It has been interesting to note in the last few months some record prices for the landscape works of Maximilien Luce. Christie’s held a sale in the early part of March which included two relatively small landscape works on panel – one from 1895 and one from 1914 (illustrated below).
Both were estimated at 12-18,000 and 15-20,000 GBP respectively. They realised prices of 56,000 and 69,000 – which would have been unprecedented a few years ago. His landscape paintings have remained relatively static in price for some years with the exclusion of the pure pointillist works that have always seen great demand. It’s high time that these lovely early paintings were recognised for the flat brush technique and vibrant use of colour. We currently have in stock a fine early landscape from 1898 which was exhibited at Galerie Druet in one of their first dedicated exhibitions of the painters work (illustrated below).
This upturn in the painters fortunes was sadly marred by the news of the death of Denise Bazetoux the long time expert on the works of Luce and Henri Lebasque. We had tried to contact her in early March only to speak with her son who advised us of her passing. She was an incredibly helpful and friendly expert to work with and happy to provide advice on a no cost basis when asked. Her passion was never ruled by money but a desire to further the interest and understanding of these two great painters. She will be sadly missed for her extensive knowledge and her warm character.
