Le Pho’s Silk Painting Sells for Over $2.3 Million at Auction
At an auction in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Sotheby's Hong Kong, the silk painting "La famille dans le jardin" by painter Le Pho sold for over US$2.3 million.
“Le Pho’s ‘La famille dans le jardin’ (Family in a Garden) – an acclaimed painting by the artist – was recently sold for 18.6 million Hong Kong dollars (inclusive of taxes) – equivalent to US$2.369 million.”
The renowned painting was sold at Sotheby’s Hong Kong’s Modern Evening Auction at 5:30 pm (Hong Kong time) on April 5th. It marked a remarkable moment in the art world and was highly anticipated by collectors.
Given this price, the ‘La famille dans le jardin’ painting is officially Le Pho’s most valuable work, and the second-highest priced in the history of Vietnamese fine art, after painter Mai Trung Thu’s portrait of Miss Phuong sold for $3.1 million, according to Ace Le, the Chief Executive Officer of Sotheby’s for the Vietnamese market.
This price surpasses that of the oil painting titled ‘Figures in a Garden’, which was auctioned off by Sotheby’s Hong Kong on April 7th, 2022, for a staggering $2.29 million.
This is the first million-dollar record of 2023, a sign of optimism amid the multiple economic challenges of the year. It is a hopeful indication of what is to come.
The family in a garden painting by the late painter Alain Le Kim was auctioned off in 1999, accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from the artist’s son. This work has become a highly sought after piece of art over the years, offering a glimpse into the life of the family it depicts.
The work produced by Le Pho in 1938 was a result of his settling in France the year prior. This artwork is an example of the artist’s talent and skill as he had to adjust to his new environment and surroundings. He was able to create a piece that showed his unique style and vision while adapting to the different culture and customs of France.
The auction in Hong Kong was a gathering of renowned works from both modern art giants from around the world and Asia, such as Pablo Picasso, Marc Chagall, Joan Miro, Wu Guanzhong, Zao Wou-Ki, and Georgette Chen.
The painting ‘La famille dans le jardin’ was crafted with careful attention to detail on delicate silk, requiring stringent technical requirements to complete. The intricate work of art showcases the love and affection shared by the family depicted in the painting.
Notably, the painting has a massive size, making it the second-largest work of this type created by painter Le Pho to appear on the auction market.
Similar to French Impressionist paintings that capture a photographic and realistic scene, Le Pho’s artworks depict an ephemeral moment, depicting a tranquil family gathering with intimate interactions in outdoor settings. By skillfully utilizing light and color, Le Pho explores the beauty of fleeting moments and captures them in a timeless and poetic way.
This rare masterpiece of sophistication and charm is a testament to the culmination of the innovation period of Vietnamese modern art. Its graceful design is a reflection of the artist’s dedication to creating something timelessly beautiful and awe-inspiring. Expertly crafted, this piece stands out as a symbol of the culture and creativity of the Vietnamese people. Its unique style and composition ensures that it will remain a treasured part of the art world for years to come.
“This is a silk painting created during Le Pho‘s second period—the most important period of his life,” said researcher Ly Doi.
”
In 1937, he returned to his native France and stayed there until his death in 2001 in Paris. He never had the opportunity to return to his homeland.
”
It was a time of nostalgia; so many emotions that could not be put into words, only paintings could truly capture them. The feelings were so strong, so powerful, that no words could adequately express them. All that remained was to be captured in brush strokes and color, to fully illustrate the depth of the sentiment.
In addition, for a full-sized silk painting with a height of 91.3 centimeters and a width of 61.5 centimeters, characteristic techniques and styles, good preservation, a universal theme, images of ancient clothes and modern ao dai (Le Pho ao dai), femininity and feminism make it a favorite of many people.
The painting ‘Jeune femme en bleu dans un paysage‘ by artist Vu Cao Dam has been sold for an impressive 5.5 million Hong Kong dollars ($700,640). A picture of the artwork can be seen below, courtesy of Sotheby’s Hong Kong.
The painting ‘Jeune femme en bleu dans un paysage’ by artist Vu Cao Dam was sold for 5.5 million Hong Kong dollars ($700,640). Photo: Sotheby’s Hong Kong
Among Vietnam’s three important paintings put up for auction, two saw the selling prices exceed the estimated levels. Le Pho’s painting was unsurprising, even with its higher-than-expected price.
Vu Cao Dam’s Jeune femme en bleu dans un paysage painting is an exquisite work of art, with its price reaching an impressive 8.6 million Hong Kong dollars, or approximately $1 million.
The painting “Femmes et enfants au bord de la riviere” by artist Mai Trung Thu sold for an impressive 4.5 million Hong Kong dollars ($573,260) at auction. A photo of the painting, which was taken by Sotheby’s Hong Kong, is shown above. This remarkable sale proves the enduring popularity of Mai Trung Thu’s work.
The work ‘Femmes et enfants au bord de la riviere’ by painter Mai Trung Thu fetched 4.5 million Hong Kong dollars ($573,260) at the auction. Photo: Sotheby’s Hong Kong
The stunning silk painting, La famille dans le jardin, by celebrated artist Le Pho, recently sold for an astonishing $2.3 million at a special Sotheby’s Hong Kong auction in honor of the auction house’s 50th anniversary.
“La famille dans le jardin” (Family in the Garden) by acclaimed painter Le Pho was sold for an astonishing 18.6 million Hong Kong dollars, including taxes, which amounts to US$2.369 million.
The stunning painting was sold at Sotheby’s Hong Kong’s Modern Evening Auction at 5:30 pm (Hong Kong time) on April 5. It was a highly-anticipated event, and the painting was sold to a lucky bidder who was thrilled with their purchase.
Given this price, the ‘La famille dans le jardin’ painting by Le Pho is now officially the most valuable work of his art, and the second-most expensive piece of Vietnamese fine art ever sold, following the $3.1 million sale of painter Mai Trung Thu’s portrait of Miss Phuong, according to Ace Le, the CEO of Sotheby’s for the Vietnamese market.
This remarkable price eclipses that of the painter’s oil painting entitled ‘Figures in a Garden’, which was auctioned off by Sotheby’s Hong Kong on April 7, 2022, and sold for a staggering $2.29 million.
This is the first million-dollar record of 2023, a year that has seen its fair share of economic challenges. However, this milestone serves as an optimistic signal for the future.
The acclaimed painting, ‘The Family in a Garden’, was auctioned off in 1999, accompanied with a certificate from Alain Le Kim, the son of the late painter. This artwork has been highly praised and is a great representation of the painter’s skill.
The work of Le Pho was produced in 1938, a year after he had settled in France. He had established himself as a professional artist and was already beginning to make a name for himself.
The auction in Hong Kong brought together works from renowned modern artists from around the world and in Asia, including Pablo Picasso, Marc Chagall, Joan Miro, Wu Guanzhong, Zao Wou-Ki, and Georgette Chen.
The painting “La famille dans le jardin” was created with great technical skill and precision on a delicate silk canvas.
Notably, the painting has an impressive size, making it the second-largest work of this type created by renowned painter Le Pho to appear on the auction market.
Similar to French Impressionist paintings that capture a fleeting moment, Le Pho’s works depict a tranquil family scene with intimate exchanges in the outdoors. His paintings depict a realistic and photographic depiction of a transient scene, providing viewers with a glimpse into a fleeting moment.
This rare masterpiece of sophistication and charm is a testament to the culmination of the modern Vietnamese art innovation period. Its stunning detail and craftsmanship make it an impressive sight, showcasing the best of what the era had to offer. Whether admired for its beauty or coveted as a collector’s item, this timeless piece is sure to be appreciated for generations to come.
“This is a silk painting created during Le Pho’s second period – the most important period of his life,” said researcher Ly Doi. According to Doi, this period of Le Pho’s life was a defining one, as it saw the artist create some of his most iconic works. The silk painting in question is a testament to this and is a great example of Le Pho’s artistic genius.
”
In 1937, he returned to France and resided there until his death in 2001 in Paris, without ever making a return to his homeland.
”
It was a time of nostalgia, with such a multitude of emotions that they couldn’t be expressed in words, only captured in paintings.
In addition, for a full-sized silk painting measuring 91.3 centimeters in height and 61.5 centimeters in width, its characteristic techniques and styles, excellent preservation, universal theme, images of both ancient and modern ao dai (Le Pho ao dai), femininity and feminism make it a highly favored artwork for many.”
The painting ‘Jeune femme en bleu dans un paysage’ by artist Vu Cao Dam has been sold for an impressive 5.5 million Hong Kong dollars ($700,640). A photo of the masterpiece taken by Sotheby’s Hong Kong is featured below. This is the highest price ever paid for a work by the Vietnamese artist.
The painting ‘Jeune femme en bleu dans un paysage’ by artist Vu Cao Dam was sold for 5.5 million Hong Kong dollars ($700,640). Photo: Sotheby’s Hong Kong
It was the most expensive item among the three.
Among Vietnam’s three most noteworthy paintings that were put up for auction, two saw the selling prices surpass the estimated levels. It is not surprising that Le Pho’s painting was the most expensive item among the three, given its higher-than-expected price.
Vu Cao Dam’s Jeune femme en bleu dans un paysage painting is an absolute masterpiece. Its beauty is unparalleled, and its price tag of 8.6 million Hong Kong dollars, or $1 million, is a testament to its worth.
The painting “Femmes et enfants au bord de la riviere” by Vietnamese painter Mai Trung Thu recently sold for an astonishing 4.5 million Hong Kong dollars ($573,260) at a Sotheby’s Hong Kong auction. This remarkable sale is a testament to the artist’s talent and a testament to the enduring value of art.
The work ‘Femmes et enfants au bord de la riviere’ by painter Mai Trung Thu fetched 4.5 million Hong Kong dollars ($573,260) at the auction. Photo: Sotheby’s Hong Kong
The 10th edition of the African Investment and Commerce Forum facilitated hundreds of business-to-business meetings, fostering partnerships and collaborations among various stakeholders seeking opportunities in the African market.
Voces Del Periodista, an academic forum of Mexican journalists, said that changing the combat motto is a historic decision in the Dien Bien Phu campaign.
Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, gears up to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory (May 7) with an array of musical and artistic performances.
“Femmes et enfants au bord de la riviere” by Vietnamese painter Mai Trung Thu recently sold for an astonishing 4.5 million Hong Kong dollars ($573,260) at a Sotheby’s Hong Kong auction. This remarkable sale is a testament to the artist’s talent and a testament to the enduring value of art.
