Edgar Bronfman’s Art Collection On Sale

By Anna Goldenberg April 16, 2014

Kees Van Dongen (1877–1968): Egyptienne au collier de perles, 1912-1913. Photo credit: Christie’s Images Ltd. 2014

The legacy of businessman and philanthropist Edgar Bronfman, who passed away last December at the age of 84, could soon be adorning your living room walls. With his penthouse property in Manhattan as good as sold, his impressive art collection will soon be available to the highest bidder at several Christie’s auctions.

Impressionist and modern art paintings by Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Kees van Dongen and others will be offered on May 6 and 7 in New York, followed by postwar and contemporary art on May 14 and American art, which includes Milton Avery’s “The Mandolin Player,” on May 22. A selection of ceramics by Picasso will be sold in an online-only auction between May 2 and 16.

The collection of the long-serving president of the World Jewish Congress is estimated to bring in more than $34 million. For those who might be considering a purchase, or simply want to get a glimpse at some famous artwork, the entire collection will be on display at Christie’s at Rockefeller Plaza between April 18 and 22.

Milton Avery (1885-1965): The Mandolin Player, dated 1946. Photo credit: Christie’s Images Ltd. 2014

Henri Matisse (1869-1954): Femme a la fenetre, painted 1920. Photo credit: Christie’s Images Ltd. 2014

Edgar Degas (1834-1917): Le Tub. Photo credit: Christie’s Images Ltd. 2014

Pablo Picasso (1881-1973): Mangeuse de pasteque et homme ecrivant, painted 1965. Photo credit: Christie’s Images Ltd. 2014

Hans Hofmann (1880-1966): La Bouquet du Vime, painted 1964. Photo credit: Christie’s Images Ltd. 2014

Anna Goldenberg was the Forward’s culture fellow.

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