In the heart of Cologne, the auction “50 LOTS – MY CHOICE” by Lempertz celebrates half a century of activity by Henrik Hanstein, intertwining ancient masterpieces, rare jewels, and 20th-century masters.
Why the Lempertz auction marks a milestone for Hanstein
On December 4, 2025, the auction house Lempertz in Cologne organizes the sale “50 LOTS – MY CHOICE” to celebrate 50 years of career of Henrik Hanstein as an auctioneer. The event brings together fifty works and objects personally chosen, without boundaries of era or category.
The selection, deliberately eclectic, aims to reflect the multifaceted nature of the market and, at the same time, Hanstein’s individual passion and curatorial talent. In this way, the professional anniversary also becomes a portrait of his view on international collecting.
Fifty years ago, the auctioneer became the fifth generation to lead the world’s oldest family-run auction house. Over the decades, thanks to the trust of collectors and art lovers, he has helped transform Lempertz into a true international forum for art, capable of adapting to the continuous evolutions of the market.
What are the most anticipated jewels and ancient objects of the Lempertz auction
Among the most notable pieces of the auction Lempertz stands out a ring with a natural Kashmir sapphire of 11.51 carats, antique cushion cut, with an estimate of 800,000–1,000,000 euros. The rarity of these gems, extracted in the Himalayas for only seven years starting from 1880, combined with the intense color, makes them among the most contested on the global market.
Alongside the jewel, the sale offers an imposing Roman relief in white marble depicting two winged Nikai on chariots, a fragment of the pediment of a Roman temple dating around 200 AD. The estimate, equal to 200,000 euros, reflects the sculptural quality and the exceptional state of preservation.
How are the Old Masters represented in the catalog?
The section dedicated to the Old Masters includes “Let the Children Come to Me” (estimate 300,000–350,000 euros) by Theodor van Loon, among the most original Dutch Caravaggisti. The work impresses with its large format, vigorous chiaroscuro, and the monumentality of the figures, resulting from the painter’s direct contact with the art of Caravaggio in Rome.
From the Italian Renaissance comes the “Resurrection of Christ” by Francesco Rosselli, a small oil on panel valued at 70,000–90,000 euros. In contrast to the solemnity of van Loon’s canvas, this panel concentrates the narrative in an intimate format, but no less sought after from a devotional and collectible point of view.
Among the still lifes, “Still Life with Fruit and a Glass of Wine” by Cornelis de Heem, dating to the late 1650s, stands out. The exceptionally well-preserved panel is considered one of the most sought-after examples of his mature production, in which the artist’s personal language is fully defined. The valuation ranges between 200,000 and 250,000 euros.
What role do the Impressionists and the 20th century play in the sale
A special mention goes to the luminous painting by Alfred Sisley, “Le Chantier de Matrat, Moret-sur-Loing” from 1888, with an estimate between 300,000 and 400,000 euros. The work fully expresses the Impressionist poetics of light and space and strengthens the presence of late 19th-century French painting in the catalog.
The selection continues into the 20th century with two key lots. The first is “Study for an Homage to the Square: Vittoriano” (1955) by Josef Albers, oil on masonite estimated at 300,000–400,000 euros. The work, part of the famous cycle dedicated to the square, represents a reference point for reflection on color and perception in post-war art.
Alongside Albers is “Sturz” by Günther Uecker, made with nails and paint on a blackboard mounted on canvas and wooden support, with an estimate of 200,000–300,000 euros. The composition, characteristic of Uecker’s exploration of material and light, offers a radical counterpoint to Impressionist painting and highlights the chronological breadth of the proposal.
What does “50 LOTS – MY CHOICE” represent overall?
Overall, “50 LOTS – MY CHOICE” is configured as a journey through five centuries of art history, from Roman marbles to contemporary masters. The coexistence of ancient masterpieces, rare jewels, and 20th-century works highlights the continuity of the collecting desire, beyond the trends of the moment.
That said, the sale also highlights the role of the auctioneer as a cultural and not just commercial mediator. The choice of the fifty lots, all strongly characterized, reflects the trajectory with which Lempertz has established itself as an international platform, capable of connecting historical collectors and new generations of enthusiasts.
With this anniversary auction, the Cologne auction house thus reaffirms the centrality of curatorial selection within the market, celebrating both Henrik Hanstein’s journey and the vitality of a sector in continuous transformation.
As expert in digital marketing, Amelia began working in the fintech sector in 2014 after writing her thesis on Bitcoin technology. Previously author for several international crypto-related magazines and CMO at Eidoo. She is now the co-founder and editor-in-chief of The Cryptonomist and Econique.
She is also a marketing teacher at Digital Coach in Milan and she published a book about NFTs for the Italian publishing house Mondadori, while she is also helping artists and company to entering in the sector. As advisor, Amelia is also involved in metaverse-related project such as The Nemesis and OVER.
