MADRID.- Following its extraordinary Spanish sale results in 2007, Christie's announced its 2008 Spanish Art sale in Madrid on 2 October 2008. Celebrating its 5th anniversary, the sale will include a leading selection of art works by the most renowned Spanish artists of all ages: from Old Masters Paintings to Impressionist and Modern Art, to Post War and Contemporary Art.

Juan Várez, Managing Director of Christie’s Spain, said, “Christie’s 2007 sale, which totaled €14.567.975, confirmed its position as the world leader in Spanish Art sales. This unique category of art is securing record prices year after year. The Spanish team is looking forward to building on their previous success with the 2008 sale.”

This art sale is supported by Barclays Wealth, a preferred partner who works closely with its clients to help them understand how art can enrich their lives. Through independent advice and innovative asset management, Barclays Wealth brings enormous value to investors to be more protected and better informed in all their investment decisions. Barclays Wealth started its operations in Spain in February 2006.

José María Gamazo, Managing Director of Private Banking at Barclays Wealth Spain said, “Barclays Wealth is proud to sponsor this unique exhibition and be a partner in celebrating the fifth anniversary of this major art event in Spain. Many of our clients have a keen interest in fine art and we work in partnership with them to help get the best from their assets, whether that’s protecting, enjoying or acquiring wealth. Understanding the aspirations and desires of Today’s wealthy is key to growing our business.”

The Modern and Contemporary Art section will include an amazing variety of artists representing the most interesting styles and genres. Since a record prize was achieved for Madrid desde Torres Blancas in last June’s sale at Christie's London, Antonio López is now the most expensive Spanish living artist and two very important canvases of his will be offered in October at Christie's Madrid: Los melocotones y las rosas, a still life painted in 1956 (estimate: €250.000-350.000) and La salmantina, dated 1960 (estimate: €200.000-300.000.) Other highlights include art works by Manolo Valdés: Minna V dated 2006 (estimate: € 220.000-320.000), Matisse como pretexto from 1988, (estimate: €200.000-300.000) and two sculptures: La Infanta Margarita (estimate: €40.000-60.000) and Librería-Aparador (estimate: €250.000).

The sale will also include several works by Pablo Palazuelo, such as the diptych Virtus Marin VI, created in 1987 (estimate: € 150.000-250.000), and a work by Eduardo Chillida: Gravitación (estimate: €150.000-250.000) dated 1987 which is considered to be one the best lots. Among the highlights are two monumental sculptures by Martín Chirino which were created in the studio EE.UU.: Lady Lazarus (a homage to American writer Sylvia Plath, estimate: €60.000-80.000) and El viento (estimate: €25.000-35.000). Dans une île à 5 heures de l’après-midi is the title of the brightly colored painting on canvas glued on cardboard created by Joan Miró in 1960 (estimate: €130.000-195.000.) El Almuerzo (estimate: €100.000-150.000) is a cubist work painted in 1919-20 by María Blanchard, who sold exceptionally well in 2006.

Following successful sales of Miquel Barceló’s works in 2007, Christie's will offer for sale Talls which was created in 1988, after the artist’s first trip to Africa (estimate: €180.000-250.000.) Apertura, an exceptional work by José Guerrero is estimated at €120.000-180.000, while Antonio Saura’s El perro de Goya is estimated at €100.000-150.000. Many other important contemporary artists such as Óscar Domínguez, Esteban Vicente, Guillermo Pérez Villalta, Juan Uslé, Lucio Muñoz, Ángel Ferrant, Antoni Clavé, Equipo Crónica, Juan Muñoz, Antoni Tàpies and Jorge Castillo will also be included in the sale The highlight of XIX Century Art section is La gata rosa by Hermenegildo Anglada Camarasa (estimate: €1.500.000-2.500.000.) The painting is considered to be Camarasa's masterpiece and was created during his second trip to Paris. It is this work which is reproduced on the cover of the catalogue raisonné dedicated to the artist. The same section will also present works such as Así transcurre la vida by Francisco Pradilla (estimate: €60.000-90.000), a marble allegoric sculpture by Josep Clará, La música (estimate: €30.000-50.000), Barcas en el puerto (estimate: €40.000-60.000) by Eliseo Meifrén, and El Arcángel San Gabriel by José de Madrazo (estimate: €70.000-100.000.) The latter is a pendant of the Virgen de la Anunciación, conserved in the Royal Palace of Aranjuez. Also on sale are works by José Mongrell, José Álvarez de Sotomayor, Vicente March, and Barrón y Carrillo, amongst others.

The Retrato familiar de la Duquesa de Osuna painted by Agustín Esteve (circa 1796-97, estimate: €300.000-500.000) will lead the Old Masters section. Such a magnificent masterwork depicting the Duchess wearing the sash of the Order of Queen María Luisa will be offered together with Bodegones by Pedro de Camprobín (estimate: €300.000-500.000) and La carta by José Paret y Alcázar (estimate: €200.000-300.000.)

For the first time this year, Christie's will introduce an important section of works on paper. Of significant mention is Cour Nîmes (estimate: €40.000-60.000), the best of the four drawings by Miquel Barceló to be offered for sale. Retrato de Nonell by Pablo Picasso (estimate: €40.000-60.000) witnesses the close friendship between these artists during their Parisian years. Antonio López’s Estudio de dos espaldas (estimate: €30.000-50.000), a sketch which led to the series of sculptures and paintings entitled Hombre y Mujer, will be also included in this section. Óscar Domínguez’s Personajes con casa en llamas (estimate: € 10.000- 15.000) and José Gutiérrez Solana’s Verbena en la pradera de San Isidro (estimate: €20.000-30.000) will be offered on sale as well as works by Joan Miró, Eliseo Meifrén, Julio González, José Clará, Eduardo Chillida and Pablo Palazuelo.