Person to Person Art Sales

This extremely impressive and magnificently framed Monet oil came from a great Venezuelan stately home. Its provenance prior to being extricated from Venezuela is uncertain. It is in excellent condition and appears to be recently cleaned. The frame is superb. Monet is famous for painting the same scene over and over again. This appears to be one of the approximately thirty he did of the Rouen Cathedral in 1892 and 1893. It has a NAZI WWII stamp on the stretcher verso suggesting that it was one of the many painting seized by the Germans and subsequently repatriated. It has a significant Bernheim Jeune Gallery numbered certificate verso identifying it as a Monet oil on canvas (“huile sur toile”). Partial ownership with full possession is also available if the buyer will agree to have it forensically analyzed and sold when Sotheby’s begins accepting forensics as proof of authenticity in lieu of the perfect provenances Sotheby’s now requires. Inquire.

Large Diego Rivera Oil Painting for Sale

Impressive and absolutely splendid Diego Rivera oil on canvas. From the Imber estate. Possibly a deaccession from the Caracas Museum of Contemporary Art where it was on loan and prominently displayed for some years. There is an important Sofia Imber authentication certificate verso. (Sofia Imber was the founder of the Museum and a major contributor of funds and art until it was seized by the Chavez regime). Available to be seen where it hangs. Partial ownership with possession possible. Inquire.

Splendid Early Picasso Painting for Sale

An impressive piece in excellent condition. Possibly a museum de-accession. Splendid frame. There is a Gallery Marten certificate and stamp on frame verso dated Paris 1978. Legibly signed “P. Ruiz Picasso” lower left. Evidence of a small and unseeable professional repair on canvas verso. Partial ownership with possession possible. Presently hangs in a place of prominence in a Scottsdale stately home where qualified buyers can view it in situ.

Picasso Paintings for Sale

Steve Wynn of Las Vegas thinks he has the only original of this important early transitional painting as Picasso moved out of his blue period into cubism. There were apparently several originals sold at the varnishing event. This appears to be one of them. Wynn may have the other. It was acquired by Sofia Imber and loaned to the Caracas Museum of Contemporary Art. It can be viewed in the Scottsdale stately house where it now hangs. The frame is quite unique and helps prove its authenticity. Partial ownership with possession is available. Inquire.

This absolutely spectacular painting by the great Joan Miro was on loan to the Caracas Museum of Contemporary Art and displayed there until it was retrieved by its owner just before the Chavez regime seized the museum. It is available because the owner gave up on Venezuela and sold it to help pay for her departure after the 2024 “re-election” of Maduro, It has a second smaller signed Miro painting verso on a music score along with a Certificate of Authenticity verso from Sofia Imber, the fabulously wealthy founder and director of the museum until the government seized it. There is also a receipt from its purchase from the Galleries Lafayette. Note: This painting can be bought in whole or part: There is a potential investor willing to buy a minority interest so partial ownership with full possession is also available if you will agree to have it forensically authenticated and sell it when Sotheby’s begins accepting forensics as proof of authenticity. Inquire.

Nattier Masterpiece Painting for Sale

This magnificently framed museum-worthy oil is Jean-Paul Nattier’s masterpiece, “Henrietta of France as Flora.” Nattier had a commission from Louis XV to paint it for himself and several copies for his friends.

This original is believed to be a 1920s deaccession of the Musee des Beaux-Arts, Orleans, France which was acquired by the French government for display in one of its embassies. Two other identical versions by Nattier are in the Versailles Museum. Flora is the goddess of spring and renewal. Henrietta was greatly appreciated by France’s royal family and its supporters because she gave the King of France a desperately needed son and heir.

There is a faded Bernheim Jeune et cie gallery sales receipt verso dated 1920 attached verso. The painting is signed Nattier and the sales receipt confirms it is a Nattier. This impressive painting is now available for thousands instead of millions because it only has a partial provenance back to the Embassy and the art restorer to whom it was sent for cleaning prior to its sale to the Seller. It may be viewed in the current owner’s great stately home in Scottsdale, Arizona. Partial ownership with full possession is negotiable if the buyer is also an investor willing to resell it as soon as Sotheby’s accepts forensics as proof of authenticity.

Campendonk Masterpiece Painting for Sale

Heinrich Campendonk (1889-1957) is increasingly recognized as one of the world’s greatest artists. And this impressive oil appears to be one of Campendonk’s finest works. For example, it was featured at one of the world’s most famous art shows, the 2015 TEFAF art fair. This painting is thought to be one of the paintings the Caracas Museum of Contemporary Art periodically sold about twenty years ago to raise the monies needed to pay its staff after the Chavez regime assumed control of Venezuela and began looting the country. It can be viewed in the great Scottsdale stately house where it will hang until the executor of the owner’s estate sells it.

This attention-getting and recently much-copied oil on canvas was thought by its owner and those who viewed it to be a splendid original Modigliani portraying his lover, wife, and favorite model, Jeanne Hebuterne. Theirs was a relationship for the ages – she committed suicide when he died so she could be buried with him. Modigliani passed when he was relatively young, but he was a prolific painter and produced many works, especially many versions of Jeanne. Most of them are in museums. This particular piece has several gallery certificates verso that suggest its authenticity as does the old canvas on which it is painted. It can be viewed where it hangs in the great stately home described in www.phgmag.com/mediterranean-masterpiece. It also appears to have been subsequently copied although, perhaps, they are versions from the varnishing sale or commissions. The executor does not know who owned it previously or how it was acquired. But it must be sold to settle an estate. If forensics subsequently authenticates it as the original it will be worth millions instead of thousands. Partial ownership with full possession is possible if the buyer will agree to have the painting sold by Sotheby’s when Sotheby’s begins accepting forensics as proof of authenticity in lieu of Sotheby’s current requirement of a perfect provenance.

Classic Degas Oil Painting for Sale

Impressive and absolutely splendid Degas oil on canvas. From the Imber estate. Possibly a de-accession from the Caracas Museum of Contemporary Art where it was on loan and prominently displayed for some years. There is an important Sofia Imber authentication certificate verso. (Sofia Imber was the founder and director of the Museum and a major contributor of its funds and the paintings until the museum was seized by the Chavez regime). Available to be viewed where it hangs in a great Scottsdale, Arizona mansion. Partial ownership with possession possible. Inquire.

Berthe Morisot Painting for Sale

Impressive and absolutely splendid Berthe Morisot oil on canvas. From the Imber estate. Possibly a de-accession from the Caracas Museum of Contemporary Art where it was on loan and prominently displayed for some years. There is an important Sofia Imber authentication certificate verso. (Sofia Imber was the founder and director of the Museum and a major contributor of its funds and the paintings until the museum was seized by the Chavez regime). There is a galley seal and an important Imber authentication certificate verso. There is also a WWII Nazi seizure wax seal verso that suggests it was seized during the war and then returned and sold. Available to be viewed where it hangs in a great Scottsdale, Arizona mansion. Partial ownership with possession possible. Inquire.

Important Georges Seurat Painting for Sale

Georges Seurat (1889-1957) is increasingly recognized as one of the world’s greatest artists. This impressive oil painting appears to be one of his better works. There is an important certificate verso. This painting is thought to be one of the paintings the Caracas Museum of Contemporary Art periodically sold some years ago to raise the monies needed to pay its staff after the Chavez regime assumed control of Venezuela and began looting the country. It can be viewed in the great Scottsdale stately house where it will hang until the executor of the owner’s estate sells it. Partial ownership with possession is possible. Inquire

Splendid Big Picasso Painting for Sale

Impressive and absolutely splendid original Picasso cubist oil on canvas. Can be viewed hanging over the fireplace in its owner’s magnificent library. Acquired from the Imber estate and the Caracas Museum of Contemporary Art where it was on loan and prominently displayed for many years. There is an important Sofia Imber authentication certificate verso. (Sofia Imber was the founder of the Museum and a major contributor of funds and works of art until the museum was “nationalized” by the Chavez regime. (see Wikipedia). There is a Nazi wax seal verso indicating it was confiscated by the Germans in WW2. There is also a receipt verso indicating it was purchased in Paris for 10,000 francs on May of 1922 at the Theisen and Herrmann Gallery. Available to be viewed where it hangs in a palatial Scottsdale, Arizona mansion. Partial ownership with full possession is possible if you agree to sell it when Sotheby’s and Christies begin accepting forensic evidence as proof of authenticity. Inquire.

World-Famous Carpet Painting for Sale

The magnificent carpet on the library floor has a story. It was commissioned in 1972 on a then-forbidden trip to Kashmir. It is based upon the oldest carpet remnant ever found, the Pazryk, discovered in permafrost in an ancient grave and now residing in the Hemitage Museum.
The Seller travelled to Kashmir in the early 70s immediately after the fragment’s discovery and commissioned a family of weavers to recreate the fragment into a complete carpet. Several copies of this original have since been produced by the family which must work full-time for several years to produce each one. Laura Bush has one and says it is her favorite possession. Rush Limbaugh had one and said it was his was his favorite possession. The academic report carried to Kashmir and the original shipping and payment documents are under glass in the library and included.
This carpet caused one international incident and almost caused another. The first was when India’s Prime Minister made a speech in Parliament saying the Seller was in Kashmir as a CIA spy and would be caught (he wasn’t). The second occurred when the Seller had a reception for the Prime Minister of British Columbia and the Governor of Alaska to discuss expanding the Alaska Railroad into Canada. The Canadian consul from Seattle attended. He was a Persian rug collector from his days at Canada’s Tehran Embassy. In the middle of the Seller’s crowded living room the consul looked down. Said “Oh my God,” handed his drink to the prime minister and got down on his hands and knees and began pushing his way through the crowd saying “oh my God. Oh my God.” Everyone thought he was drunk.

Chinese Jade Clock in glass case Painting for Sale

Executor’s client acquired the clock in 1972 in what was once the French concession in Tianjin near Peking (now Beijing). It was at the time of Nixon’s visit. His client had obtained a visa because the Chinese had seen a map of North America and thought Alaska was a separate country. He was being driven on a narrow cobblestone street in the old French concession when he passed an open door and could see into a room stuffed to the rafters with ceiling-high piles (yes piles) of clocks, jade carvings, incense burners, etc. “I stopped the van and walked back. There were three old men with Mao jackets inspecting confiscated antiques. They were not for sale. But a few green dollars changed hands and I got my pick. This clock was the only one with its own glass case and looked like the best piece. I walked out carrying the clock and its glass case. “No one questioned me when I carried it on my lap all the way from Peking to Hong Kong to Bangkok to Los Angeles.” The executor reports that In Hong Kong in the 1980s he saw similar clocks being sold for 300,000 to 400,000 HK dollars.

Superb Leonora Carrington Painting for Sale

This magnificent Leonora Carrington (1917-2011) oil on canvas with a museum-grade frame can be viewed and purchased where it hangs in the Seller’s great Scottsdale, Arizona home. It has an important gallery certificate verso and is accompanied by a 1983 donation receipt to the Mexican Red Cross and a 1984 sales receipt from the Red Cross to its owner. A shared ownership with full possession is possible if the Buyer will agree to share the proceeds with the Seller’s trust and let Sotheby’s or Christies sell it when they begin accepting forensic evidence in lieu of the perfect provenances that they now require.

Superb Toulouse-Lautrec Painting for Sale

Comte Henri Marie Raymond de Toulouse-Lautrec-Monfa (1864-1901), known as Toulouse-Lautrec, was a French painter whose life in Bohemian Paris in the late 19th century allowed him to produce enticing, elegant, and provocative images of the decadent affairs of those times.
Born into the aristocracy, Toulouse-Lautrec was very short due to his undersized legs.He developed an affinity for Paris’ brothels and prostitutes which became the subject for many of his works. He is among the painters known as Post-Impressionists along with Paul Cezane, Vincent van Gogh, Paul Gauguin, and George Seurat. In 2005 Christie’s sold Toulouse-Lautrec’s early painting of a young laundress for $22.4 million.
This painting could be worth substantially more if it can be forensically authenticated to the satisfaction of a major auction house. Both full and partial ownership with possession may be available. Inquire.

This magnificent Leonora Carrington (1917-2011) oil on canvas with a museum-grade frame can be viewed and purchased where it hangs in the Seller’s great Scottsdale, Arizona home. It has an important gallery certificate verso dated 1956. An outright sale is available, but a lower price and shared ownership with the Buyer having full possession is possible if the Buyer will agree to share the proceeds with the Seller’s trust and let Sotheby’s or Christies sell it when they begin accepting forensic evidence in lieu of the perfect provenances they now require.

This attention-getting Picasso sketchbook is thought to be one of the few Picasso sketchbooks still in private hands. Picasso famously carried such a sketchbook and a handful of pencils at all times to record images he might come upon that could be subsequently used in his paintings. It contains numerous signed and unsigned sketches both in pencil and in color. Also included is a splendid art book about his sketchbooks. The sketchbook can be viewed where it is prominently displayed in the library of the great stately home described in www.phgmag.com/mediterranean-masterpiece. The estate executor selling it does not know who owned it previously or how it was acquired. And that does not matter – it must now be sold to settle an estate. What is certain is that if forensics subsequently authenticates it as being original it will be worth millions instead of thousands. The executor is sufficiently sure of its authenticity that partial ownership with full possession, with the seller’s trust owning the remainder, is possible if the buyer will agree to have the painting sold by Sotheby’s when Sotheby’s begins accepting forensics as proof of authenticity in lieu of Sotheby’s current requirement of perfect provenances.

Historically Important American painting for a Western or Americana Collector. Possibly the oldest painting ever painted in America outside of a cave. Hangs above the fireplace in the music room which was specifically given a fireplace to display this piece. Spectacular old museum quality frame. Extremely important piece. Early American Tempura portrait of Saint Francis.

Background: In 1598 the Conquistador Onate came into what is now New Mexico with a company of Spanish soldiers and ten Franciscan priests. Onate became the first governor of New Mexico and the priests built mission churches and established America’s first school – for the purpose of teaching the Indians to draw and carve religious icons or their homes and churches. To demonstrate their humility the priests used their own cassocks to paint the image which the students were taught to copy. It is not known if this painting survived the Pueblo Uprising of 1680 or was done when the priests returned. This painting was acquired from the Archdiocese of Santa Fe in 1907 when a well-to-do European collector of religious art visited the Archdiocese on his year-long “grand tour” of America. He found a room filled with relics and icons from the recently closed missions and bought this magnificently framed tempura which the Santa Fe priests identified as the Saint Francis which the local natives were taught to copy. The European collector ended up living in San Marino many years later and sold the painting in 1967 when he was in his 90s via the Pasadena Auction Galley to the Executor’s client who was its third owner. The next buyer of this piece will be the 4th owner of all time. The Franciscan House in Northern California heard about this piece in the late 1980s and contacted the Executor’s client and asked for it as a donation or bequest. It hangs above the fireplace in the music room. Possibly the oldest painting done in America. Magnificently framed.

This impressive oil on canvas is instantly recognizable as a work of the great French artist, Fernand Leger (1881-1955). Its authenticity is suggested by the Gallerie Louise Leris certificate verso. The certificate titles it “Acrobates” and dates it to 1922. It is not known if that is the date of the painting or the date at which it passed into the hands of the gallery. There is also a faint Winsor and Newton stamp verso. Winsor and Newton was a major supplier of artists’ paints and canvases in the 1920s.

This is a splendid early Picasso with a certificate verso suggesting it came from Sofia Imber’s personal collection and a second certificate of authenticity from the Caracas Museum of Contemporary Art which Imber founded, funded and directed for many years. Both certificates contain the inventory number 378791 which suggests it was one of the Picassos Imber had acquired prior to founding the museum and subsequently placed on loan to it – and then retrieved years later when the Chavez regime seized the museum and ousted her. The painting is signed P Ruiz Picasso which is how Picasso signed his early works. His signature also appears verso. There is an ancient professional minor repair verso suggesting that it was known to be valuable even then. It does not have a gallery certificate or stamp which suggests that it might be one of the paintings that the fabulously wealthy Imber acquired directly from Picasso.

Pablo Picasso Painting for Sale

This magnificent Picasso is available for a private sale. It is newly and splendidly framed because its old original frame did not survive its move from the great Venezuelan home where it had hung for years to one of the houses of its current owner. The Seller guarantees that its very old paint and canvas will pass a forensics examination. It is for sale for thousands instead of millions because it only has a partial provenance back to the founder of the Caracas museum from whence it came. There are numerous stamps and certificates verso that suggest its authenticity. They include a Gallery P. Alprin stamp verso; a German WWII NAZI wax seal that suggests it was seized by the German sand then returned to its owner; a Gallery Kahnweiler certificate and stamp on its stretcher. There is also a gallery certificate with Pablo Picasso’s name and the notation that it is an oil on canvas. It may be viewed in the current owner’s great stately home in Scottsdale, Arizona. Partial ownership with full possession is fully negotiable if the new owner in possession will agree to have it forensically authenticated and sell it when Sotheby’s accepts forensics to authenticate paintings in lieu of a perfect provenance. Inquire.

This is a significant oil on canvas by Jean Metzinger (1883-1956). Metzinger was a contemporary of Picasso. His works hang in many of the world’s greatest museums. There is a significant Gallerie Charpentier certificate verso that suggests it passed through that famous Paris gallery at some time. There is also a Mathias Fels authentication stamp on the canvas verso. Fels was one of the most important art authenticators of his time. It is not known who owned this splendid work of art prior to it coming into the family’s possession. There are also NAZI seals on both the canvas and the frame. They suggest that at some point in time it was seized by the Germans and then repatriated to the heirs of its owner. Partial ownership with full possession may be available if the buyer agrees to have it forensically analyzed by a forensic laboratory acceptable to Sotheby’s and sell it when Sotheby’s begins accepting forensic evidence as proof of authenticity in lieu of its current requirement of a perfect provenance. Inquire.

This oil on canvas is a fine example of a great George Seurat paintings. The current owner acquired it from a wealthy Venezuelan family after Chavez came to power and seized their businesses. They had acquired it prior to WWII from the Gallerie Georges Petit. Its provenance prior to their acquisition is unknown and thus it is not eligible to be sold at Sotheby’s or Christies at this time. Presently it hangs in a place of prominence in one of the great homes of an American collector and is being sold to settle an estate. A lower price with part-ownership and full possession would be possible if the buyer will agree to have it forensically examined and sell it when Sotheby’s begins accepting forensics as evidence of authenticity in lieu of its current requirement of a perfect provenance going back to the painter.

This is thought to be one of Gino Severini’s best paintings. He and his patrons must have thought so because he painted several versions for them as was the custom of the day. There is a certificate verso indicating that it had been featured in the 1932 Venice International Art Exposition. It was acquired from a wealthy Venezuelan family after Chavez came to power and seized their businesses. It is thought to have been acquired by them at some time in the 1930s. Presently it hangs in a place of prominence in the great home of an American collector and is being sold to settle an estate. A lower price with part-ownership and full possession would possible if the buyer will agree to have it forensically examined and sell it when Sotheby’s accepts forensics evidence of authenticity in lieu of a perfect provenance going back to the painter.

Two grand museum size authentic Boteros obtained directly from the atelier of Fernando Botero. They were commissioned by Sofia Imber for the Caracas Museum of Contemporary Art and never delivered because the Museum was seized by the Chavez regime. $80,000 each and $120,000 for both. They are newly framed. Ideal for a very home or business with very large walls or for a museum donation.

Joaquin Sorolla y Bastida (1863-1923) is one of Spain’s greatest and most famous artists. His works are in most major museums and important collections. His numerous awards and distinctions range from great prizes at Europe’s most important art expositions, having both a ballet and a train station named after him in Spain, and France decorating him as a knight of the Legion of Honour. This particular painting was sourced from a Venezuelan collection and has a 1922 certificate verso indicating it was sold by Leonce Rosenberg’s prestigious Gallerie L’effort Moderne.

This splendidly framed masterpiece by the great Jean Metzinger (1883-1956). Until recently it hung in a great Venezuelan stately house.. There is a Le Bournier certificate verso. There is also a significant Gallerie Drouant-David certificate verso. Jean Metzinger is a major French painter whose works hang in numerous great museums and important collections. Partial ownership with full possession is available to an investor who will agree to have it forensically authenticated and sold at auction when Sotheby’s begin accepting forensics as proof of authenticity. Inquire.

This impressive and eye-catching work of art was almost certainly painted by the great Giorgio de Chirico (1888-1978). It is worthy of a great museum and would make a splendid gift. According to the Seller’s grandson, one of the heirs, this finely framed museum-worthy de Chirico was acquired by his grandfather many years ago. There is an important Galleria D’ Arte Ripetta certificate verso that suggests its authenticity. Partial ownership with full possession may be available if the buyer agrees to have it forensically analyzed by a forensic laboratory acceptable to Sotheby’s and sell it when Sotheby’s begins accepting forensic evidence as proof of authenticity in lieu of its current requirement of a perfect provenance. Inquire.

This valuable and magnificently framed oil from the famous French painter Chaim Soutine came from a great Venezuelan collection. It was sold to help finance its owner’s relocation from Venezuela. Its provenance prior to its extrication from Venezuela is uncertain. It is in excellent condition and appears to be recently cleaned. The frame is of museum quality and superb. It has a NAZI WWII stamp on the stretcher verso suggesting that it was one of the many painting seized by the Germans and subsequently repatriated. The painting has a significant gallery certificate from Leonce Rosenberg’s prestigious Gallerie L’Effort Moderne identifying it as an authentic Soutine. Partial ownership with full possession is also available if the buyer will agree to have it forensically analyzed and sold when Sotheby’s begins accepting forensics as proof of authenticity in lieu of the perfect provenances Sotheby’s now requires. Inquire.

This magnificently framed and very impressive early Picasso oil is reported to have been retrieved from a consulate in Hamburg where it apparently hung for some years. Its provenance prior to the consulate is not known. It is a very old piece that appears to be on its original stretcher. There is a NAZI stamp on the back that suggests it was seized during WWII and then repatriated. The consigning estate executor must sell it in a timely manner to settle the estate. Partial ownership with full possession is also available with one of the estate’s trusts holding a minority interest if the buyer will agree to have it forensically analyzed and sell it when Sotheby’s begins accepting pieces based on their forensics in lieu of its current practice of requiring perfect provenances. Inquire.

This classic de Szyslo is signed and titled “Regreso a Mendieta” on the back of the canvas and dated 2014. It is one of four de Szyslos in the estate’s collection. The other 3 are also available. Inquire for images. They were thought to have been purchased directly from de Szyslo’s atelier immediately after he died.

This painting is instantly recognizable as a Klimt. It has a Graham Gallery certificate attached verso and several Leopold Museum stamps verso. It came from a great Caracas manor house after the Chavez revolution.

This painting is instantly recognizable as a Picasso. There is a significant Gallerie Louise Leris certificate verso that suggests it authenticity. Leris was Daniel-Henry Kahnweiler’s stepdaughter. He was Jewish and his Paris gallery handled Picasso’s work and those of many other famous artists for years. Leris began operating the gallery in1940 under her own name in an effort to prevent its works being stolen by the Germans when they captured Paris. Her name on the certificate suggests it was painted after 1940.

Leonora Carrington is one of the world’s most famous surrealistic painters. She was born in Britain and spent most of her adult life in Mexico. There is a Sofia Imber certificate of authentication verso. Carrington’s works were featured in the Caracas Museum of Contemporary Art which Imber founded and managed until it was seized by the Chavez regime. There is Mexico City gallery certificate verso which is where the painting was probably acquired by the museum.

This eye-catching Severini masterpiece came from a great Venezuelan manor house. There is a certificate attached verso that indicates it was displayed in the 1932 Venice International Art Exposition. Nothing more is known about it. It can be viewed where it now hangs in Scottsdale, Arizona.

This outstanding Chagall oil impresses everyone who sees it. It was spirited out of Venezuela to help its owner pay to relocate to the United States. It is believed to have been on display at the Museum of Contemporary Art. There is a Gallerie Maeght stamp verso suggesting that it might have originally been purchased there. There is investor interest in this piece so partial ownership with full possession is possible for a qualified buyer who will contract to have it forensically analyzed and sold when Sotheby’s begins accepting forensics as proof of authenticity.

Executor must sell a collection of impressively framed original Basquiats from a collector’s great estate. Buy one or all. There is a certificate of authenticity attached verso on most of them.

Franz Kline (May 23, 1910 – May 13, 1962) was an American painter. He is associated with the Abstract Expressionist movement of the 1940s and 1950s. Kline, along with other action painters like Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, Robert Motherwell, John Ferren, and Lee Krasner came to be known as the New York School. Kline’s work is distinct in itself and has been revered since the 1950s. This large and impressive Kline is in an equally superb museum-worthy frame. There is a Kootz Gallery certificate verso along with a much older Marlborough Fine Arts certificate indicating that it was displayed in its 1948 summer exhibition.

Edgar Degas was a French Impressionist artist famous for his pastel drawings and oil paintings. Degas also produced bronze sculptures, prints, and drawings. Degas is especially identified with the subject of dance; more than half of his works depict dancers. This Degas impresses in its museum-worthy fame. There is a very important Leonce Rosenberg Gallerie L’Effort Modern certificate verso dated 1916 and specifying that the painter of inventory item 7650 is Edgar Degas.

Picasso’s painting of The Wounded Matador is important both because of its quality and subject and because it is one of the earliest, and perhaps the earliest, of Picasso’s Bullfight-related paintings. It is significant because he stopped signing his work as Ruiz Picasso in 1878 when he was seventeen years old. It has a WWII Nazi wax seal on the canvas indicating that it was seized by the Germans and subsequently repatriated. There is a separate signed sketch on paper attached verso. It too has a Nazi stamp. It is not known who attached the sketch to the canvas or when it was done. This painting is one of several in the seller’s collection that were sourced from Venezuela after the Chavez revolution to provide funds for its previous owner’s relocation. Nothing is known of its earlier provenance. Note: an investor may be willing to take a minority interest with the purchaser having sole possession if the possessor will agree to have it forensically analyzed and sold when Sotheby’s begins accepting forensics evidence as proof of authenticity in lieu of today’s requirement of a perfect provenance.