Titled “Les Chanteuses de Campagne,” the oil-on-canvas masterpiece by Nguyen Phan Chanh is a testament to his artistic prowess. Completed in 1930, the painting measures 90.5 by 102.5 cm and captures an intimate moment between two women of humble backgrounds. The earthy tones and authentic action portrayed in the composition reflect Chanh’s unique artistic vision, offering viewers a glimpse into early 20th-century Vietnam.
According to Sotheby’s, the painting recently sold for over $1 million at auction, marking the second time a Chanh artwork has achieved this milestone. In 2020, his painting “Những cô thợ may” (Les Couturières) fetched $1.39 million at Christie’s, solidifying its place among the most valuable Vietnamese artworks ever sold.
“Les Chanteuses de Campagne” now joins the ranks of the top 20 most valuable Vietnamese paintings, alongside works by renowned masters such as Le Pho, Mai Trung Thu, and Pham Hau. This achievement underscores the enduring legacy of Nguyen Phan Chanh, who is considered one of Vietnam’s greatest artists.
Born in 1892 in the central province of Ha Tinh, Chanh began his artistic journey in Hue before moving to Hanoi in 1925. He was part of the first cohort of students at the prestigious École des Beaux-Arts de l’Indochine, where he studied alongside other notable painters such as Mai Trung Thu and Le Pho. Chanh’s talent was soon recognized internationally, with his work being exhibited at the Salon de l’Art Colonial in Paris in 1929, a significant milestone in his career.
Throughout his career, Chanh created over 170 pieces, many of which have been auctioned at impressive prices. His art continues to captivate and inspire, with his paintings serving as a bridge between Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage and the modern world.
Vietnam’s Culture at the Guimet Museum
The Guimet Museum in Paris is famous for its large collections of Asian art and culture, including those of Vietnam.
Discovering Treasures at Ha Noi’s Pagoda
Among 27 national treasures that have recently been recognised by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, two are in Ba Tam Pagoda located in Duong Xa Commune, Gia Lam District on the outskirts of Ha Noi.
Exhibition features 50 art works on Hanoi’s ancient village
An exhibition featuring 50 art fine works on the heritage of an ancient village in Hanoi opened at the Centre for Art Exhibition and Exhibitions of Fine Arts, Photography, Hanoi on May 22.
Vietnamese artworks to be auctioned online
A total of 143 artworks by Vietnamese artists in different generations will be auctioned worldwide on June 27 via the Drouot Digital platform in Paris.
A lacquer painting by Vietnamese painter has been sold for nearly US$1 million
‘Hoi Dinh Chem,’ a lacquer painting by Vietnamese painter Nguyen Van Ty, has been sold for nearly US$1 million at an auction in France, marking a record price for a Vietnamese artwork in Europe.
