PARIS.- In early June, Christie’s will present an exceptional auction featuring 33 artworks from the Renault Group’s art Collection. These works selected from an ensemble of 550 pieces by major post-war figures epitomise the relationship between Renault and the world of art. The Renault Group’s Collection has always been a trailblazer; today, it embodies a radically avant-garde vision at the crossroads of art, design, and innovation. On 6th June, rare works – featuring pieces created specifically for Renault completed by later purchases focusing on artists patronised by the firm – will be offered through a live sale, while an online auction entirely devoted to Henri Michaux will take place from 30 May to 7 June 2024. Intended to benefit a new endowment fund for art, culture, and heritage, these auctions also present an opportunity to celebrate the exceptional and unique cultural commitments that lie at the heart of France’s most iconic automotive company.

Renault and art In 1967, Renault began an extraordinary journey, leveraging the special connections of Claude Renard, an executive with a deep passion for art and culture. Renard had close ties to André Malraux and various artists, which played a crucial role in this venture. Renault developed a pioneering sponsorship model that fostered direct dialogue with artists. This partnership, ranging from financial support to privileged access to workshops, leading to unprecedented collaborations. Renault empowered talent to create new and often monumental pieces, exhibiting the completed works in its industrial buildings. Over the years, Renault built up an art collection mirroring its involvement in society, whilst attentively witnessing, and actively engaging with, the art of its time. This collection now spans a wide range of disciplines and comprises 550 pieces (including 200 photographs, mostly the work of Robert Doisneau) by major French and international artists.

A new chapter True to its history and commitments, Renault will allocate the profits from these auctions for its newly-created endowment fund devoted to art, culture, and heritage. The fund aims to bring together the collection’s most iconic works as well as a historic collection of photographs. As a symbol of a new chapter in the relationship between Renault and art, the fund will also focus on contemporary creation, aiming to build a unique and ambitious collection of street art. This highly accessible and expressive movement emerged in France in the 1960s and 70s and is thus still considered an emerging sector.

The works for sale Renowned for crafting the iconic diamond that adorned Renault’s logo until 1992, Victor Vasarely occupies a special position in the company’s history. The live auction on 6 June showcases three paintings of the artist: Tonk (€100,000 - 150,000), Re.Na (€60,000 - 80,000), and CTA 102 (€50,000 - 70,000), presented alongside works by leading names in kinetic art, such as Gran amarillo by Jesús-Rafael Soto (€180,000 - 250,000), Volume virtuel by Julio Le Parc (€50,000 - 70,000).

Further highlights of the auction include three pieces from the L’Hourloupe series by Jean Dubuffet: Lice tapisse (€1,000,000 - 1,500,000), Le Moment critique (site avec deux personnages) (€600,000 - 800,000), and Fiston la Filoche (€400,000 - 600,000).

Works by Sam Francis (Untitled, €200,000 - 300,000) and Robert Rauschenberg (Untitled, €180,000 - 250,000) are also showcased, illustrating the symbolic role played by the discovery of contemporary American art in the collection’s genesis.

Finally, the auction includes a series of works by individual artists, such as an abstract painting, Brisures (€180,000 - 250,000), and two bronzes by Jean Fautrier (€15,000 - 20,000 each), and a painting, Quand? (€40,000 - 60,000), and four works on paper by Roberto Matta (€4,000 - 6,000 each).

As a complement to this live event, Christie’s will also offer an online auction from 30 May to 7 June featuring an exceptional series of thirty works on paper by Henri Michaux, with affordable estimates (€3,000 - 8,000) and no reserve price.

Cécile Verdier, President of Christie’s France, commented: ‘In the 1960s, when Renault began building a corporate art collection echoing its operations, it demonstrated its pioneering and innovative spirit. And now, true to its reputation for always being a step ahead, Renault is embarking on a new stage in its history. By selling these pieces, it will be able to add other artists and new art forms to its collection. Christie’s is delighted to contribute its expertise to this worthy project and support the values it is founded upon. As an auctioneer myself, I am keenly aware of how the circulation and life of artworks helps share and develop art.’