Dreweatts has announced that it has been appointed to sell the private collection of contemporary artist Pablo Bronstein.
The auctioneers will hold a special auction entitled Pablo Bronstein: Diversions of a Contemporary Mind on Tuesday, January 9, 2024. Bronstein, is revered for his unique approach to art, with works ranging from beautiful drawings reminiscent of French 18th-century architectural plans to performance and immersive art experiences, all rooted in the subject of architecture.
Pablo Bronstein was born in 1977 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He studied at the Slade School of Fine Art, London, graduating in 2001 and at Goldsmiths College, London, from 2003-2004. He lives and works in London. He regularly exhibits, e.g. his work was included in a group exhibition at Tate Britain, London in 2020.
He is globally recognised for his installations, drawings and paintings with his work on display in The Metropolitan Museum, the Pompidou, the V&A and the Tate Gallery. His personal collection, which was housed at his charming Kent home, encompasses a range of fine and decorative furniture, rare Dutch Delftware and Old Master Paintings, amongst others.
Joe Robinson Head of Sale at Dreweatts describes his interiors as “a living installation, a domestic vision of his artistic aesthetic characterised by colour, atmosphere and authenticity. A mix of the historical, alongside the whimsical, Bronstein’s passion for history and architectural form can be seen throughout the collection, offering buyers a wonderful opportunity to obtain some truly unique pieces that might befit a contemporary space, as much as a more traditional one.”
Among the highlights is a piece of furniture central to Bronstein’s Chinoiserie room, a stylish velvet upholstered ‘Knoll’ sofa. Dating from the 20th century it carries an estimate of £600-£800 (lot 22).
A highly decorative black lacquer and Chinoiserie decorated ‘cockpen’ armchair in George III style is so-called as they are a specific type of Chinese Chippendale design, made popular by the famous cabinet-maker Thomas Chippendale (1718–1779). They take their name from pew chairs that have a lattice design in the Cockpen Church, Cockpen, Midlothian, Scotland. The chair dates from the late 19th early 20th century and carries an estimate of £300-£500 (lot 44). A charming English or Dutch ‘scriptor’ or writing cabinet in walnut, features a fitted interior with drawers and pigeonholes, above a pair of frieze detailed drawers and a gateleg action stand. It carries an estimate of £1,500-£2,500 (lot 185).
Among a selection of ceramics is a Dutch Delft transitional style charger, alongside a Dutch Delft blue and white transitional style punch or fruit bowl presents a variety of intricate scenes. It dates from circa 1700 and has an estimate of £300-£500 (lot 165). The sale also features a pair of attractive Chinese porcelain Imari lamps with porcelain from the Kangxi period (with later mounts and shades), which feature vibrant floral designs. The pair carries an estimate of £1,000-£1,500 (lot 52).
Among the paintings is a Dutch School work titled Figure in a Garden Pavilion. This enigmatic scene captured in oils, dates from the 18th century and carries an estimate of £3,000-£5,000 (lot 121). A French School depiction of Neptune makes a dramatic statement. Dating from the 18th century it carries an estimate of £2,000-£3,000 (lot 9). A 16th century German School Portrait of a Gentleman Contemplating Death is the rather unusual title for a striking portrait of a male in oils. Inscribed ‘aged 39 1556’ it carries an estimate of £2,000-£3,000 (lot 13).
For full details on the individual works in the collection, please see the catalogue.
