On May 2, Vũ Cao Đàm’s painting ‘Property of a Lady of Title’ sold for £45,000 ($60,000) at Sloane Street Auctions in London. It’s the first Vietnamese artwork auctioned at this house, originally showcased in 1960. The auction reflects growing international interest in Đàm’s work, and Sloane Street Auctions also supports children’s charity efforts in Việt Nam.
On May 2, a significant piece by Vietnamese artist Vũ Cao Đàm fetched £45,000 (around $60,000) at Sloane Street Auctions in London. The painting, titled “Property of a Lady of Title,” not only broke records as the first Vietnamese artwork auctioned at this prestigious house but also emerged as the top contender in that session. It previously debuted at Đàm’s solo exhibition in London back in 1960, organised by the esteemed Frost & Reed gallery.
The provenance of the artwork is well documented—it was purchased during the 1960 exhibition by the current owner’s father. Daniel Hunt, founder and CEO of Sloane Street Auctions, lauded the painting’s rarity and likened Đàm to “a Chagall of the East,” noting an upswing in international interest regarding his work.
Vũ Cao Đàm was born in 1908 in Hà Nội, raised in a prominent family as the fifth of fourteen children. His artistic journey began early, influenced heavily by French culture, thanks to his father, Vũ Đình Thi (1864-1930), a scholar with deep ties to French art.
He graduated from the Hà Nội College of Fine Arts, receiving guidance from renowned French painters Victor Tardieu and Joseph Inguimberty. In a pivotal move, he went to Paris in 1931 on a scholarship, studying at the prestigious Ecole de Louvre. Then in 1949, he moved to southern France, where he was directly influenced by his neighbour, Chagall, which became evident in later works, including the one sold in London.
The auction house, Sloane Street Auctions, is known for its specialty in featuring old master drawings, European furnishings, impressionist and contemporary art, and photography. Beyond their auction activities, they extend their reach into charitable endeavors, having partnered with Facing the World. This UK-registered charity has been active in Việt Nam since 2007, providing medical assistance for children with craniofacial conditions and funding approximately 10,000 surgeries every year.
The sale of Vũ Cao Đàm’s painting marks a momentous occasion for Vietnamese art in London, reflecting rising global interest. The auction showcased the importance of cultural exchange while the auction house’s charitable initiatives further signify their commitment to social responsibility. Vũ Cao Đàm’s legacy continues to grow, thanks in part to this successful sale.
Original Source: vietnamnews.vn