Joseph Beuys: The Schellmann Collection

Name: Joseph Beuys: The Schellmann Collection | 2024 | Sotheby's
Start: 2024-10-17T17:00:00Z
Location: Paris

Sotheby’s is honored to present the extraordinary collection of Jörg Schellmann, which features key works by Joseph Beuys. Spanning from 1970 to 1986, many of the works in this collection arose from Beuys’ close collaboration with Jörg Schellmann. This collection stands out not only for its extraordinary artistic value but also because of the close relationship between Schellmann and Beuys, who collaborated frequently over the years. Their personal and professional connection allowed Schellmann to acquire unique insights into Beuys' creative processes and philosophy, resulting in a collection of works and multiples that are both profound and intimate. Each piece reflects Beuys’ innovative spirit and Schellmann’s keen curatorial eye, making this collection a rare opportunity for collectors to acquire works born from a deep artistic and intellectual partnership. This sale offers a unique window into the legacy of Beuys and his influential contributions to contemporary art and includes unique objects created through these joint processes and carefully curated vitrines that reflect Beuys’ ongoing interest in the intersection of art and science.

Joseph Beuys is widely regarded as one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. The revolutionary artistic practice he introduced throughout his career had a disruptive impact in the conception of the artistic product, the artist, the institution – and still resounds today. In 2021, to commemorate the centenary of his birth, over 30 museum exhibitions were held across Europe, America, and Asia, reaffirming his lasting legacy. His works are widely represented in the most important public and private institutions worldwide (MoMA in New York, Tate Modern in London, Centre Pompidou in Paris or Berlin State Museums), even as they conversely become ever rarer on the market.

Since the beginning of his career in the 1950s, Beuys revolutionized the art world by pushing the boundaries of traditional artistic practice. A pioneer ahead of his time, he was deeply committed to social and environmental causes, introducing the concept of "social sculpture" and advocating for a more sustainable future. Through his use of unconventional materials and performances, Beuys challenged the role of art in society. His visionary approach continues to shape contemporary artistic discourse, consolidating his place as a pivotal figure in modern art history.

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For sale enquiries, please contact | Pour tout renseignement, veuillez contacter:

Eddie Hautchamp

Head of Modern and Contemporary Evening Sale

+33 (0) 1 53 05 52 76

EDDIE.HAUTCHAMP@SOTHEBYS.COM

Bettina Beckert