Ham Nghi was the 8th King of the Nguyen Dynasty (1802–1945), but his reign only lasted for one year (1884-1885).
After leading a failed resistance movement against French colonial rule, he was captured and exiled to Algeria, a French colony, on December 12, 1888.
While in exile in Algiers, he immersed himself in the study of painting and sculpture, dedicating his life to intensive artistic activities.
This auction marks the first time that such a large number of paintings by the late king are being offered for sale. The paintings were discovered in the attic of the French military officer Henri Aubé, who was stationed in Hanoi from 1907 to 1909.
During a visit to Vietnam, Dr Amandine Dabat, the grandchild of King Ham Nghi, revealed that there are still around 100 of his paintings that are preserved.
Connecting art dreams
NDO – Over the past six years, the Mountain Star Charity (MSC) fine art project has not only brought joy to poor children across Vietnam’s mountainous and remote areas, who have never known the pigment and brushes, but also connected and lit up such dreams across the country.
Hoi An’s history told through printing woodblocks, imperial rescripts
NDO – The historic milestones of the UNESCO-listed ancient town of Hoi An, and Quang Nam province in general, are being told through an exhibition featuring relevant printing woodblocks and imperial decrees.
Agreement signed to preserve and promote Hai Van Gate national site
NDO – A cooperative agreement was signed between the authorities of central Thua Thien-Hue province and Da Nang city on February 20 to preserve and promote the historical and architectural values of Hai Van Quan (Hai Van Gate) national relic site.
Spratly and Paracel Islands on the Hue Nine Dynastic Urns
Hue’s nine dynastic urns are not only national treasures indicating the authority and power of the Nguyen Dynasty, the final feudal dynasty of Vietnam, but also evaluated as a geographical book, a unique encyclopedia of Vietnam in the early 19th century. In particular, on the nine dynastic urns, many names of mountains, rivers and marine islands of Vietnam are shown quite clearly and convincingly. This shows that our ancestors had deep awareness of national sovereignty, including marine islands.
King Bao Dai’s Palace
Located on Trieu Viet Vuong Street, Da Lat in Lam Dong Province, Bao Dai’s Palace is a charming structure with a European renovated architectural style that helps beautify this romantic city.
