A lawyer who worked on some of France's most high profile criminal cases of the 20th century, Paul Lombard (1927-2017) was a high profile friend of the arts. A close companion of César, a fellow Marseillais, who throughout his lifetime Lombard collected pieces from 1870 to 2000. His collection includes work by Marc Chagall, Paul Sérusier, Maurice Denis and Robert Combas as well as César.
Now, 200 20th century paintings and sculptures will come to auction at Artcurial on 10th October. The collection has combined estimate of £2.66 million (€3 million.) Francois Tajan, Artcurial's Deputy Chairman explained how ''Paul Lombard built his collection with conviction, curiosity and eclecticism.'' Continuing to say how ''his job as a lawyer, and often as a friend, to a large number of estates of the 20th century's greatest artists only helped to reinforce the fertile passage between both his passions.''
As well as collecting their works, Lombard was responsible for the estates of some of the 20th century's most revered artists, including: Pablo Picasso, Pierre Bonnard, Marc Chagall and César.
Lombard's professional activity merged with his passion for art and was then also liable for the successions of French art dealer Aimé Maeght and César. He served as counsel to Chagall's widow Vava as well as to Maya Widmaier-Picasso, who was recognised as a daughter of Picasso's thanks to Lombard.
Paul Lombard's collection at Artcurial will feature painting, drawings and sculpture by some of the greatest creative minds of the 20th century. See the full catalogue here.