (estimate: € 24000-28000).

A Max Beckmann “Self-portrait”(estimate: € 20000-30000) reveals the artist as still youthful, beset with doubts yet with a face that is taut with energy. This unforgettable work is definitely a supreme example of Western portraiture.

Also exciting is a bronze sculpture with golden patina by Giorgio de Chirico. “Il poeta solitario” carries an estimate of € 25000-35000.

The 2009 Ketterer Kunst spring auctions open with works from the Old Masters and Art of the 19th Century division.

Works to be called at that auction include a painting attributed to Adriaen van Ostade, “Porträt einer Bäuerin mit weißer Haube” [“Portrait of a Peasant Woman Wearing a White Coif”], which convincingly matches that artist’s style. Characteristic of van Ostade’s œuvre is the large number of genre pictures, most of them comical and in small formats, drawn from the lives of ordinary citizens and peasants (estimate: € 15000-20000).

Alpine motifs are typical of Edward Theodore and Edward Harrison Compton, father and son. The rocky massif “Piz Morteratsch” immortalised in oils by the elder Compton looks close enough to climb (estimate: € 8000-10000) while his son has focused on Alpine chalets with views (“Berghof” [“Chalet”]; estimate: € 2500-3500).

A rare Joseph Wopfner Chiemsee picture in a large format carries an estimate of € 6000-8000 and is a particularly expressive example of the work of the 19th-century Munich School.

Most of Jusepe de Ribera’s prints are accounted for. That is why it amounts to a minor sensation that seven of them are up for sale at this auction.

The rare Rembrandt etching “Christ among the Learned Doctors” (estimate: € 5000-7000) and some handsome Albrecht Dürer prints round off the graphic portfolio.

Pre-sale viewings of selected works are scheduled for the following dates, times and venues:
14 - 15 April, 11 am-5 pm, Ketterer Kunst, Meßberg 1, Hamburg
17 - 21 April, 11 am-7 pm, Ketterer Kunst, Fasanenstrasse 70, Berlin

All works can be viewed:
23 - 24 April, 10 am-6 pm, Ketterer Kunst, Joseph-Wild-Strasse 18, Munich
27 April, 10 am - 6 pm, Ketterer Kunst, Joseph-Wild-Strasse 18, Munich

Auction dates and venue:
28/29 April, Ketterer Kunst, Joseph-Wild-Str. 18, Munich

Don’t forget: Auctions of Marine and North German Art will be held under the auspices of the Rare Books auction on 18 and 19 May 2009 in Hamburg. Old Masters and Art of the 19th Century auctions will, along with all other specialised art auctions, in future be held four times a year in Munich.

Ketterer Kunst has been firmly established in the front ranks of leading auction houses dealing in art and rare books since it was founded in 1954. Based in Munich, Ketterer Kunst has a branch in Hamburg as well as gallery rooms in Berlin and representatives in Heidelberg, Krefeld and Ravensburg, a spread that has contributed substantially to the company's success. The Ketterer portfolio has been rounded off by the acquisition of the distinguished publishing house Ernest Rathenau Verlag, New York/Munich. In addition, exhibitions, themed and benefit auctions for charity as well as online auctions are regular events at Ketterer Kunst.

Contact Ketterer Kunst

Ketterer Kunst
Joseph-Wild-Str. 18
81829 München

For press enquiries:

Michaela Derra M.A.
Telefon: +49-(0)89-55244-152 (Fax: -177)
E-Mail: m.derra@kettererkunst.de

For client enquiries:

Dep. Old Masters
Harald Weinhold M.A.
Telefon: +49-(0)89-55244-146, Fax:-177
E-Mail: h.weinhold@kettererkunst.de

Dep. Modern Art:
Annegret Thoma M.A.
Telefon: +49-(0)89-55244-143, Fax:-177
E-Mail: a.thoma@kettererkunst.de

Dep. Contemporary Art:
Julia Haußmann M.A.
Telefon: +49-(0)89-55244-245, Fax:-177
E-Mail: j.haussmann@kettererkunst.de

www.kettererkunst.de

This release was published on openPR.