50 Years of Passion for Auctions

2024 Summary
50 Years of Passion for Auctions

« The anniversary of an auction house can celebrate a history, an evolution, a transformation. For Aguttes, it is above all 50 years of passion—passion for objects, passion for encounters and discoveries, and passion for auctions! The carefree spirit of the early years gives way to a desire to build, to surround oneself with talent, and to expand. As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, I myself mark 25 years with the house. I am particularly proud to see our family-owned auction house thrive among the major players in the industry, offering our clients a highly effective, independent French alternative. »
— Philippine Dupré la Tour, Managing Director

- Aguttes Auction House totals €58.7 million in 2024
- Growth of +23.6% compared to 2023
- 12 lots exceeding €500,000
- 101 lots exceeding €100,000
- 54 cataloged sales
- "Classic Cars" department totals €17.8 million
- "Asian Art" department totals €14.97 million
- "Jewelry & Fine Pearls" department totals €6.6 million
- "Collectible Watches" department totals €3 million, highlighted by the ROLEX Daytona "Paul Newman" Ref. 6262 "Dark Chocolate Dial", the highest bid for a watch in France in 2024
- Creation of a "Sports" department
- Significant expansion of Aguttes' presence in the regions and Belgium

Four Highlights of 2024

1974 – 2024, Aguttes: 50 Years of Passion for Auctions
Founded by Claude Aguttes in 1974 and now led by Philippine Dupré la Tour, Aguttes celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. With six partners and a team of 60 people, the auction house has maintained its independence over the decades and now boasts 16 highly specialized departments.

« What an incredible fortune to have discovered my vocation so young! When high school closed its doors to me, I discovered the profession of auctioneer and earned my diploma with distinction at the age of 23. Impatient and already entrepreneurial, I had to wait for the professional majority age, 25 at the time, to establish myself.
In 2024, my firm is already celebrating its 50th anniversary—five decades that have flown by! Deeply curious about objects and people, I’ve savored this half-century of discoveries, including the Self-Portrait with Eyeglasses by Jean-Baptiste Siméon Chardin, and countless encounters. Since 1974, my professional activity has fulfilled me intellectually, artistically, and personally.... »
— Claude Aguttes President, Founder of the House, and Auctioneer

Asian Art
In 2024, Aguttes’ Asia department, with its ten dedicated auctions, totaled nearly €15 million. A historical leader in the Asian Painters category, Aguttes has particularly championed modern Vietnamese and Chinese art. The family-run French auction house is also actively highlighting more traditional arts, as evidenced by the sale of a Guanyin statue for nearly €988,000 at the end of this year.
Since 2014, Aguttes has brought remarkable attention to painters who, in the early 20th century, received dual Asian and Western training. As the centenary of the École des Beaux-Arts de l’Indochine is celebrated, Charlotte Aguttes-Reynier published the book L’art moderne en Indochine with In Fine éditions d’art in February. She will inaugurate the Tô Ngọc Vân Prize in January in Hanoi, a competition designed to spotlight current students on the international art market.

First Aguttes Auction in Belgium
Classic Cars
In May 2019, Aguttes opened a representative office in Brussels, and in October 2024, the house held its first auction in Belgium. Gautier Rossignol, Director of the "Classic Cars" department, showcased 70 collector cars at the Autoworld Museum in the Belgian capital, alongside the Zoute Grand Prix, where collectors from around the world gather, similar to Rétromobile (Paris) or Pebble Beach (California). This auction totaled over €4 million with a sales rate of 86%.
For 2024, Gautier Rossignol and his team achieved a total of €17.5 million and the highest sales rate in France for this specialty, with over 80% of lots sold.

A New Department: "Sports"
Following the creation of a "Collector Cards" department in 2023, Aguttes once again innovates by embracing a niche field in Europe: Sports Memorabilia, artifacts from the small and grand history of sports. The auction house held the inaugural sale of this department on December 15, 2024, representing 10 sports. Over 82% of the lots were sold to buyers from 17 countries.
Highlights included jerseys of late 20th-century European football legends, such as Bobby Moore’s jersey, which sold for €29,900, and basketball memorabilia, notably a Michael Jordan jersey, which garnered significant interest. The next sale is scheduled for May 2025, featuring a new Rugby section.

KEY LOTS

ASIAN PAINTERS, MODERN VIETNAMESE ART

« What a daily joy to live my passion in every moment, to learn, discover, and share. Our sharp expertise, independence, and agile organization are real assets for defending the interests of every seller. We strive to connect them with the best international buyer for their property at auction. The development of the modern Vietnamese art market by Aguttes over the past 10 years is a perfect illustration of this. »
— Charlotte Aguttes-Reynier, Partner, Director of Fine Arts and Asia Division

MAI TRUNG THỨ (1906-1980)
En plein air, circa 1940-1945
Ink and colors on silk, signed lower left, titled on the back
73 x 53.8 cm - 28 3/4 x 21 1/8 in

BIBLIOGRAPHY
"L'art moderne en Indochine," Charlotte Aguttes-Reynier, In Fine éditions d'art, 2023, reproduced on p. 281

PROVENANCE
Private collection, Paris (acquired during an exhibition in Paris, circa 1946)
Private collection, France (by descent)
Auction [34] Aguttes, June 2, 2022, lot 220
French collection

Result : €828,000
Sale of March 7, 2024

ASIAN ARTS

« The auction on December 4 of this exceptional Guanyin, dating from the Song Dynasty (960-1279), for €988,000 illustrates the dynamism of international buyers eager for exceptional pieces and confident in our expertise. Entrusted by a private collector from Neuilly, this result solidifies Aguttes' position as a key player in this demanding market. »
— Clémentine Guyot, Director of the Asian Arts Department

China, Song Dynasty (960-1279)
Rare and important carved wooden statue of Guanyin
Dimensions: 105 x 77 x 60 cm
Traces of gilding and polychromy.

PROVENANCE
Acquired in the 1930s by Madame Juliette Lecomte, daughter of collector Auguste Pellerin, then by descent.
A Carbon-14 analysis certificate [No. 1024-0A-1764B CIRAM) dated November 12, 2024, confirming the dating is available upon request.

Result : €988,000
Sale of December 4, 2024

HAUTE ÉPOQUE

« The Samson candlestick we sold last May is an object of the utmost rarity that had been forgotten over the years. It is somewhat emblematic of our profession, which involves uncovering forgotten treasures. To this day, it remains the only known candlestick of its kind held in private hands. Perhaps, decades from now, it will reemerge into the spotlight of the art market, having been forgotten once more.
I like to say that objects are never more alive than when they are passed on! That is the essence of our profession: transmission ! »
— Grégoire de Thoury, Expert and Director of the Furniture and Art Objects Department

RARE SAMSON CHANDELIER
In copper alloy, depicting Samson astride the back of a lion, which turns its head toward him as he attempts to hold its mouth open with both hands.
The lion stands firmly on its four short legs, its mane rendered in engraved triangular locks. Samson's right leg is positioned forward on the animal, while his left leg is dramatically swept backward. He is dressed in a flowing robe, with engraved folds following the movement of his body. His iconic long hair cascades down his back, from which emerges the hexagonal, openwork candle socket.
Probably a Rhenish-Mosan work from the late 12th century or early 13th century.

Result : €222,000
Sale of May 28, 2024

OLD MASTERS

New World Record for Louis Garneray (Paris, 1783–1857)

AMBROISE-LOUIS GARNERAY — Paris, 1783–1857
The Battle of Navarino on October 20, 1827
Oil on canvas
Circa 1827/1845
Initialed "g.c." on the back of the canvas
Dimensions: 52 x 78.5 cm - 20 1/2 x 30 15/16 in.

PROVENANCE
Possible collection of M. Didot de Saint-Marc, Paris; his estate sale by Bonnefons Laviale and David, November 30 and December 1, 1835, at the deceased's residence, 17 Quai Malaquais, Paris: GARNERAY (M.) - French and English Squadrons in the Navarino Roadstead, lot 54.
Private collection, Paris, Dr. Charles Vallée, director of the Grand Palais hospital during World War I (1914–1918), then by descent in his property in Béarn until 2023.

Result : €769,000
Sale of March 21, 2024

IMPRESSIONIST & MODERN ART

GUSTAVE VAN DE WOESTYNE (1881–1947)
Adrienne De Zutter with the Violin, 1920
Oil on canvas
Signed lower left
Dedicated "À Adrienne De Zutter," signed with initials and dated "1920" on the back
Dimensions: 208 x 110 cm - 81 7/8 x 43 1/4 in

PROVENANCE
Collection of the model, Adrienne De Zutter (1905–1989), later Madame Paul Van de Woestyne (1905–1963), herself the son of writer Karel Van de Woestyne (1878–1929) and nephew of the artist
Private collection, Europe (by descent to the current owners, grandchildren of the model and great-grandnephews of the painter)

Result : €266,000
Sale of March 13, 2024

POST-WAR AND CONTEMPORARY ART

CHU TEH-CHUN (1920–2014)
Abstraction, 1991
Oil on canvas, signed and dated lower right
Dimensions: 91 x 73 cm - 35 53/64 x 28 47/64 in.

PROVENANCE
Galerie Régis Dorval, Le Touquet, 1991
Private collection, Hauts-de-France

Result : €164,000
Sale of December 5, 2024

COLLECTOR CARS

« Aguttes on Wheels achieved its best year yet, recording the strongest growth in the market (45%).
Thanks to an anti 'no reserve' strategy, its 80% sell-through rate is also the highest in this specialty in Europe. »
— Gautier Rossignol, Partner, Director of Collector Cars

Porsche 911 Carrera 3.0 RS 1974
Result : €1,013,000
Sale of April 22, 2024

JEWELS & FINE PEARLS
THE MARINIER COLLECTION

« The bidding battles for Suzanne Belperron's creations are a reflection of her talent. Over the past 20 years, we have seen prices soar, and today, her signature is the most sought-after at auctions when it comes to jewelry. »
— Philippine Dupré la Tour, Expert

A Belperron jewelry box containing 6 pieces

Results : €527,000
Sale on July 3, 2024
Last July, the Jewelry & Fine Pearls department presented at auction a Belperron jewelry box containing 6 pieces from the Marinier collection, which were sold for a total of €527,000 including taxes. These pieces were commissioned between 1935 and 1957 by George and Madeleine Marinier, close friends of Geneviève Veil Picard and her husband, whose brother-in-law was Jean Herz, a partner of Suzanne Belperron.
This collection, with its inimitable chic, exemplifies the deep collaboration between the client and the designer, where only the style serves as the signature.

COLLECTOR'S WATCHES

Highest bid for a watch in France in 2024
« The year 2024 has been a true success for the watch department, with notable sales such as two Daytona 'Paul Newman' chronographs, the highest bid in France for a watch in 2024 at €705,300, and the sale of a collection of over 70 pocket watches. With an annual total of nearly €3 million, Aguttes confirms its position as a leader in the collector's watch market. »
— Claire Hofmann, Head of the "Watches" Department

ROLEX
Daytona
"Paul Newman" Ref. 6262
"Dark Chocolate Dial"
No. 2750821
Circa 1971
Stainless steel chronograph bracelet

PROVENANCE
Kept by the descendants of the original owner
Purchased by an army commander for his retirement in the late 1960s, and then kept within the same family.

Result : €705,000
Sale on December 9, 2024

COLLECTIBLE CARDS

World record at auction for a PSA-graded Pikachu Illustrator

POKÉMON
Pikachu Illustrator Card, PSA graded (1998 Promo)

Result : €192,000
Sale on October 22, 2024

« This year, we sold a Pokémon card for €192,400, setting the European record for a collectible card at auction and the world record for a PSA Authentic-graded Pikachu Illustrator card at auction. During our inaugural Sports sale, with 17 nationalities among our buyers, a Luis Fernandez jersey worn during the 1986 World Cup sold for €18,000, a jersey of the legend Bobby Moore crossed the channel for €30,000, and a Michael Jordan jersey was snatched up for €21,000. We are dedicated to all passions and are pleased to bring our promotional strength to specialties that are trending. »
— Maximilien Aguttes, Director of Transformation & Development

SPORTS

Inaugural sale of the "Sports" department, December 15, 2024

Boxing WBA WORLD CHAMPION HOLYFIELD - TYSON
Exceptional WBA World Champion Boxing Belt
Won by Evander Holyfield during the match against Mike Tyson on November 9, 1996, at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, with Evander Holyfield being declared the winner in the 11th round of the fight.
At the end of each world championship, two belts are awarded to the winner and their team—this is one of those two belts, given by the Duva clan (promoter) for the foundation, and signed by Evander Holyfield. Both boxers were named Boxer of the Year, and their confrontation was voted Fight of the Year.
Ranked among the top 25 greatest fights of all time by Boxing News, a British weekly and the oldest boxing magazine still in publication. Also included is the signature of Don King on the first page of the program, the match ticket, a newspaper photograph with the framed belt, and a dedication from Evander Holyfield.

Result : €90,000
Sale on December 15, 2024

STRING INSTRUMENTS & BOWS

EXCEPTIONAL VIOLIN BY JEAN-BAPTISTE VUILLAUME
Made in Paris in 1871
Numbered 2831
Stamped on the back top right with date, number, and branded marks on the top and back
Excellent condition
356 mm on the back
Ready to play

Result : €219,000
Sale on June 3, 2024

20TH CENTURY DECORATIVE ARTS & DESIGN

ÉMILE-JACQUES RUHLMANN (1889 - 1933)
CHAIR "GUINDÉ" MODEL, CIRCA 1920
Made of Macassar ebony, basket-shaped backrest, armrests each receiving a carved cuff, legs with a passementerie pattern resting on tapered and fluted front feet, rear saber legs. Original cognac-colored silk velvet upholstery.
Stamped with the hot iron mark "Ruhlmann."
Height: 88.5 cm - Width: 51.5 cm - Depth: 63.5 cm

PROVENANCE
Offered by Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann in 1930 to Yvonne Brunet.
By descent to the current owner.

Result : €57,000
Sale on February 29, 2024

ANCIENT BOOKS & MANUSCRIPTS

DUHAMEL DU MONCEAU (Henri-Louis)
LOISELEUR-DESLONGCHAMPS (Jean)
Traité des arbres et arbustes qui se cultivent en France en pleine terre.
Second edition, significantly expanded

Result : €54,000
Sale on May 15, 2024

FINE WINES & SPIRITS

6 Mag PETRUS (Original wooden case with metal bands) - 2009 - Pomerol

Result : €38,000
Sale on April 19, 2024