PARIS.- Imagine stepping into a Parisian apartment, a space not just lived in, but curated, a vibrant dialogue between art and life. This was the home of Marcel Lehmann-Lefranc, a passionate collector and patron whose collection of New Realism and Supports-Surfaces art is now set to go under the hammer at Sotheby's, in an online sale running from February 12th to 20th, 2025.

Lehmann-Lefranc, who passed away in 2024, wasn't just acquiring art; he was building relationships. His apartment, designed and furnished by Jean-Michel Wilmotte, became a haven for artists like Niki de Saint Phalle, César, and Jean Tinguely, whom he counted among his close friends. He played a vital role in championing their work, becoming a key figure in the French art scene from the 1960s onwards. His connections weren't just professional; they were deeply personal, a fact that resonates throughout the collection.

Born into a family with a strong artistic lineage – his father's side descended from the founders of the Lehman bank, while his mother's family were renowned color merchants for Versailles – Lehmann-Lefranc seemed destined for a life immersed in art. He not only collected but actively participated in the art world, serving as publications director at the Centre Pompidou and continuing his family's tradition of patronage by donating pieces from his collection to French museums.

The collection itself is a testament to Lehmann-Lefranc's discerning eye and his deep connection to the artists. It's a carefully woven narrative, with each piece in conversation with the others. Dominating the collection is an extraordinary "Tir" (shooting painting) by Niki de Saint Phalle from 1961. Lehmann-Lefranc was there, at the Impasse Ronsin in Paris, witnessing the creation of this iconic work, a spectacle of art and action. He acquired it that very evening, at the opening of Niki's "Feu à volonté" exhibition at Galerie J (owned by Jeanine de Goldschmidt, the wife of Lehmann-Lefranc's close friend, Pierre Restany). Robert Rauschenberg, also present, acquired another "Tir" that night; these were the only two works sold at the opening. This particular "Tir (Old Master)" has remained a cornerstone of Lehmann-Lefranc's collection for over sixty years.

But the sale isn't just about one piece. It's about the constellation of artists Lehmann-Lefranc championed. Imagine a monumental diptych by Claude Viallat, its vibrant colors echoing the playful energy of Jean Tinguely's kinetic sculpture, "Ochre, Bistre, Green." Nearby, the delicate form of Germaine Richier's "Grain" offers a moment of quiet contemplation, while César's instantly recognizable "Thumb" adds a touch of pop art flair. Each piece tells a story, not just of its creation, but of the friendship between the artist and the collector.

This auction offers a unique opportunity to own not just a piece of modern art, but a piece of Marcel Lehmann-Lefranc's story, a story intimately intertwined with the vibrant heart of 20th-century French art. It's a chance to acquire a work that was chosen with passion, displayed with love, and represents a lifelong dedication to the arts.