An article by Lawrence Murray:

Christie’s Onzea-Govaerts Collection: Belgian Art Takes Center Stage in Paris Auction

On 27 March 2025, Christie's Paris presented the esteemed Onzea-Govaerts Collection, meticulously curated by renowned Belgian interior designer and art dealer Axel Vervoordt. The highly anticipated sale featured a carefully selected assortment of Flemish masterpieces, Asian artifacts, classic furniture, and contemporary art. Despite the substantial pre-auction focus on Pieter Brueghel the Younger's The Peasant Wedding (1622), it was Belgian Fauvist Rik Wouters’ captivating painting Reflets (1912) that ultimately became the auction’s unexpected highlight.

Christie’s promotional materials had spotlighted Brueghel's iconic depiction of rural festivity as the centerpiece of the auction, anticipating significant attention from collectors. However, the painting surprisingly failed to reach its reserve price, leaving it unsold. Conversely, Wouters' Reflets, initially estimated between €650,000 and €850,000, dramatically surpassed expectations, selling for an impressive €2,460,000 after fees. This strong result not only marked a standout moment of the evening but also underlined a renewed and growing international interest in Belgian art, signaling its steady ascension into the broader art-historical canon.

Pieter Brueghel the Younger’s The Peasant Wedding (1622): A masterpiece depicting a lively wedding feast, notable for being the only known signed and dated version among four listed variants. Image courtesy of Christies.com

Rik Wouters’ Reflets (1912): An intimate portrait of the artist's wife and muse, Nel, showcasing Wouters' Fauvist influences. Image courtesy of Christies.com

The Onzea-Govaerts Collection was brought together over four decades by Belgian entrepreneurs Joris Onzea and Suzanne Govaerts. Guided by Axel Vervoordt, whose curatorial vision seeks harmony and emotional connection between diverse objects, the couple assembled a deeply personal, refined collection. Highlighting Flemish Old Master paintings, classic English furniture, Asian artifacts, and works by significant contemporary artists—including Lucio Fontana and Yves Klein—the collection seamlessly combined different periods and cultures.

Christie’s thoughtfully mirrored Vervoordt’s aesthetic ethos within their exhibition space on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. The auction house recreated the sense of domestic harmony characteristic of the original Onzea-Govaerts home, displaying photographs illustrating how these works had once been displayed. The thoughtful arrangements allowed prospective buyers to clearly visualize the potential of each piece within their own homes, significantly enhancing the viewer’s connection to the art and driving interest during the sale.

The collection itself encapsulated Vervoordt’s distinct philosophy, which he described simply: "You rely on finding connections between objects on a deep, unspoken level." Indeed, visitors to the Paris exhibition encountered precisely such thoughtful juxtapositions. An Edo-period Japanese folding screen harmoniously complemented contemporary Belgian design by Ado Chale, while an early Fontana canvas from his career-defining Tagli series was thoughtfully placed alongside antiquities, creating a dialogue across centuries and cultures.

In reflecting on the extraordinary sale of Wouters' Reflets, it becomes clear that collectors increasingly seek artworks that resonate on personal and cultural levels. This growing acknowledgment of Belgian artists marks a subtle yet significant shift in the global art market's perception, one that Christie’s expertly harnessed through their elegant presentation of the Onzea-Govaerts Collection.

While the evening brought mixed fortunes—highlighted by the unsold Brueghel—it undoubtedly affirmed the significance and timeless appeal of curated, deeply personal collections. Ultimately, Christie’s Paris provided a compelling showcase of how thoughtfully presented art continues to find new appreciation, demonstrating the powerful allure of authenticity and harmony in the world of collecting.