July Fine Art Auction 2025: Exclusive Collection of Modern & Contemporary Masterpieces
Aurora & Athena Auction House proudly presents the July Fine Art Auction 2025, a marquee sale showcasing exceptional modern and contemporary artworks from around the globe. Scheduled for Saturday, July 26, 2025 in Barcelona, this auction offers collectors a doorway to the 20th century’s artistic legacy.
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July Fine Art Auction 2025 Overview
The July Fine Art Auction 2025 is a showcase of exceptional 20th-century art, uniting modern and contemporary masterpieces from around the globe. Collectors and enthusiasts are invited to explore a carefully curated catalog published July 2, 2025, which highlights rare and investment-worthy works across various movements and regions. From Russian Impressionism to African modernism and Asian abstract art, this auction offers a panoramic journey through art history’s most vibrant chapters.
Shortlisted here are the standout lots – each with its own story, cultural significance, and collector appeal. Bidding will be conducted online worldwide, with participation available via LiveAuctioneers and Bidspirit platforms, ensuring global access to this exclusive auction. In the following sections, we delve into the key highlights, including their artistic importance and estimated values.
Russian Masterpieces: Korovin’s Paris & Roerich’s Shambhala
Konstantin Korovin – Night Scene in Paris (1927): A masterwork of Russian Impressionism, Korovin’s oil painting captures a luminous Parisian street bathed in twilight. Created during the artist’s exile in France, Night Scene in Paris reflects Korovin’s enduring love for the “City of Light”.
Rich, impressionistic brushstrokes convey the warmth of glowing café lights against a deep blue night sky, evoking the romance of Paris in the 1920s. Korovin was a leading figure in Russian Impressionism, and this painting is emblematic of his late career—where he channeled nostalgic memories of Moscow into Paris scenes.
With its blend of Russian sensibility and French atmosphere, this piece is estimated at €8,000–€10,000 and offers a charming slice of art history for collectors. (Interested buyers can view this lot on Bidspirit or LiveAuctioneers for additional details and bidding opportunities.)
Nicholas Roerich – The Way to Shambhala: This visionary tempera painting by Roerich transports viewers to the mystical Himalayas.
Roerich, a renowned Russian Symbolist painter and explorer, devoted much of his art to spiritual themes and Asian expeditions.
The Way to Shambhala depicts snow-clad peaks beneath a radiant sky, symbolizing the artist’s lifelong quest for the legendary utopian kingdom of Shambhala.
The painting’s serene blues and purples, punctuated by ethereal light, exude a meditative aura. As a spiritual Himalayan landscape reflecting Roerich’s mystical search for enlightenment, this work is both an artistic and cultural treasure. Roerich’s paintings have become increasingly rare on the market, and this one carries an estimate of €20,000–€30,000. It’s a centerpiece of the auction’s Russian art section, appealing to collectors interested in spiritual and historical depth.
The Way to Shambhala (1933) by Nicholas Roerich. Roerich’s Himalayan scenes are rich with spiritual symbolism, portraying a mystical journey to the legendary land of Shambhala.
(For registration and live online bidding, this lot is also listed on Bidspirit or Liveauctioneers, under Aurora & Athena’s July 26 auction.)
05: Konstantin Gorbatov – Still Life with Pumpkins and Geraniums, 1930
Konstantin Gorbatov – Still Life with Pumpkins and Geraniums (1930): Alongside Korovin and Roerich, the auction also features a charming still-life by Konstantin Gorbatov, another Russian émigré artist.
This 1930 painting presents rustic pumpkins and bright geranium flowers in vivid colors, blending post-Impressionist technique with folk motif.
Gorbatov’s works are celebrated for their color harmonies and nostalgic mood.
While primarily known for his landscapes of Venice and the Orient, this still-life showcases Gorbatov’s versatility and is a delightful addition for collectors of Russian art.
Estimate: approximately €5,000–€7,000.
(For registration and live online bidding, this lot is also listed on Bidspirit or Liveauctioneers, under Aurora & Athena’s July 26 auction.)
Asian and Middle Eastern Art Highlights
Le Pho – Women with Flowers (circa 1940s-50s): A highlight from Southeast Asia, this painting by Vietnamese-French master Lê Phổ (Le Pho) exudes elegance and tranquility.
The composition portrays two young women beside a lush bouquet of vibrant blossoms, rendered in Le Pho’s soft, dreamlike style.
Delicate layers of oil and ink on silk create a gentle luminosity; the rich yellows, reds, and greens of the flowers draw the viewer’s eye amid a haze of pastel tones.
Le Pho’s fusion of Eastern and Western techniques – a legacy of his studies in Hanoi and Paris – made him a pioneer of modern Vietnamese art.
His works have achieved record prices at auction (one of his silk paintings sold for €40,000 in a recent Aurora & Athena sale), reflecting strong demand. Women with Flowers is a museum-quality piece that epitomizes Le Pho’s serene subject matter and is expected to fetch a premium (estimate on request, reflecting its importance).
Helen Khal – Green Over Yellow (circa 1970): Representing Middle Eastern modernism, Helen Khal’s abstract canvas Green Over Yellow offers a rare glimpse into Lebanese art history.
Khal was a trailblazing Lebanese-American painter and one of the few prominent female artists of her generation in the Middle East.
This large abstract composition – broad swaths of soft green suspended above a field of golden yellow – exemplifies her lyrical color sensibility.
The painting is considered a rare abstract masterpiece by a modernist pioneer and is even signed on both front and back, attesting to its authenticity and “museum quality”. Khal’s work infuses subtle emotion into color-field abstraction, reflecting both Middle Eastern light and her personal resilience.
Estimated at €6,000–€8,000, this piece is a compelling acquisition for collectors interested in women artists and the cross-cultural narrative of art.
Ram Kumar – Benares (1961): From India comes Benares, a prized abstract landscape by Ram Kumar. One of India’s foremost modernists, Ram Kumar was known for his abstract depictions of the holy city of Benares (Varanasi).
In this 1961 canvas, we see a harmonious arrangement of earthy browns, ochres, and grays, evoking the ghats (steps) and waters of the Ganges through abstraction.
The forms are simplified into blocks and fluid strokes, giving a sense of the city’s spiritual atmosphere without literal representation.
This painting dates from Ram Kumar’s “pivotal period,” and is hailed as a rare abstract masterpiece that evokes the soul of Varanasi through layered textures. Such works by Ram Kumar have high investment value; for context, a similar 1961 Benares by the artist sold for €6,500 in a previous auction. The present lot is estimated around €7,000–€10,000, underscoring its desirability to collectors of South Asian art.
Jagdish Swaminathan – Three Forms (c. 1980s): Another Indian highlight is Three Forms by Jagdish (J.) Swaminathan, a seminal figure in 20th-century Indian art.
Swaminathan’s canvas features a mystical arrangement of symbolic motifs – a bird, a sun, and a triangular mountain – floating against a muted background.
Rooted in the artist’s quest to rejuvenate Indian tribal and folk art aesthetics, the painting has a deceptively simple, almost primitive style that belies deep philosophical undertones.
Swaminathan rejected the prevailing modernist trends by embracing flat colors and emblematic forms, as seen here in the bird and mountain forms rendered in bold silhouette.
The sparse composition and earthy palette create a meditative mood, inviting interpretation on multiple levels (perhaps symbolizing sky, earth, and life in harmony).
Swaminathan’s works have become increasingly scarce and sought-after; this piece is an excellent entry point for collectors interested in the rich tapestry of Indian modern art (estimated €5,000–€8,000).
African & African Diaspora Art Highlights
Ben Enwonwu – Africa Dances (1991): A powerful work from Nigeria’s most celebrated modern artist, Ben Enwonwu, brings the vibrancy of African modernism to the auction.
Africa Dances is a dynamic oil painting depicting abstracted dancers in motion, their forms elongated and swept up in rhythm. Painted in 1991, it reflects Enwonwu’s enduring engagement with themes of cultural identity and post-colonial pride.
In fact, “Africa Dances” was Enwonwu’s effort to push back against colonial narratives by celebrating African culture – especially dance – on his own terms liveauctioneers.com.
The canvas is alive with movement: swift brushstrokes and earthy tones convey drums beating and bodies swaying in unison. Enwonwu, who famously sculpted the iconic Tutu and had a distinguished international career (including an M.B.E. honor), imbues this late work with both modernist abstraction and African symbolism. With an estimate of €12,000–€18,000, Africa Dances stands out as a signature piece that marries art and anthropology. It provides collectors a chance to own a piece of African art history, reflecting a continent’s spirit through a modern lens.
Beauford Delaney – Abstract Composition (1961): American painter Beauford Delaney’s work is featured as a testament to the African-American contribution in postwar art.
Abstract Composition (1961) is a “luminous masterwork of color and form” that is currently available in our auction. Delaney, a member of the Harlem Renaissance who later moved to Paris, was a close friend of writer James Baldwin and became known for his radiant abstract canvases. This particular composition is awash in vibrant yellows and earthy browns – hues Delaney famously associated with spiritual light and warmth.
The painting’s surface is alive with swirling brushwork and rich impasto, embodying what critics have called a “color rhythm” that Delaney uniquely achieved. In recent years, Delaney’s abstract paintings have captivated the market, with surging collector demand leading to record-breaking sales.
This resurgence of interest means that works like Abstract Composition (1961) are not only artistically significant but also wise investments. Estimated in the region of €15,000–€20,000, the painting offers deep aesthetic pleasure – its glowing palette and expressive strokes invite viewers into Delaney’s world of hope and spiritual resilience. For collectors of abstract expressionism, particularly those following under-recognized masters, this is a not-to-be-missed lot.
Postwar American Abstraction: Paul Jenkins in Focus
Paul Jenkins – Flowing Spectrum (1973):
Rounding out the transatlantic selection is an exuberant watercolor by American abstract expressionist Paul Jenkins.
Titled Flowing Spectrum, this 1973 work on paper is a radiant composition of sweeping colors — green, red, yellow, and blue — that reveals the artist’s signature “pour” technique and love of prismatic hues.
Jenkins was associated with the New York School and is known for using fluid paints to create spontaneous yet harmonious abstractions (often titled Phenomena). In Flowing Spectrum, translucent washes of color spread and intermingle, suggesting the movement of water or music.
The result is joyous and meditative at once – a celebration of pure color and chance. Measuring about 42 × 50 cm, this piece is notable for its vibrant energy and balance. Jenkins’s works are held by major museums (MoMA, Whitney, etc.), and his market remains strong, especially for 1970s works when he was at his creative peak.
This watercolor is attractively estimated and provides an accessible entry for collectors to acquire a work by a prominent American abstract artist. Its inclusion adds a global context to the auction, demonstrating Aurora & Athena’s commitment to offering art of international caliber.
Mariano Bertuchi’s Rare Watercolor Series and Sketchbook
A unique feature of the July Fine Art Auction 2025 is a collection of mid-20th-century watercolor illustrations attributed to Mariano Bertuchi. Bertuchi was a Spanish painter (1884–1955) known for his Orientalist scenes and graphic arts, often active in Morocco. The lots presented here reveal a completely different side of his oeuvre: they include charming vignettes of popular culture and famous figures of the 1950s, presumably created during his later years. Among these small works on paper are:
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26: Mariano Bertuchi – Ingrid Bergman and GI Survivors, 1950
14.8 × 21 cm | 5.8 × 8.3 in200 – 300 € -
25: Mariano Bertuchi – Bête Bours / Rita Doesn’t Like Short Cuts, 1950
14.8 × 21 cm | 5.8 × 8.3 in200 – 300 € -
27: Mariano Bertuchi – Coastal Landscape / Jeanmarie, c. 1950
14.8 × 21 cm | 5.8 × 8.3 in200 – 300 €
- Untitled (Ava Gardner, 1950) – a delicate watercolor portrait of the Hollywood actress Ava Gardner, capturing her glamorous profile in rich sepia and rosy tones.
- Scenes of Beauty and Solitude (1950) – a duo of graceful female figures rendered with an almost calligraphic touch, possibly inspired by magazine illustrations of the era.
- Dual Portrait of Women – a two-in-one portrait study of elegant ladies, showcasing Bertuchi’s fluid line and eye for fashion details.
- Portraits of Actresses – a set of sketches depicting iconic actresses (including one that appears to be Ingrid Bergman with WWII-era G.I. soldiers, titled “Ingrid Bergman and G.I. Survivors, 1950”).
- “Rita Doesn’t Like Short Cuts” (Bete Bours, 1950) – an intriguingly titled scene that seems to reference a comic or anecdote, drawn with humor and expressive strokes.
- Untitled (Ballerina, 1950) – a graceful ballerina captured mid-pose in watercolor, evoking the elegance of dance akin to Degas’s ballerina sketches.
- Yolande Betbeze & Henri Schall (1950) – a watercolor likely depicting Miss America 1951 Yolande Betbeze and photographer Henri Schall, merging celebrity portraiture with a touch of surreal narrative.
Each of these watercolors is a conversation piece, reflecting mid-century aesthetics and Bertuchi’s versatility beyond his typical subjects. They are relatively small in size (most around 14.8×21 cm) and carry estimates in the low four figures (approximately €200–€300 each), making them accessible collectibles. Despite their modest scale, they offer a fascinating window into 1950s cultural iconography through the eyes of a Spanish artist far from Hollywood.
Mariano Bertuchi – Original Sketchbook (c. 1950): The crown jewel of this Bertuchi ensemble is an entire original sketchbook containing 39 pages of watercolor and pencil drawings.
This sketchbook is a treasure trove of the artist’s intimate creations: on its pages, one finds everything from quick pencil scribbles to fully realized watercolor illustrations.
According to the catalog description, the sketchbook includes 39 pages with a mix of pencil drawings and watercolors on one side, with versos mostly blank.
This suggests Bertuchi used the book as a visual diary, perhaps chronicling travels, personal projects, or daily inspirations.
Notably, some of the aforementioned watercolor lots might have been extracted from (or studies for) this very book, but the sketchbook itself contains additional unseen works – possibly landscape scenes, figure studies, and design ideas. For collectors, this is a poetic insight into the artist’s vision and process. Owning an artist’s sketchbook is like peering over their shoulder in the studio; in this case, it bridges European and North African cultural themes of the mid-20th century.
The Bertuchi sketchbook is expected to be highly contested, with an estimate in the range of €4,000–€6,000 given its rarity and the number of works it contains. It presents a unique opportunity to acquire a one-of-a-kind artifact that encapsulates Mariano Bertuchi’s artistic journey.
Additional Noteworthy Lots
Beyond the headline pieces and categories above, the July Fine Art Auction 2025 offers a trove of other noteworthy lots that should not be overlooked. European art lovers will be delighted by works such as a dynamic gouache The Sabre Dance by French illustrator Georges Scott (Lot 1), as well as a rare horse racing scene by Edouard Zawiski – a French Post-Impressionist painting that captures the excitement at Longchamp.
Collectors of mid-century European modernism will find gems like an elegant floral still life by G. Delage (a charming composition with a cherub motif) and two whimsical village scenes by Marco de Gastyne (Lots 51 and 52). The auction also features a delicate portrait of a lady by Charles Joshua Chaplin (Lot 46), a 19th-century academic work that adds a touch of classical refinement to the sale.
Modern and contemporary trends continue through works by artists across continents. Spanish artist Mario de Rivera is represented with Ruler of the Domain, 2000 – a surreal scene rich with symbolic imagery reflecting the “rich confluence of cultures” in his Filipino-Spanish background. From Poland, Mariola Wroblewski’s vibrant 2022 canvas Jungle (Lot 12) injects a burst of contemporary color, demonstrating the auction’s embrace of emerging artists alongside established names. Fans of early 20th-century School of Paris art will note a lovely Two Figures with Flags drawing by Jules Pascin (Lot 14, est. €600–€800), while Italian art is represented by Renato Guttuso’s bold Flowers, 1954 (Lot 16) – an Expressionist still life brimming with fiery reds and Mediterranean energy.
Several works attributed to the “20th Century French School” also enrich the catalog. These include a Cubist abstract still life by Sylvette Sauzeau (Lot 39) and a series of charming anonymous French cityscapes and landscapes (e.g. Lots 38, 41, 45, 50) that collectively evoke the mood of mid-century France – from bustling harbors to quiet village streets. Additionally, a delightful modern geometric abstraction (Lot 41) and a Pop Art-inspired collage (Lot 44) demonstrate the breadth of styles on offer.
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34: 20th Century French School – Abstract Figures on Orange Ground
73 × 60 cm | 28.7 × 23.6 in300 – 400 € -
45: 20th Century French School – Landscape with Church and Cypress
60 × 50 cm | 23.6 × 19.7 in200 – 300 € -
47: 20th Century French School – Sur la mare Louise, c. 1900
33.5 × 25 cm | 13.2 × 9.8 in100 – 200 € -
38: 20th Century French School – Portrait of a Woman in a Fur Coat, c. 1940s
41 × 33.5 cm | 16.1 × 13.2 in200 – 300 € -
32: 20th Century French School – Geometric Composition with Targets and Arches
51 × 66 cm | 20.1 × 26 in200 – 300 € -
40: 20th Century French School – Standing Nude (recto) / Still Life with Tulips (verso)
65.5 × 54.5 cm | 25.8 × 21.5 in300 – 400 €
From Christo – the famed Bulgarian-born installation artist – comes a preparatory work The Pont Neuf Wrapped (Lot 4), giving collectors a chance to own a piece of conceptual art history at an accessible estimate. And representing South Asian modernism beyond Ram Kumar, the auction includes a colorful abstract by Jagdish Swaminathan (Lot 19) and a serene figurative painting by Gurcharan Singh (Lot 18), adding depth to the auction’s Asian section.
With such a diverse array of artworks, the July Fine Art Auction 2025 is poised to be an unmissable event for art collectors and investors alike. This curated selection spans continents and art movements, from Roerich’s mystical Himalayas to Enwonwu’s dancing figures, and from Korovin’s Parisian nights to Le Pho’s floral elegance. Each lot has been vetted for quality and significance, ensuring that whether you are drawn to historical paintings or vibrant abstracts, you’ll find a compelling addition to your collection.
Aurora & Athena invites you to join us on Saturday, July 26, 2025 for the live auction event (17:00 CEST). Bidders can participate in person or experience the excitement online through our partnered platforms. Live bidding will be accessible via LiveAuctioneers and Bidspirit, allowing for a seamless and interactive auction experience no matter where you are in the world.
For those eager to get involved early, absentee bids and phone bidding arrangements are also available – please contact Aurora & Athena Auction House for assistance. All artworks come with detailed condition reports and provenance information as provided in the catalog. We encourage prospective buyers to explore the full online catalog on our website for high-resolution images and extended descriptions of each lot.
In summary, the July Fine Art Auction 2025 not only offers a chance to acquire exceptional works by renowned artists, but also to invest in pieces with enduring cultural value. From blue-chip names to rediscovered talents, the auction reflects Aurora & Athena’s commitment to presenting “modern & contemporary highlights” to the global market.
Whether you are a seasoned collector looking for the next masterpiece or a new buyer seeking a foothold in the art world, this event promises something special. Mark your calendars, prepare your bids, and get ready to be inspired by this spectacular collection of art – we look forward to welcoming you to the July Fine Art Auction 2025. Good luck to all participants, and may the highest bid win these remarkable treasures!
Attend and Bid:
The July Fine Art Auction takes place on July 26, 2025 at 17:00 (CEST). Register now to participate through LiveAuctioneers or Bidspirit, or contact us at Aurora & Athena for absentee bidding options. Enjoy the auction!