A virtuoso rendering of bold line and delicate chiaroscuro, Lucian Freud’s arresting Portrait of Balthus (estimate $70/90,000) magnificently illustrates the legendary British portraitist’s extraordinary powers of analysis in both form and character. Executed in 1989, the present work portrays Freud’s fellow artist Balthus, a French modern painter whose early investigation of figurative expressionism served as a significant influence upon Freud’s own iconic output. This drawing confidently captures the essence of the sitter, the brooding gaze and distinctive, shadowy features readily evoking Balthus’ reputation as a reclusive and impenetrable artistic figure. In each deft charcoal accent, Freud imbues his sitter’s refined visage with an arresting psychic intensity that serves as an enduring testament, both to Freud’s inimitable analysis of the human subject, and to his remarkable abilities as a master draughtsman. ADDITIONAL SALES OF THE COLLECTION Contemporary paintings from the collection of Howard and Saretta Barnet were offered in our Contemporary Evening Auction on 16 November, with additional works in the Contemporary Art Day Auction the following day. Following the sale of Old Master, Impressionist and Contemporary drawings in January, the collection will also be represented in our March Important Design auction and our April Prints & Multiples auction, and there will be a dedicated sale of an exceptional group of sculpture in May 2018, featuring important African and Oceanic Art, Pre-Columbian Art, American Indian Art and Antiquities.

9697 Important Watches