Picasso, Léger, Rodin, and More Headline Freeman’s Impressionist and Modern Art Auction

Freeman’s Fall Impressionist and Modern Art auction is led by remarkable works by Pablo Picasso, Fernand Léger, Auguste Rodin, Raoul Dufy, Louis Valtat, Henri Lebasque, and many other masters of the movement. The October 27 sale is led by an exceptionally rare, recently rediscovered ceramic by Pablo Picasso and a richly colored watercolor and gouache by Fernand Léger from a prestigious anonymous American collection.

A Woman Crowned With Flowers

In 1946, Pablo Picasso discovered in the pottery workshops of Vallauris a medium that would become an important part of his artistic practice. Through his collaboration with Suzanne and Georges Ramié at the Madoura workshop, he explored the possibilities of earthenware, transforming traditional vessels into expressive forms that blurred the boundaries between painting, sculpture, and the decorative arts.

Conceived in 1954, Vase Femme Pichet is based on the model cataloged by Alain Ramié as no. 236, Tête de Femme Couronnée de Fleurs, produced in two editions: an unglazed white version of 50 and a colored version of 100. The work offered in the auction (lot 32; estimate: $200,000 – 300,000) is a unique prototype, distinguished by its exceptionally delicate, chiseled floral crown. Against the softly rounded face, defined by bold, gestural brushstrokes, the flowers emerge in vivid relief, their rich green, yellow, and blue glazes accentuated by touches of red. This striking contrast between the spontaneity of Picasso’s painted lines and the refined sculptural treatment of the crown gives the work its singular character.

Only two comparable examples are known: one made for Suzanne and Georges Ramié themselves, and another held in the Design Museum Den Bosch in the Netherlands.

Property from The Estate of Arthur Schleifer, Jr.

Freeman’s is also proud to unveil the Collection of Arthur Schleifer of Boston, featuring a distinguished collection of Post-Impressionist works by Raoul Dufy, Louis Valtat, Henri Lebasque, and others. Many of the works have been in private hands for over three decades, which is anticipated to spark global interest.

The top lot of the collection is Germaine Richier’s (French, 1904-1959) 1945 bronze La Sauterelle, Moyenne (lot 90; estimate: $80,000 – 120,000). The work is emblematic of her later work, where Richier turned to hybrid beings meant to challenge conventional ideals of beauty and the human form. La Sauterelle, Moyenne depicts a crouching, grasshopper-like figure whose elongated limbs and angular body appear poised between stillness and sudden movement.

Undoubtedly One of the Finest Rodin Examples of Its Kind

Among the auction's many highlights is a remarkable watercolor by Auguste Rodin (French, 1840-1917) with a special connection to Freeman’s hometown of Philadelphia. Femme au Pyjama Noir Entrouvert (lot 33; estimate: $10,000 – 15,000), executed in the late 1890s, is a striking watercolor and pencil on paper laid to board belonging to the celebrated Femmes pyjama series. Its large scale and exceptionally beautiful, marbled effects make it a particularly compelling example of the series, or, as the Rodin expert and art historian Christina Uribe put it, it is “undoubtedly one of the finest examples of its kind."

The work's provenance adds to its value. In addition to being among the few drawings from the Femmes pyjama series exhibited in London in 1901 at the Royal Institute Galleries, it also belonged to Jules E. Mastbaum, the prominent Philadelphia collector and philanthropist whose celebrated collection formed the foundation of the city’s Rodin Museum.

Other Highlights

• Lot 20 | Fernand Léger (French, 1881-1955)
  Les Constructeurs au Vélo, 1950
  $150,000 – 250,000
• Lot 3 | Édouard Vuillard (French, 1868-1940)
  Le Poulailler du Château des Clayes, 1939
  $80,000 – 120,000
• Lot 91 | El Lissitzky (Russian, 1890-1941)
  Proun (Schizzo), c. 1922-1923
  $70,000 – 90,000
• Lot 71 | Dame Laura Knight (British, 1877-1970)
  Children in a Rowboat, 1916
  $50,000 – 80,000

Auction Information

Impressionist and Modern Art
Tuesday, October 27, 2026 | 11:00 a.m. EST
32 East 67th Street, New York

Preview Exhibition: October 20-24 & October 26, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

For additional information, to view the complete catalogue or to register to bid, visit:
https://freemansauction.com/auction/6559-impressionist-and-modern-art

How to Bid

Impressionist and Modern Art auction will be offered on October 27 at 11:00 a.m. EST in Freeman’s New York saleroom. Bidding will be available in person, over the phone, and via absentee or live online bidding. For more information, please visit freemansauction.com.

About Freeman’s

Freeman’s is a premier American auction house offering services in multiple categories including fine art, jewelry, design, books and manuscripts, furniture, decorative arts, antiquities, couture, and Asian works of art. With 16 regional locations nationwide, the firm provides auctions, appraisals, private sales, and art advisory services, connecting clients to the global art market. Freeman’s strives to bring art, history, and design to life by connecting people with extraordinary objects through exceptional service and expertise.