ZURICH.- "We are delighted to have once again achieved excellent results for Félix Vallotton, following the world auction record for the artist which we set six months ago. Our aim was to assemble a selection of high-quality works at appealing estimates and this evening’s results show that demand remains strong for the finest examples of Swiss Art.” Stéphanie Schleining & Urs Lanter, Co-Heads of Sotheby’s Swiss Art Department.

SWISS ART / SWISS MADE HIGHLIGHTS OF TONIGHT’S SALE
FÉLIX VALLOTTON : La Néva, brume légère
This superb landscape by celebrated Swiss-French painter Félix Vallotton is one of a small group of rare works completed following his visit to Russia in 1913. Adding to its rarity, the painting boasts exceptional provenance: it remained within close circles connected to the artists before entering a private collection in 1965. This rare discovery for the auction market achieved a final price of CHF 1,332,500 / EUR 1,217,679 (lot 26).

FURTHER EXCELLENT PRICES FOR FÉLIX VALLOTTON
• Rentrée au port, Locquirec, 1902 (lot 35) - Showing the seaside town of Locquirec in Brittany, where Vallotton summered in 1902 - Sold for an above-estimate CHF 175,000 / EUR 159,920

• La paresse (lot 82) - One of Vallotton’s most famous woodcut prints, inspired by Japanese engravings - More than triple the estimate at CHF 77,500 / EUR 70,822

ERNEST BIÉLER & THE “SAVIÈSE” SCHOOL
This evening’s sale also saw strong results for an extraordinary private collection of works by the group of artists known as the “Savièse School”, who shared a common iconography, strongly focused on local traditions and customs. The group’s figurehead, Ernest Biéler, led the way:

• Trois jeunes filles de Granois, 1920 (lot 41) - A standout example showcasing Biéler’s visual language and stylistic signature - Sold for CHF 672,500 / EUR 614,551

• L’Homme des champs, 1917 (lot 39) - Sold for CHF 324,500 / EUR 296,538

LE CORBUSIER: Taureau autrement que sur la terre, 1956 (lot 95)
A fascinating work by the Swiss-French painter and architect, realised in enamel on metal. Following prolonged bidding, the piece sold above its high estimate for CHF 143,750 / EUR 131,363.