Aged 21, Meyer moved to New York, where he befriended famed gallerist Leo Castelli, who opened the doors to a world of artists, with Meyer even spending time in Warhol’s factory. Through Meyer’s openness and likeability, many of the artists that he crossed paths with became great friends, and the willing subjects of his photography. This interest in American artists is reflected in the important works amassed for his collection.&nbsp;

American Artists in Dialogue

All stylistically and conceptually different, the portraits of the Meyer collection shed light on the striking breadth of representation that this canonical motif lends itself to. What Gauguin’s Autoportrait au béret accomplishes in veracity and simplicity of rendition, Picasso’s Tête de Jeune Homme Barbu does so with creativity and spontaneity. As for Brauner’s Anarchie hypnotique the everlasting existence of the figure lies with the Surrealist intensity and intelligence of its gaze, the fantastical shape of the face and unsettledness of the colour palette.

20th Century Portraiture

François Meyer was also an avid collector of the art of North American Indians, and in particular of the kachina statuettes of the Hopi and Zuni Indians of Arizona. Over the years, he built up one of the most important collections of these small statues, intended for children, which reflect the complex beliefs and traditions of these tribes. His collection brings together pieces from revered collections such as those of Jo Mora (1976-1947), André Breton (1896-1966), George Terasaki (1931-2010) and Jean-Paul Morin.

A Collection of Kachina Dolls

François Meyer began his photography career at a world-renowned photography school in Switzerland, named after the early pioneer Frédéric Boissonnas. It was here that Meyer developed a love of portrait photography in particular. His first step into starting his own collection also began with photographs, as he purchased a work by Cartier Bresson at the age of 18. The sale will include a series of the photographs, mostly in black and white, which he collected with passion throughout his life.&nbsp;

The Photographs belonging to the Photographer

Paris

Spotlight | Collection François Meyer

Head of Sale
Specialist, Deputy Director

Isobel Gooder

SVP | Chairman, Switzerland & DC Europe

Caroline Lang

Deputy Director | Business Getter and General Valuer

David Coriat

Specialist | Head of Sale
African and Oceanic Art

Simon Meynen

Deputy Director | Head of Sales African & Oceanic Art

Pierre Mollfulleda

Cataloguer, Impressionist & Modern Art

Joséphine Viat

Specialist | Photographs 

Aris Kourkoumelis

Cataloguer

Damiane Pestre

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Sotheby's is honored to present for auction on 26 September in Paris. The collection is distinctive for its delicate balance of passion and rigor. It also demonstrates Meyer's eclecticism - blending the ironic illustrations of Raymond Pettibon with the rustic paintings of the Savièse School, and setting Kachina dolls alongside the great masters of modern art.

Collection François Meyer : A Colorful Passion