Sotheby's to auction Piet Mondrian’s unique style

KOLKATA: A Sotheby’s London email statement has said that the highlight of the Impressionist & Modern Art Evening Sale on Monday 23rd June 2013 is a supreme example of Piet Mondrian’s unique style, Composition with Red, Blue and Grey, inscribed and dated 1927 (estimate £13-18 million/$22-30 million), which now comes to auction for the first time. This major work is one of very few to come to the market in decades. The painting’s significant size (68.5 by 53cm), together with its prime colour combination and balanced composition, distinguish it as one of the finest achievements of the artist’s career.

Helena Newman, Sotheby’s co-head, Impressionist & Modern Art Worldwide comments in the statement: "This is a quintessential work by Piet Mondrian. Classically Modern and pure in form, it is an exceptional example of the seminal period in the artist’s career as well as the enduring appeal of the Modern aesthetic. It is extremely rare for a work of this quality to come to the market as many are housed in museums, and having remained in a collection after 50 years this opportunity to buy such an iconic work will be extremely appealing to discerning collectors across the world."

Philip Hook, Sotheby’s senior specialist, Impressionist & Modern Art, comments: "Composition with Red, Blue and Grey is one of a series of works crucial to the development of Modern art. It was considered revolutionary at the time it was created and remains startlingly modern today. Mondrian’s unique style has inspired many creative works, spanning fashion, music and architecture, and its lasting appeal is underscored by two forthcoming exhibitions in the UK alone – at Tate Liverpool and Turner Contemporary – marking the 70th anniversary of the artist’s death."