Top surcharges for the Ketterer anniversary

The top lots of the 550th auction at Ketterer Auction House once again included works by Expressionists, three of which sold for millions. Special attention was paid to two works that had not been on public display for a long time: the “Spanish Dancer” by Alexej von Jawlensky from 1909 and the spectacular rediscovery of “Dance in a Variety” by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner from 1911. The latter work also has a turbulent history: in order to protect it from the National Socialist authorities – art by Kirchner was considered “degenerate” – it was hidden in a box on a farm in the countryside. In 1945, the village was taken by French troops, the decorative frame was damaged when the crate was forcibly opened and the canvas was badly damaged by a shot and a bayonet thrust in the area of the central dancing couple. An expert restoration carried out after the war ensures that the damage is still primarily visible on the back of the work. Despite this damage, auctioneer Robert Ketterer is able to call for an estimated price of 2,000,000 – 3,000,000 euros. In a thrilling bidding battle, a lady in the room prevailed and the hammer fell at 5.8 million euros; if the buyer’s premium is added, the proceeds even amounted to 6,958,000 euros.

However, the top lot in the auction house’s Evening Sale is the “Spanish Dancer” in her fiery red dress with the colorful fan. Painted by Jawlensky in 1909, the work depicts his lover and mother of his son Helene. The estimate of the experts at Ketterer is between 7 and 10 million, which is a high estimate even for the German market leader. The tension in the room rises noticeably when Robert Ketterer calls the work, the hammer falls at seven million, the proceeds amount to 8,338,000 euros including buyer’s premium. Despite the hammer price at the lower estimate, the auction house can be satisfied; of the 69 lots, only 11 remained unsold and are now available for purchase in the post-auction sale.
In addition to the extremely successful Evening Sale, the Day Sales, which took place on June 7 and 8, were also a cause for celebration. Ketterer Kunst announced that the half-year result was 54 million. Owner Robert Ketterer said after the successful auctions: “This result is a sensation and a confirmation of the international recognition of Ketterer Kunst. We don’t have to hide from the big houses. The fact that the anniversary auction, 70 years after the company was founded, was so brilliant fills me with pride – especially in memory of my father”.

Photos: Ketterer Kunst