Belgian Collection of Modern and Contemporary Art Fetches €46 Million at Christie’s

A remarkable collection of modern and contemporary art, amassed over six decades by the Belgian couple Roger and Josette Vanthournout, has been sold at auction for over €46 million. The sale, held by Christie’s, showcased works by some of the 20th and 21st centuries’ most celebrated artists, including René Magritte, Pablo Picasso, and Yayoi Kusama.

A Lifetime of Collecting

Roger and Josette Vanthournout, whose family founded the well-known furniture company Vanthournout, transformed their Flanders home into what has been described as a “gesamtkunstwerk”—a total work of art where architecture, design, and fine art coexisted in harmony. Their approach to collecting was meticulous; Roger Vanthournout was known for taking detailed notes, photographs, and even measurements during visits to galleries and auction houses, ensuring each piece would find its perfect place within their carefully curated home. Christie’s highlights the collection as a reflection of the couple’s passion for living with art that resonated with them.

Highlights from the Auction

The auction featured a diverse range of works, spanning painting, sculpture, works on paper, and photography. A standout piece was Lucio Fontana’s Concetto spaziale, Attese from 1964, a rare 10-incision work from his iconic ‘Cuts’ cycle, estimated to sell for between £2,000,000-3,000,000. Other notable artists represented included Henry Moore, Max Ernst, and Bruce Nauman. The Vanthournout’s gardens also featured sculptures by artists such as Henry Moore, Chadwick, Richier and Flanagan.

Beyond Financial Value

Despite the substantial financial outcome of the auction—over €46 million, as reported by Brussels Times—the Vanthournout’s were not primarily motivated by profit. The sale represents the dispersal of a deeply personal and thoughtfully assembled collection, built over more than sixty years. Christie’s noted that Roger Vanthournout was trained in art history, which informed their collecting decisions.

A Legacy of Artistic Vision

The auction of the Vanthournout collection provides a rare glimpse into the artistic tastes of a Belgian couple who dedicated their lives to building a remarkable and comprehensive collection. The sale underscores the enduring appeal of modern and contemporary art and the power of personal passion in shaping a lasting cultural legacy.