The Lady of the Magnolias

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

On October 4, Artcurial will disperse on the field at Pouancé near Angers, France, nearly 210 lots of collectible trees and shrubs. I have already seen sales of bonzaïs at Drouot (Paris), I have already heard of sales of orchids, but this is the first time I have the opportunity to focus my column on a full shrubbery. The sale takes place due to the retirement of the lady who owned it.

The collection includes a large number of camellias, magnolias and prunus, many of them being estimated between 6 and 8 K€. I do not go into detail on these lots because, if I believe it from the estimates, this group is remarkably homogeneous, and with an undeniable quality.

The catalogue tells the exact date of introduction of each specimen in the shrubbery. There is also information, unprecedented in a sales catalogue, according to which the work of shearing, which is done with the greatest care in order not to damage the root system, requires one or two days to two workers.

In order not to fail in my tradition and go on mentioning specific lots, I spotted in the catalogue of the sale the two specimens photographed in the press release.

The magnolia caduque Sieboldii, number 207, is estimated 4.5 K €.

The camellia japonica Montironi is present in six lots (53, 109, 134, 155, 182, 205), all with a low estimate of 6 to 7 K €.

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

The sale has not been easy, but the theme was unusual. It is understandable that the French press of today reported on it with satisfaction.

I had selected seven lots, not quite at random as I mentioned above to show the logic of my choice. Only two have been sold, the magnolia at number 207 (7 K € fees included) and one of the camellias (6.5 K € fees included).