From Christo’s wrapped Arc de Triomphe to Calder’s flying dragon on Place Vendôme, and from record-breaking auctions to other highlights, let’s look back at a Parisian autumn in seven key events.
1. ‘L’Arc de Triomphe, Wrapped’, Christo and Jeanne-Claude
From September 18 to October 3, it was simply unavoidable: the monumental wrapping of one of the capital’s landmarks was the final work by Christo (who passed away last year) and Jeanne-Claude (who died in 2009). See my article here.
2. Porsche 956 L’ART
This unique Porsche 956, customized by Art de l’Automobile KAR, was on display during Fashion Week from September 30 to October 3, in the courtyard of a private mansion in the Marais.
3. ‘Big John’, Naturalia sale, Binoche et Giquello
Here is ‘Big John,’ the largest triceratops skeleton ever found, which was auctioned at Hôtel Drouot by the Binoche et Giquello auction house on October 21 for €6.6 million!
4. Fiac 2021
Due to renovation works at the Grand Palais and after a 2020 edition canceled because of the health crisis, the International Contemporary Art Fair took place from October 21 to 24 at the Grand Palais Éphémère on the Champ de Mars. Calder’s Flying Dragon, installed by Gagosian Gallery, will remain on Place Vendôme until the holiday season. Read my report here.
5. ‘The Theorem of Narcissus’, Jean-Michel Othoniel at Petit Palais
Until January 2, 2022, golden necklaces, wild knots, and the crown of night took over the garden and corridors of the Petit Palais. The highlight of the exhibition remains the Cave of Narcissus, an immersive gateway into the dreamlike world of Jean-Michel Othoniel, recently inducted into the Académie des Beaux-Arts. Explore the visit here.
6. Martin Margiela at Lafayette Anticipations
After a retrospective at the Palais Galliera in 2018, the enigmatic Martin Margiela returns this time as an artist, with a first exhibition at Lafayette Anticipations running until January 2, 2022. Featuring wigs and fragments of the human body, the Belgian designer’s works offer a reflection on beauty and its relationship to time.
7. Daniel Lebard collection at Christie’s / Dorothée Lalanne collection at Sotheby’s
The autumn Design auctions of the two prestigious auction houses offered different approaches, each showcasing iconic pieces.
On Avenue Matignon, Christie’s was auctioning the collection of Daniel Lebard, who over 40 years had assembled an exceptional range of furniture from the first half of the 20th century (Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Jean Prouvé, Charlotte Perriand, Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, and Serge Mouille) as well as more recent pieces from the 1960s and ’70s (Roger Tallon, Pierre Paulin, and members of Atelier A).
On Rue du Faubourg-Saint-Honoré, Sotheby’s offered the collection of Dorothée Lalanne, daughter of François-Xavier and Claude Lalanne. A Léopard I became the most expensive work by the artist couple, selling for €8.3 million; the Lalannes were highly appreciated by Yves Saint-Laurent and Pierre Bergé.
Photos credits: @elegantinparis
Elégances Parisiennes 