Monsoon Founder Sells Art Collection for 130 Million Euros

The entrepreneur's collection is considered one of the most significant private collections of modernism and contemporary art to appear on the auction market in recent times. The main lot will be a painting by British artist Francis Bacon, created in 1978. According to preliminary estimates by experts, its value could range from 15 to 19 million euros. The canvas belongs to the period of Bacon's work that followed the death of his close friend and partner George Dyer in 1971. This tragedy had a profound impact on the artist and is reflected in many of his works. In addition to Bacon, collectors will be offered works by other famous masters. Among them are pieces by Dutch abstract painter Piet Mondrian, one of the founders of pop art Andy Warhol, and Spanish surrealist Joan Miró. Particular interest is drawn to a rare painting by Miró, dated 1925, as well as a work by American artist Willem de Kooning, one of the leading representatives of abstract expressionism. Simon’s decision to sell such a large collection has generated significant interest in the international art market. Collections like this, formed by private owners over many years, are relatively rarely put up for public auction in their entirety. It is expected that there will be competition for the most valuable works among private collectors, major galleries, and museums interested in expanding their collections. Peter Simon is best known as the founder of the British fashion brand Monsoon, which gained widespread popularity for its ethnic-inspired clothing and unusual design solutions. The upcoming auction could become one of the most notable events in the global art market this autumn. The final value of the collection will depend on the auction results: the preliminary estimate of 130 million euros does not necessarily mean that all works will be sold for that amount.