Rhythm and colour are fundamental elements in art that play crucial roles in abstract compositions. While they serve different purposes, both rhythm and colour work together to evoke emotions, guide the viewer's eye, and convey the artist's intended message.

Rhythm vs. Colour

Imaginary thresholds serve as powerful tools for artists to create works that transcend traditional boundaries, inviting viewers to explore new realms of perception and understanding.

Imaginary Thresholds

Modern interpretations of utopia often challenge conventional perceptions while exploring themes of nature and the concept of utopia itself, often blurring the lines between reality and imagination in thought-provoking ways.

Elysian Promises

Sotheby’s is delighted to present a curated selection of photographs from the collection of Dutch aviation professional Henri van der Tol. Amassed during his travels around the world over the last three decades, van der Tol’s photographs reflect his passion for discovering places, people and stories. The group offered here comprises works by a wide array of photographers, from giants of Modernism like Brassaï and Erwin Blumenfeld, to leading contemporary artists like Rineke Dijkstra and Pieter Hugo. With portraiture as the key focus of the collection, van der Tol pays homage to a long tradition in Dutch art history. Henri van der Tol acquired his first photograph, Tim, Rooftop, Miami Beach, Florida by Bruce Weber, from Robert Miller Gallery, New York, in 1990 (lot 149). Since then, he has embarked on a lifelong journey of discovery, frequently purchasing works from local and international galleries as well as from photography fairs in New York and Paris. The resulting collection is defined by Van der Tol’s boundless curiosity and a sophisticated taste. With estimates ranging from €4,000 to €20,000, the photographs on offer present acquisition opportunities to new and seasoned collectors alike.

Explore spectacular photographs collected over three decades

Property from the Collection of Henri van der Tol

20th Century Art: A Different Perspective

&nbsp;The sale features several artists from the Soviet Union who worked outside the confines of Soviet visual culture. Unable to exhibit, they often sold their works to foreign journalists and diplomats. Many of these artists eventually left Russia for the West in pursuit of freedom, while others, notably Oskar Rabin, were forced out by the authorities.&nbsp; Today, the non-conformists are not only represented in major museums in Europe and the USA, but also in Russia. Lots 125-128 come from the same German collection as lots 14-17 in the Modern &amp; Contemporary Art sale on 12 November.

The Soviet Non-Conformists

10 Below 10

Cologne

Head of Fine Art Sales Germany | Director | Specialist

Eva Donnerhack

Cataloguer | Impressionist, Modern & Contemporary Art

Valentin Woltmann

Specialist | Photographs 

Aris Kourkoumelis

Pre-Sale Manager

Katrin Mundy

Pre-Sale Coordinator

Valérie Lienhart

Meet our Specialists

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As the online auction of the autumn/winter season in Cologne, the Modern &amp; Contemporary Discoveries sale will feature a range of works by nationally and internationally acclaimed 20th and 21st century artists. This sale brings together a cutting-edge selection of paintings, photographs, works on paper and sculptures by sought-after modern and contemporary artists. We invite you to take part and discover this exciting sale. The sale opens for Bidding on 5 November at 14:00 CET and will close on 13 November from 14:00 CET.