A painting by Vu Cao Dam sold for 45,000 GBP (around 60,000 USD) at a London auction, becoming the first Vietnamese artwork sold by Sloane Street Auctions. The oil on canvas, displayed at a 1960 show, was acquired by the current owner’s father. The auction house supports Facing the World charity aiding children in Vietnam with craniofacial defects.
A remarkable painting by Vu Cao Dam, a notable 20th-century Vietnamese artist, fetched a staggering 45,000 GBP (about 60,000 USD) during a London auction on May 2. This artwork, titled “Property of a Lady of Title,” emerged as the top seller at Sloane Street Auctions, marking a significant moment as the first Vietnamese piece ever to be auctioned there.
The oil on canvas was previously exhibited at Vu Cao Dam’s solo show in London back in 1960, organised by the prestigious Frost & Reed gallery, showcasing its well-documented provenance. The current owner’s father initially purchased it during that exhibition.
Daniel Hunt, the founder and CEO of Sloane Street Auctions, called the artwork rare and likened Vu Cao Dam to “a Chagall of the East.” He mentioned an increasing global interest in the artist’s creations, which reflects a broader trend of appreciation for Vietnamese art.
Born in 1908 in Hanoi, Vu Cao Dam was the fifth child in a family of fourteen. His father, a scholar with a passion for French culture, greatly influenced his artistic development. After studying at the Hanoi College of Fine Arts under French artists, he went to Paris in 1931 on a scholarship to continue his education at the esteemed Ecole de Louvre.
After relocating to southern France in 1949, Vu Cao Dam’s art began to showcase influences from his surroundings and from the neighbourly presence of Marc Chagall. These inspirations can be clearly seen in his later works, including the painting auctioned in London.
Sloane Street Auctions is well-known for dealing in old master drawings, European furniture, impressionist art, and modern and contemporary pieces. Beyond promoting art, the auction house also engages in charitable efforts, supporting the Facing the World charity, which assists children in Vietnam with craniofacial defects, helping fund around 10,000 surgeries every year.
The recent auction of Vu Cao Dam’s painting not only highlights the artist’s significant impact on Vietnamese art but also reflects a growing global interest in cultural exchanges. It marks a proud moment in art history, as a landmark for Vietnamese works being valued and recognised on international stages, while also supporting a worthy cause in Vietnam.
Original Source: vietnamnet.vn