Bidding frenzy in Monaco as Fernand Léger painting sells for over €680,000
A Fernand Léger work led a successful modern art auction in Monaco, selling for more than €680,000 amid strong demand for 20th-century artists.
A Fernand Léger painting sparked intense bidding at the Hôtel des Ventes de Monte-Carlo on Wednesday 4th February, selling for more than €680,000 at an auction dedicated to modern and contemporary art.
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The work, which had been exhibited at London’s Tate Gallery in 1963 and remained in the same family collection until now, depicts a group of contrasting objects set against a blue background.
It was sold at hammer price, excluding fees.
Strong interest was also seen for a 1929 portrait of James Joyce by Constantin Brancusi, which soared well above its €15,000–€20,000 estimate to reach €95,000 after what the auction house described as a “fierce bidding battle”.
Other notable results included sculptures by Jean-Michel Folon (€70,000), Niki de Saint Phalle (€76,000) and Robert Indiana, whose totem sculpture Chief sold for €140,000, confirming continued demand for major 20th-century names.