The end-of-year modern and contemporary art auction by Wannenes marks the last seasonal event for the market, with a targeted catalog and prominent names.
How does the last Wannenes auction of the year present itself?
The winter season of the market closes with the Wannenes Modern and Contemporary Art auction, scheduled for Wednesday, December 17 at 4:00 PM at the Auditorium on Via Amedei 8 in Milan.
The catalog features 102 lots, carefully selected, available for preview from December 14 to 16 in the exhibition set up in the halls of Palazzo Recalcati.
The compact setup of the catalog focuses on the quality and recognizability of the works.
What are the top international lots of the Wannenes auction?
Among the top lots stands out lot 38, Study for death mask of William Blake by Francis Bacon, a rare offset lithograph from 1991, artist’s proof in only three copies, estimated between 80,000 and 120,000 euros.
Moreover, the catalog establishes a close dialogue with the international scene. Lot 49 features Flowers by Andy Warhol, a screenprint from the Sixties, valued between 60,000 and 80,000 euros, a representative example of his most famous iconography.
In contrast in approach but not in expressive intensity, lot 36 presents an intense Untitled (1984) by Bahman Mohassess, with an estimate between 20,000 and 30,000 euros, confirming the auction house’s attention to artists from the Middle Eastern area.
Why is Antonio Ligabue’s “Cat with Mouse” so anticipated?
Particular anticipation surrounds lot 54, Cat with Mouse by Antonio Ligabue (1958), among the most iconic subjects of the naïve master, offered with the same estimate as Bacon, namely 80,000–120,000 euros.
This work fits into the most recognizable figurative core of the artist, where attention to animal detail and narrative tension fuel collectors’ interest.
That said, the presence of this painting makes the catalog particularly competitive in the field of 20th-century Italian art.
What space does early 20th-century European painting occupy?
The section dedicated to historicized European painting is well represented. Of strong French matrix is the canvas Rue des Prêtes à Albi (lot 19, estimate 26,000–32,000 euros) by Maurice Utrillo, which testifies to the intertwining of urban view and modern sensitivity.
Next to this, on the Italian side, stands out Omaggio a Venezia (lot 39, estimate 18,000–22,000 euros) by Filippo de Pisis, offering a lyrical reading of the lagoon city. Overall, these lots highlight the vitality of early 20th-century European painting.
What other names complete the auction offer?
The catalog is enriched with drawings signed by Giorgio de Chirico, Giorgio Morandi, and De Pisis himself, expanding the range of works on paper.
Additionally, a targeted selection of works by Renato Guttuso, Turi Simeti, Alberto Burri, and Lucio Fontana consolidates the weight of 20th-century Italian production.
Alongside these protagonists, numerous other authors of the 20th century are featured, constructing a coherent path between historical avant-gardes, informal, and spatial research. However, the setup remains focused, to favor a clear reading for buyers.
What role does this auction play for Wannenes and collectors?
This round closes the year for the modern and contemporary art section of the Genoese house, configuring itself as an elegant event full of opportunities for collectors.
Overall, the auction offers a balance between great international names and Italian masters, graphic rarities, and historicized paintings.
In conclusion, the December Milan sale stands as a key moment to verify public interest in the 20th century, on the eve of the new year’s programming.
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.
