Christie’s is set to make a historic debut in Hong Kong this September, unveiling its new Asia-Pacific headquarters at The Henderson building with a landmark auction. The highlight of this inaugural sale, scheduled for September 26, will be one of Claude Monet’s iconic Nymphéas paintings, a rare water lily work that has never before appeared at auction. Created 125 years ago, this early masterpiece is expected to fetch between HK$200 million and HK$280 million ($25 million to $35 million), making it a significant event in both the art and auction worlds.
The Nymphéas series, widely regarded as one of the most defining aspects of Monet’s career, represents his deep fascination with the natural world and his pioneering impressionist techniques. This particular painting, which was once kept within the Monet family for years, later moved into private hands. Its appearance on the auction block marks a pivotal moment for collectors, as many of the works from this early Nymphéas series are housed in prestigious museums around the world. Notable institutions such as the Musée Marmottan Monet in Paris, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Kagoshima City Museum of Art, and the Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna in Rome all have works from the same series in their permanent collections.
A Singular Treasure
Cristian Albu, Christie’s Deputy Chairman and Head of 20th/21st Century Art in Asia Pacific, emphasized the rarity and significance of this painting. “As one of the few remaining rare works from Monet’s pioneering first Water Lilies series that is still in a private collection, with the rest residing in museums across the world, this painting is a true singular treasure,” he said. “We are privileged to present this seminal painting to our discerning collectors in Asia, catering to the surging demands for iconic Western artworks of the highest calibre.”
Monet’s water lilies series (Nymphéas) became his life’s obsession and a symbol of his relentless pursuit to capture light, reflection, and movement. He created multiple iterations of these serene yet dynamic scenes at his garden in Giverny, where he meticulously designed his water lily ponds as an artistic sanctuary. The series would go on to influence generations of artists and solidify Monet’s status as a leading figure in Impressionism.
New Beginnings for Christie’s in Hong Kong
This sale marks a milestone for Christie’s in the Asia-Pacific region as the auction house launches its new regional headquarters in Hong Kong. The state-of-the-art facility, designed by the renowned Zaha Hadid Architects, occupies the 6th to 9th floors of The Henderson, an architectural marvel in the city’s Central district. The 50,000-square-foot space features high ceilings, expansive galleries, and a flexible, pillar-free floor plan, offering a versatile environment for a wide array of events ranging from exhibitions to private sales and educational programs.
The headquarters will officially open its doors to the public on September 20, just days before the two-day auction on September 26 and 27. With its modern design and prime location, Christie’s aims to further engage with the rapidly growing art market in Asia, connecting collectors, artists, and enthusiasts with some of the most coveted pieces in the world.
The opening of this new headquarters represents Christie’s ongoing commitment to expanding its presence in Asia, catering to the region’s increasing demand for high-quality, iconic artworks. As the art market continues to globalize, Christie’s has recognized the significance of the Asia-Pacific region as a critical hub for both contemporary and classical art.
A Rising Demand for Western Masterpieces
Over the past decade, demand for Western masterpieces has surged in Asia, with collectors showing a keen interest in acquiring renowned works of art. Monet’s Nymphéas painting aligns perfectly with this growing trend, offering a rare opportunity for collectors to acquire a piece of art history. The painting’s exceptional provenance, coupled with its status as an early work in Monet’s water lily series, makes it one of the most anticipated lots of the year.
While Monet’s Nymphéas takes center stage, the auction will also feature a selection of other significant works of art across various mediums and genres, ensuring a dynamic and diverse presentation for collectors. This sale is expected to set a new benchmark for auctions in the region, solidifying Christie’s leadership in the global art market.
As Christie’s prepares for this historic moment in Hong Kong, art enthusiasts around the world are eager to see how the sale will unfold. With Monet’s masterpiece leading the charge, the event is poised to become a defining moment in the art world’s 2024 calendar.
