Some drawings by Matisse were at the center of an auction that raised over $2.5 million, with 60 works from the collection of Pierre and Tana Matisse.
The online event, titled Henri Matisse: Lines of Connection, was held last October 8, 2025, at Christie’s.
The auction of Matisse’s drawings for foundations in New York
The auction of Matisse’s drawings was held online and was organized to support cultural projects in New York. In total, 60 works were offered, taken from the collection of Pierre and Tana Matisse. The sale far exceeded the pre-sale estimate of $1.5 million, raising over $2.5 million in favor of non-profit organizations.
Which pieces by Matisse, including the drawing “deux tetes”, were in the catalog?
The catalog included studies and sketches from various periods of Matisse’s career. In particular, the “Deux têtes” emerged as the most sought-after lot: it reached $304,800. Other notable results were “Etude pour La robe jaune” at $127,000 and “Autoportrait” at $107,950. Additionally, “Les trois modeles” achieved $57,150 and Etude de branche was sold for $24,130.
The prices in the catalog ranged from $800 to $80,000, depending on size, rarity, and condition.
What was Christie’s role in this sale?
The auction house was involved in cataloging and presenting the works. Richard Lloyd, deputy chairman and international head of the prints at Christie’s, commented:
“Spending hours in the Foundation’s archives, slowly sifting through prints and drawings that came directly from the artist and had slumbered unseen for decades, was a true privilege.”
What are the prices and results of the auction?
The sale raised more than $2.5 million, a figure communicated by official materials. The final sum far surpassed the pre-sale estimate of $1.5 million, showing strong interest in drawings on paper.
What was the distribution of prices and results of the Matisse auction?
The bids rewarded both minute studies and more substantial sheets. For example, a small study of branches with a low estimate was hammered for figures well above the forecast.
Some lots sold for many times the minimum estimate, signaling a lively demand for this group of works.
Who benefits from the foundation’s charity?
The proceeds from the sale are destined for non-profit organizations in New York. Among the beneficiaries are UpBeat NYC, Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls, Classical Theatre of Harlem, and Sugar Hill Children’s Museum of Art and Storytelling.
The Foundation, active for over twenty years, has awarded about 800 grants for over $50 million during its activity.
How the Pierre and Tana Matisse Foundation manages the proceeds
According to Alessandra Carnielli, CEO of the foundation:
“Tana Matisse established the Foundation with a passionate vision to further the great artistic legacy of her family by ensuring that young people have access to the arts regardless of their circumstances.”
The sale confirms the Foundation’s commitment to supporting educational and cultural programs.
Why is this lot important for the market and communities?
The provenance from the collection of Pierre and Tana Matisse added historical value and strong market interest. Moreover, the event showed how sales on paper can support local causes without sacrificing commercial rigor.
It should be noted that Matisse’s auction record remains $80.8 million, achieved by Christie’s New York in 2018 for Odalisque couchée aux magnolias.
Impact on local organizations
LaFrae Sci, executive director of Willie Mae Rock Camp, stated:
“The Matisse Foundation looks at themselves in a deep and meaningful way. They’ve identified how to make an ongoing impact in underserved communities.”
Miriam Raccah, executive director of the Sugar Hill Museum, added:
“The Matisse Foundation’s support has been instrumental in the children’s lives, and has allowed them to build understanding, appreciation, and excitement for art, and their own creative spirit, without limits.”
Practical notes for collectors and operators
To correctly read auction results, first verify the provenance and condition. Then, compare the final price with the pre-sale estimate to understand the demand trend. Finally, remember to account for commissions and buyer’s premium when evaluating the actual purchase cost.
In practice, always request the condition report and archival documentation. Also, observe the level of participation in the auction: high participation often indicates greater liquidity in the market for that type of work.
To delve into how to evaluate a lot and prepare for a purchase, consult our guides: Provenance and value, Valuation guide, and Participating in auctions.
For official information and complete data, consult the page of Christie’s and the Pierre and Tana Matisse Foundation.
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.
