Zao Wou-Ki's and Cézanne's works go under the hammer

Christie's Shanghai Art Space will preview a selection of highlights from Christie's Hong Kong 20th and 21st Century Autumn Auction on September 4 and 5.

The preview includes Zao Wou-Ki's "17.3.63," Paul Cézanne's "The Girl", and Tamara de Lempicka's "Seated Woman."

Zao finished the piece in 1963, with the entire tableau of "17.3.63" dominated by a rare and vibrant crimson. The artist employs his classic central-axis composition characteristic of his "Wild Cursive Period" with dynamic calligraphic brushstrokes sweeping vertically from top to bottom.

In the early 1960s, Zao moved to Paris, where he acquired a spacious studio featuring a glass skylight that allowed natural light to influence his painting. "17.3.63" showcases the artist's skill in mastering light and shadow, blending traditional Chinese ink aesthetics with Western oil painting techniques.

The preview features Zao's works "Oracle Bone Period" and "Small Bridge, Flowing Water." The painting evokes a sense of nostalgia for the artist's hometown of Hangzhou through abstract literary symbols and scattered patches of color that cluster, disperse and fade.

Created in 1955, this painting represents Zao's transition from flat linear symbols to a more three-dimensional spatial depth. Zao signed the Chinese title "小桥流水" on the back of the painting.

Paul Cézanne's "The Girl" showcases his transition from a dark, dramatic style to the bright, expressive language of Impressionism. The painting portrays a girl in a blue dress and white apron, seated quietly on a sunlit porch. She gently holds a small object, her gaze soft and contemplative. The background, filled with lush green leaves and a clear blue sky, evokes a sense of calm, while the red fruit and green cart in the center provide a striking contrast to the girl's serene presence.

Tamara de Lempicka's 1925 painting "Seated Woman" depicts a woman in rich emerald green sitting quietly in a wooden chair. While her folded hands convey restraint, her brilliant orange hair curls and beautiful posture convey a modern aesthetic. The painting draws inspiration from the Renaissance and pays respect to Ingres' beautiful lines, while also including a Cubist multi-perspective composition.

This year marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of Joseph Mallord William Turner. Although Turner's "The Grand Bridge at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire" will not be displayed at the preview in Shanghai, it will be showcased in Asia at Christie's Hong Kong 20th & 21st Century Autumn Auction from September 26 to 27.

Preview

Date: 11am-1pm, September 4, 10am-1pm, September 5

Venue: Christie's Shanghai Art Space

Address: 4/F, Zhongshan Rd E1 中山东一路4楼

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