An oil painting by Vũ Cao Đàm, pivotal in 20th century Vietnamese art, will be auctioned at London’s Sloane Street Auctions on May 2. This sale marks a significant moment for Vietnamese art, with the painting previously exhibited in 1960. The auction house supports children in Vietnam through charity initiatives while promoting artists from the Indochina era.
An important auction is set for May 2 in London, where an oil painting titled “Property of a Lady of Title” by the renowned Vietnamese artist Vũ Cao Đàm will hit the block at Sloane Street Auctions. This marks a significant milestone as it will be the first Vietnamese artwork auctioned at this prestigious venue. Previously, the painting had a notable display at Đàm’s solo exhibition held in 1960 at Frost & Reed Gallery, an event quite significant in art history.
Vũ Cao Đàm, born in Hà Nội in 1908 as the fifth in a line of fourteen siblings, had a privileged upbringing steeped in French cultural exposure, largely thanks to his father, Vũ Đình Thi, an accomplished scholar. Educated at the Hanoi College of Fine Arts, Đàm’s training, shaped by notable French artists like Victor Tardieu, paved the way for his artistic evolution. In 1931, a scholarship took him to Paris, where he refined his craft at the Ecole de Louvre, adding to his growing influence.
In 1949, Đàm moved with his family to southern France. The local landscape and the nearby presence of fellow painter Marc Chagall influenced his work during this period, particularly evident in the painting being auctioned. This shift not only reflects his style but also connects him to a broader artistic heritage.
Daniel Hunt, founder and CEO of Sloane Street Auctions, expressed excitement over the growing global recognition of Vietnamese art over the last two decades. “Artists from the Indochina period, such as Vũ Cao Đàm, are increasingly valued, and this auction should reflect that evolution,” he noted.
Sloane Street Auctions, based in London, is renowned for specialising in old masters and contemporary art, along with European furniture and photographs. They’re not only committed to art but also take part in humanitarian efforts. They support Facing the World, a charity dedicated to providing medical care to Vietnamese children with craniofacial defects, contributing since 2007.
This upcoming auction not only highlights Vũ Cao Đàm’s significant contribution to art but also underscores the increasingly prominent role of Vietnamese artists on the global stage. With a piece of this artistic heritage being showcased, there’s much anticipation about how it will be received amidst a growing appreciation for Vietnamese art worldwide.
To summarise, Vũ Cao Đàm’s painting “Property of a Lady of Title” will be auctioned at Sloane Street Auctions in London on May 2, marking a notable moment for Vietnamese art in a prestigious setting. The auction reflects the increasing global recognition of Vietnamese artists, influenced by a rich cultural legacy. Furthermore, Sloane Street Auctions is also committed to aiding a UK charity focused on helping children in need in Vietnam. This event marks an exciting intersection of art and humanitarian efforts.
Original Source: vietnamnews.vn