Artcurial's Grand Auction Event in Marrakech
Marrakech is set to become the epicenter of the art world once again as Artcurial announces its upcoming auction event, "A Moroccan Winter," to be held on December 30, 2026, at the prestigious La Mamounia hotel. This year's event is particularly noteworthy as it marks the 15th edition of the Majorelle & Contemporary Sales, where collectors will have the rare opportunity to explore a curated selection of artworks from both private collections and renowned artists. The auction aims to foster a dialogue between the rich heritage of Orientalist art, the modern artistic expressions of Morocco, and the contemporary artistic narratives emerging from Africa.
The first segment of the auction pays tribute to the celebrated artist Jacques Majorelle, featuring around twenty of his remarkable works alongside creations by notable contemporaries such as José Cruz-Herrera and Bernard Boutet de Monvel. Prominent figures from the 19th-century Orientalist movement will also be represented, including Frederick Arthur Bridgman, Eugène Girardet, Arthur von Ferraris, and Eugène Flandin. Notably, one of the highlight pieces is "À l’affût," created by Jacques Majorelle around 1930. This mixed-media work, enhanced with metallic powder on panel, is valued between €80,000 and €120,000 and has remained within the same family for over 90 years, underscoring the unique place of the artist in the visual representation of Morocco.
Another standout piece is "Fès" by Bernard Boutet de Monvel, which captures a modern perspective of the imperial city. This stylized composition, characterized by clean and almost geometric lines, is estimated to sell for between €120,000 and €180,000. The auction will also highlight the contributions of iconic figures in Moroccan modern art, including a Corten steel sculpture by Farid Belkahia from the series "The Seven Saints," with an estimated value of €30,000 to €50,000. Belkahia, a major figure in Moroccan artistic modernity and a former director of the Casablanca School of Fine Arts, is known for his exploration of materials and cultural symbols. The number seven in this context references Marrakech and its seven patron saints.
Chaïbia Talal is another featured artist, with one of her works from around 1965 reflecting the beginnings of an instinctive pictorial language, characterized by a vibrant palette and an imagination enriched by the memories of traditional villages. This piece is estimated to fetch between €40,000 and €60,000. The second segment of the auction, titled "Moroccan & African Spirit," broadens this exploration to encompass the diverse artistic expressions found within Moroccan and African art. Works by Hassan El Glaoui and Abdelkébir Rabi will resonate alongside pieces by artists such as Adam Henein and Jumana El Husseini. Contemporary African art will also be represented by Barthélémy Toguo, Billie Zangewa, Pascale Marthine Tayou, and Abdoulaye Konaté. Prior to the auction in Marrakech, select works will be exhibited in Paris at the Hôtel Marcel Dassault from October 1 to 7, 2026. The exhibition at La Mamounia will take place from December 26 to 30, leading up to the much-anticipated auction on December 30. Through this new edition, Artcurial reaffirms Marrakech's position as a pivotal meeting point for international collectors and the vibrant artistic scenes of Morocco and Africa.
As reported by aujourdhui.ma.
