Press Release | PARIS |24 September 2013

HALF A CENTURY OF PASSIONATE COLLECTING AND ARTISTIC COLLABORATIONS

THIS AUTUMN AT CHRISTIES, PARIS: 26 OCTOBER & 4 - 5 DECEMBER 2013

DAGNY & JAN RUNNQVIST GALERIE BONNIER

Martial Raysse - Quinze Aot 1964 Estimate : 1,500,000-2,000,000

Paris Christies is pleased to present the important collection of Dagny and Jan Runnqvist at Christies Paris this autumn. Patrons of the Geneva Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MAMCO), and owners of the Galerie Bonnier, Jan and Dagny Runnqvists unwavering loyalty to their friends and community has illuminated the Geneva art scene for over half a century. Renowned for their elegance and taste, this inseparable couple has spent years gathering a strong selection of works which Christies will offer at auction in three separate sales this season: in a single-owner sale on 26 October, and as part of the contemporary art sales on 4 and 5 December 2013. Estimated at 4 million, this collection comprises over 280 lots, ranging from paintings, sculptures, lithographs and drawings to a selection of letters, all produced by the New Realists; such as Jean Tinguely, Niki de Saint Phalle, Yves Klein, Arman, Martial Raysse, as well as works by major artists from the second half of the 20th century, including Lucio Fontana, Jean Fautrier, Jean-Pierre Pincemin and Alain Jacquet.

Christian Bernard, Director of MAMCO described the couple during his speech at the Committee of Friends of MAMCO, March 29th 2012: [Dagny and Jan Runnqvist] had an inner beauty, such an elegance, a facility to be discreetly present. Nothing ostentatious, with constant generous attention []. In 1961, two childhood friends from Stockholm, Joakim Bonnier and Jan Runnqvist, came together to create the Galerie Bonniers, a European modern art gallery in Geneva. Their first exhibition was a successful event dedicated to Fernand Lger, the highlight of which was purchased by renowned collector Gunter Sachs. This marked the beginning of half a century of exhibitions, along with numerous collaborations with artists from Genevas cultural scene. Following Joakim Bonniers death in 1972, Jan Runnqvist took over the gallery. Together with his wife Dagny, they were able to embody the eclectic spirit of the Bonnier Gallery, and maintain its reputation through their participation in international art fairs. The present collection reflects the affinity and friendships that were forged over the years. Discerning collectors will appreciate works by the New Realists as Jean Tinguely and Niki de Saint Phalle as well as Yves Klein, Martial Raysse, Arman and Daniel Spoerri alongside other artists, as diverse as Jean Fautrier, Lucio Fontana, Meret Oppenheim, Jean-Pierre Pincemin and Alain Jacquet. Works by Swedish artists cherished and represented by Jan and Dagny Runnqvist will also be offered, includinig those by Arne Tengblad, Marie-Louise Ekman, Carl Fredrik Reuterswrd and Albert Johansson.

26 OCTOBER 2013: DAGNY & JAN RUNNQVIST - Galerie Bonnier Half a century of passion and artistic commitments: Etchings, editions and works on paper. This sale will highlight the eclectic nature of the collection, presenting editions created by the Runnqvists with many artists.

Lot 46 YVES KLEIN (1928-1962) S9 - La victoire de Samothrace IKB pigment in synthetic resin on plaster reproduction, metal rod and stone base 51 x 27 x 29 cm Conceived in 1961-1962 and executed in 1973, this work is number 121 from an edition of 170. Estimate : 40,000-60,000

Lot 5 NIKI DE SAINT PHALLE (1930-2002) ET JEAN TINGUELY (1925-1991) Merci pour le trs bon gteau sudois felt pen and watercolor on lithography in colors 38.5 x 56.5 cm Executed in 1989. Estimate : 2,000-3,000

PETER SAUL (B. 1934) Sans titre pastel, gouache and collage on paper 34 x 25 in. (88 x 65 cm.) Executed in 1960. Estimate : 25,000-35,000

PETER SAUL (B. 1934) Mad Docter oil on canvas 70 x 78 in. (179.5 x 199 cm.) Painted in 1964. Estimate : 60,000-80,000

4 DECEMBER 2013: CONTEMPORARY ART INCLUDING WORKS OF ART FROM THE RUNNQVIST COLLECTION EVENING SALE The contemporary art sales of early December will present the most important works of the couples personal collection. Emblematic painting of the collection Quinze Aot by Martial Raysse realised in 1964, exemplifies the radiance of pop art, which was developed by the artist at the beginning of the 1960s. Using a vibrant neon palette, this work of art, estimated between 1,500,000 and 2,000,000, will be presented at auction during the contemporary art evening sale, alongside works of art by Lucio Fontana, Peter Saul and Niki de Saint Phalle.

MARTIAL RAYSSE (B. 1936) Quinze Aot photography, acrylic, glycero, neon-light and collage on canvas 92 x 127 x 8 cm Executed in 1964. Estimate : 1,500,000-2,000,000

LUCIO FONTANA (1899-1968) Concetto spaziale, Natura Painted terracotta Two parts: 18.5 x 14.5 x 5 cm. Realised in 1959, these works are unique. Estimate : 60,000-80,000

LUCIO FONTANA (1899-1968) Concetto spaziale, Attese waterpaint on canvas 25.2 x 20.5 cm Executed in 1965. Estimate : 200,000-300,000

5 DECEMBER 2013: CONTEMPORARY ART INCLUDING WORKS OF ART FROM THE RUNNQVIST COLLECTION DAY SALE

ALAIN JACQUET (1939-2008) Le djeuner sur l'herbe diptyque cellulosic paint on canvas each: 70 x 38 in. (175 x 98 cm.) Executed in 1964, this work is unique from a series of ninety-five variations. Estimate : 30,000-40,000

JEAN TINGUELY (1925-1991) The Gay Machine iron elements, wooden wheels, rubber belt and electric engine 204 x 102 x 115 cm Executed in 1981. Estimate : 60,000-80,000

BEN (B. 1935) Portrait de Duchamp accumulation of diverse objects and acrylic paint on a wooden case 137 x 152 x 36 cm Executed in 1986-1987. Estimate : 30,000-40,000

CONTACT: Beverly Bueninck | 01 40 76 84 08 | bbueninck@christies.com

About Christies Christies, the world's leading art business, had global auction and private sales in 2012 that totaled 3.92 billion/$6.27 billion. Christies is a name and place that speaks of extraordinary art, unparalleled service and expertise, as well as international glamour. Founded in 1766 by James Christie, Christie's has since conducted the greatest and most celebrated auctions through the centuries providing a popular showcase for the unique and the beautiful. Christies offers over 450 auctions annually in ove r 80 categories, including all areas of fine and decorative arts, jewellery, photographs, collectibles, wine, and more. Prices range from $200 to over $100 million. Christie's also has a long and successful history conducting private sales for its clients in all categories, with emphasis on Post-War and Contemporary, Impressionist and Modern, Old Masters and Jewellery. Private sales totaled 631.3 million/$1 billion in 2012, an increase of 26% on the same period last year. Christies has a global presence with 53 offices in 32 countries and 10 salerooms around the world including in London, New York, Paris, Geneva, Milan, Amsterdam, Dubai, Zrich, and Hong Kong. More recently, Christies has led in growth markets such as Russia, C hina, India and the Middle East, with successful sales, exhibitions and initiatives in Moscow, Baku, Beijing, Mumbai, Delhi, Jeddah, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Dubai. *Estimates do not include buyers premium. Sales totals are hammer price plus buyers premium and do not reflect costs, financing fees or application of buyers or sellers credits.

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