The selection of modern and contemporary art from the auction house Il Ponte returns to Palazzo Crivelli, with unpublished works and exceptional provenances for sale on November 25 and 26.
Modigliani leads the catalog with a rare portrait
Among the top lots of the Il Ponte auction stands out a masterpiece by Amedeo Modigliani: an oil on cardboard from around 1915 dedicated to Beatrice Hastings, an English journalist and writer, muse of the artist. The format is 52.5×37.7 cm, and the signature appears at the bottom right.
The painting comes from the collection of André Level, a French entrepreneur and patron, who organized its auction sale in Paris in 1927. In 1972, the work was purchased by the Beyeler couple, historic dealers and founders of the Fondation Beyeler. The estimate is high for the national market: €750,000–1,000,000.
Provenance and historical context
The presence of a muse like Hastings enhances the collectible interest, combined with a traceable and prestigious provenance. Furthermore, the announcement of this offer was released on November 15, 2025, strengthening international attention on the catalog.
Italian masterpieces of the early 20th century
The Modern and Contemporary Art department of Il Ponte Casa d’Aste, led by the head Freddy Battino, also highlights a core of works on paper by Cagnaccio di San Pietro, including a study for the self-portrait, from an important private collection.
This is followed by a wide selection of works by Alberto Martini, from the heirs: drawings, inks, and oils that, according to the maison, confirm historical centrality and quality. Additionally, an imposing plaster sculpture by Arturo Martini, The Prodigal Son and the Family (1936–37), with original wooden support, measures 184.5×216×55 cm and is estimated at €300,000–350,000.
De Chirico, Sironi, and Licini: what estimates emerge?
The chronology continues with Giorgio de Chirico, The Troubadour (1945, lot 29, €120,000–180,000), and with Mario Sironi, The Sower (1931, lot 31, €50,000–70,000), a work reappeared after over thirty years. That said, also striking is the Rebellious Angel on a red background by Osvaldo Licini, already exhibited in Dortmund in 1974 and chosen as the cover image of the catalog (estimate €120,000–180,000).
| Artist | Work | Year/lot | Estimate |
| A. Modigliani | Portrait of Beatrice Hastings | ca 1915 | €750,000–1,000,000 |
| G. de Chirico | The Troubadour | 1945, lot 29 | €120,000–180,000 |
| M. Sironi | The Sower | 1931, lot 31 | €50,000–70,000 |
| O. Licini | Rebellious Angel on a red background | 1974 (exp.) | €120,000–180,000 |
| A. Martini | The Prodigal Son and the Family | 1936–37 | €300,000–350,000 |
Which names from the second half of the 20th century complete the selection?
Alongside Pier Paolo Calzolari, Mario Merz, Michelangelo Pistoletto, Alighiero Boetti, and Renato Guttuso, stand out: Gastone Novelli, The Big and Small Things (lot 55, €60,000–80,000); Toti Scialoja, Greenwich Three (lot 41, €12,000–18,000); Ennio Morlotti, Evening in Imbersago (lot 42, €40,000–60,000).
Additionally, Mario Schifano with Anemic Landscape (1965, lot 98, €40,000–60,000) and Jean Fautrier with Crosshatches (Squares) (lot 44, €80,000–120,000). That said, Karel Appel deserves attention, Composition (Battle of Animals) (1958, lot 46, €80,000–120,000), oil on canvas 89×116 cm, signed and dated ’58 at the bottom left.
Sculpture as the protagonist and closing of the sale?
The section dedicated to sculpture brings together Carmelo Cappello, Giuseppe Uncini, Giò Pomodoro, Alik Cavaliere, Mario Ceroli, and Igor Mitoraj. Additionally, a rare sculpture by Alberto Viani (lot 79, €20,000–30,000) and a spiral tower over two meters by Arnaldo Pomodoro (lot 77, €180,000–220,000) are in the catalog.
Spiral Tower I (1985) is in bronze, h 230 cm and diam. 50 cm; signed, dated ’85, and numbered 3/3 (three editions + one artist’s proof). Finally, Renato Guttuso is present with Interior No. 3 (1961), oil on canvas 135×110 cm, signed at the bottom right and titled with date ’61 on the back (estimate €40,000–60,000).
When and where does the auction take place?
The sessions of the Il Ponte auction are set for November 25 and 26 at Palazzo Crivelli. The catalog belongs to the selection curated by Il Ponte Casa d’Aste and will close on November 26 with graphics and multiples designed for the new generation of collectors. Additionally, the historic III Quadriennale di Roma (1939) contextualizes the plaster of Arturo Martini in its exhibition season.
Overall, the offer combines discoveries, museum-quality works, and competitive estimates. That said, the department led by Freddy Battino confirms the weight of Il Ponte Casa d’Aste’s proposal in the high segment of the market.
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.
