One of the couple's first purchases in 1976 and the main lot of the auction is a masterpiece by Pieter Brueghel the Younger (1,5-2,5 million euros). The success of The Peasant Wedding in its time led to several versions based on the model by Pieter Brueghel the Elder, which are now in the collections of the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna. The version presented in this auction is the only one known to be signed and dated (1622) of the four versions listed. The sale of the Onzea-Govaerts Collection, curated by Axel Vervoordt, will take place in Paris on March 27 at Christie's. This first acquisition sets the tone for the collection, which evolves over four decades, under the influence of a close friend of Suzanne Govaerts and Joris Onzea: Axel Vervoordt. Recognized worldwide for his exceptional achievements, the Antwerp designer and collector puts all his passion and knowledge at the service of a unique architectural project. He creates a true Kunstkammer, halfway between a cabinet of curiosities and a room of wonders, where architecture, paintings and works of art blend harmoniously. Faithful to a Flemish culture of beauty open to both the simplicity of everyday life and the wealth of treasures from all over the world, Axel Vervoordt, in tandem with the Onzea-Govaerts couple, brings together pieces from all eras and civilizations. These works, which have varied origins, all reflect a search for depth and timelessness. This collection of 150 lots is estimated to bring in between 7 and 12 million euros.
The history of the family
Karel Govaerts founded the family business Fort in 1925, initially specializing in dairy products, and later expanding its range with coffee as its flagship product. Highly innovative for its time, Fort offered savings certificates that could be exchanged for household goods and helped build customer loyalty. His daughter Suzanne took over the reins of the company in 1962 together with her husband Joris Onzea. Together they developed a model of a furniture and interior design store that was far ahead of its time and met with international success. The CASA concept was widely adopted and enjoyed an unrivaled and indisputable following. Baron Axel Vervoordt: “Over the years, I have learned to seek the universal, to discover a common essence in historical and contemporary objects”: A passionate collector, a cultured gallery owner and a renowned interior designer, Axel Vervoordt has a long list of talents and activities that have earned him the admiration of many clients, designers and artists in all fields, including Ralph Lauren, Dries Van Noten, Robert de Niro and Katia and Marielle Labèque, to name a few. Authenticity, spirituality and a dialogue between tradition and modernity are at the heart of a quest for beauty that is revealed and discovered much more than invented. Joris Onzea and Suzanne Govaerts share with Axel Vervoordt a relationship of friendship and trust, which is based on a profound mutual exchange of their concepts of art and elegance, and which has led to a fascinating encounter of cultures and historical periods.
Eclectic choices and different tastes
Flemish masterpieces are juxtaposed with Egyptian artefacts, African and Asian art, contemporary works and classic furniture. This fusion of styles and cultures reflects Vervoordt's philosophy of combining the old and the new to create unique spaces and atmospheres.
From Lucio Fontana to ancient masters
The works for sale: Lucio Fontana is one of the leading artists of the collection. Space Concept (1961) – notable for its size and colour – is one of the main works in the collection (€700.000 – €1.000.000). It echoes a 1961 work on charred cardboard by another master of monochrome painting, Yves Klein (€80.000 – €120.000). Both were chosen by Jean-Hubert Martin in 2007 for the Artempo exhibition at Palazzo Fortuny in Venice. The materiality of these objects corresponds to that of the works of Ado Chale, a designer who has mastered the art of revealing textures and using basic materials. The sale includes seven of his creations, including a Goutte d'eau table created in 1968 (€50.000 – €70.000). Its stone tables and bronze objects harmonize perfectly with the Japanese spirit of the gardens and the summer living room of the house, as is well illustrated by this 20.000th century Edo period folding screen (€30.000 – €XNUMX). Next to it are two notable examples of classical African sculpture, including a Kota reliquary (€80.000-120.000) and sculpture Baule (€60.000 – €80.000). These works underline the unique richness of the collection. Among the old masters included in the auction is a beautiful 16th century painting by Adriaen Isenbrant, The Adoration of the Magi, as well as the Spring by Antwerp maestro Abel Grimmer (€250.000 – €350.000 each).
Works on paper and silverware
The collection also includes a remarkable set of 13 paintings and works on paper by Rik Wouters, a leading figure of Brabant Fauvism. Reflets – a portrait of his wife and muse painted in 1912 (€500.000 – €700.000) from the Lambert Collection – is one of the most iconic works in this collection. Another painting dated 1914, Woman Seated at a Window (€400.000 – €600.000) was exhibited at the Palais des Beaux-Arts in Brussels. The collection is completed by pieces of silverware, including part of the dinner service of King George III of the United Kingdom (€50.000 – €80.000).
Cover photo by: Jean-Pierre Gabriel
