A Legacy of Art and Influence
Pauline Karpidas, a name that resonates deeply within the art world, has been quietly amassing one of the most significant collections of 20th-century art and design. Now in her 80s, she is preparing to part with nearly all of her treasures, marking what could be the end of an era for collectors and art enthusiasts alike.
The sale, which will take place in September, is expected to fetch a staggering £101 million ($137 million), making it the highest-earning sale by a single owner in London. This monumental event not only highlights the value of Karpidas’ collection but also underscores her role as a pivotal figure in the art world.
The Collection
Karpidas’ collection includes a diverse array of works from some of the most renowned artists of the 20th century. Among the highlights are pieces by René Magritte, Salvador Dalí, Yves Tanguy, Max Ernst, Pablo Picasso, and Andy Warhol. Her home, located near London’s Hyde Park, is a testament to her taste and passion for art, filled with vibrant colors and eclectic designs.
The living room, in particular, features paintings by Pablo Picasso, René Magritte, Francis Picabia, Leonora Carrington, and Yves Tanguy. Each piece tells a story, reflecting the artist’s unique vision and the cultural context of their time.
The Sale
The auction, set for September 17 and 18, will showcase 250 artworks and design pieces. The top lot is a later Magritte painting titled “La Statue volante,” estimated to sell for between £9-12 million ($12-$16 million). Other notable items include two Warhol works inspired by Edvard Munch, a Dalí pencil drawing of his wife, Gala, and a Hans Bellmer painting made just before the artist was imprisoned during World War II.
The sale also features a sculptural bed made of copper twigs and leaves by Claude Lalanne, a piece that exemplifies the fusion of art and functionality in Karpidas’ collection.
A Life in Art
Karpidas’ journey into the world of art began through her late husband, Constantine Karpidas, known as Dinos. He introduced her to the world of collecting, and together they built a collection that would eventually become a hallmark of 20th-century art.
Her path took a significant turn when she met the art dealer Alexander Iolas, who played a crucial role in shaping her collection. Iolas, a prominent dealer of major 20th-century artists, particularly Surrealists, provided Karpidas with the guidance and resources needed to build her impressive collection.
The Influence of a Grande Dame
Karpidas is often referred to as a “grande dame” in the art world, a term used to describe affluent women who have built social networks across prominent artists, fashion houses, and designers. She is considered one of the last of her kind, having been close friends with Andy Warhol and frequented his parties at The Factory. She was also dressed by Yves Saint Laurent, and her homes were designed by renowned interior designers Francis Sultana and Jacques Grange.
Her influence extends beyond her personal collection; she has been compared to other legendary female patrons such as Peggy Guggenheim and Dominique de Menil, both of whom she knew. However, unlike their collections, which have become important cultural institutions, the bulk of Karpidas’ collection will be disseminated across the art market.
A Personal Space
Fischer, a Swiss artist who has known Karpidas for over two decades, described her London residence as a space that “became one artwork.” Every fragment of the apartment has its own story, reflecting Karpidas’ personality and interests. According to Fischer, the space is not just a wealthy person’s home but a vibrant expression of her psyche.
The Timing of Acquisitions
Barker, chairman of Sotheby’s Europe, emphasized that Karpidas’ acquisitions were not only the result of her financial means but also her judicious timing. She was well-positioned in 1979 for the record-breaking sale of the collector and artist William Copley’s personal collection, which netted a 1929 painting by Yves Tanguy. Many works owned by Karpidas have been passed down through famous hands, including Surrealism founder André Breton, poet Paul Éluard, gallerist Julian Levy, and the family of Pablo Picasso.
“She was not only there at the right time, but she was choosing the right works,” Barker said.
A Reflection of the Collector
Karpidas has also become a subject herself, with artists like Urs Fischer creating works inspired by her. In 2023, Fischer depicted her in an ephemeral piece, casting a sculpture of the collector gazing at a reproduction of the 2nd-century “Three Graces.” The work, which melted down over time, reflected Karpidas’ enduring presence in the art world.
The End of an Era
As Karpidas prepares to part with her collection, the art world faces the end of an era. Her legacy, however, will live on through the works she has collected and the influence she has had on the art scene. The upcoming sale not only marks the dispersal of her collection but also serves as a reminder of the importance of patronage in the art world.
With the sale of her collection, Karpidas leaves behind a rich tapestry of art and history, ensuring that her contributions to the art world will not be forgotten.
