Paris – On 28 May, Christie’s Paris presented a group of 20th-century European works from the Helga and Edzard Reuter Collection. Anticipated with great interest in Germany, Italy and France, the sale attracted strong international attention, drawing some 220 participants for 49 lots.

With 100% of the lots sold, the auction achieved a “white glove” result — a standing ovation in the saleroom underlined the deep appreciation for the artistic and human commitment of this exemplary collecting couple. Realising a total of €7.5 million, the sale far exceeded its high estimate, marked by intense bidding battles and a series of outstanding results.

A highlight of the evening, Relief Planétaire Terre (Marseille, Aix), (RP 24)S by Yves Klein, estimated at €600,000–800,000, became a symbol of this truly pan-European sale. The IKB pigment and plaster work from 1961 soared to €1,613,000 — more than double its high estimate after fierce competition.

Reflecting Edzard Reuter’s close friendship with many German artists, several works from Germany delivered exceptional performances: Weiβes Feld by Günther Uecker also doubled its high estimate, selling for €403,200. A bidding battle ensued over Rauchbild No.3 by Otto Piene, which ultimately sold for €277,200, far above its €70,000 high estimate. Another standout was Gerhard von Graevenitz’s reflektierende Y-Lamellen auf weiss, which achieved €63,000, well above its €10,000 estimate.

Italy was also prominently represented, with works totalling more than €2 million. Highlights included Concetto spaziale by Lucio Fontana, which fetched over €1 million; Piero Manzoni’s Achrome, which sold for €352,800 — more than twice its high estimate; Superficie Nera No. 3 by Enrico Castellani, which realised €289,800; and Francesco Lo Savio’s Metallo con articolazioni, which sold for €201,600.

The dynamic atmosphere continued right through to the final lot: Blaue Komposition by Rupprecht Geiger saw spirited bidding to the last second and achieved €170,100 against an estimate of €30,000–50,000.

The entire €7.5 millions raised will be donated to the Helga und Edzard Reuter Stiftung. Founded by the couple in Berlin in 1995, the foundation is dedicated to fostering intercultural dialogue and social cohesion. This result is a moving tribute to the life’s work and values of its founders.

Beyond the 28 May auction, additional works from the Reuter Collection will feature in Christie’s Contemporary Art sales in October, as well as in the 20/21 Century Art online sale in November.

Eva Susanne Schweizer, Christie’s representative in Stuttgart: “This sale was a true firework of bidding — collectors showed extraordinary enthusiasm from start to finish. Achieving a white glove result, with every lot sold and many prices well above estimate, is both rare and incredibly rewarding. I was personally close to the Reuter, and this project was very dear to my heart. Seeing their collection celebrated in this way was deeply moving.”

Dr Susanne Eisenmann, President of the Helga and Edzard Reuter Foundation: “We as a foundation are thrilled with this result. Over €7.5 million for the collection is an impressive outcome that will significantly support our charitable mission. Christie’s beautiful presentation of the collection in Paris played a crucial role in this success.”