On March 5, 2026, Sotheby’s London will present the Modern & Modern British Day Auction, featuring a significant selection from the Collection of Erich & Senta Goeritz.
This collection represents a vital link to the early 20th-century European avant-garde, offering works that have remained within the same family for generations.
The auction highlights a transition from traditional Impressionism to the bold experimentation of the early modern era, providing a clear view of the market's current preference for documented provenance and historical relevance.
Max Liebermann: The Introspection of a Master
A focal point of the Goeritz collection is Selbstbildnis vor der Staffelei, sitzend nach rechts (1932) by Max Liebermann.
- The Context: Executed just three years before his death, this self-portrait captures Liebermann at a moment of profound personal and artistic reflection.
- Scarcity and Detail: An oil on panel measuring 31.2 by 25.1 cm, this work was acquired directly from the artist by the Goeritz family. It carries an estimate of 30,000 – 40,000 GBP.
- Technical Note: The work is notably recorded in the Eberle catalogue raisonné, and its reappearance on the market is a significant event for scholars of German Impressionism.
Gustave Loiseau: The Village Atmosphere
Representing the post-Impressionist tradition, Gustave Loiseau’s Au village (circa 1920) offers a vibrant study of French rural life.
- The Provenance: The painting has an exceptional lineage, having been acquired from the artist by the legendary dealer Durand-Ruel in 1921.
- The Market: With an estimate of 30,000 – 40,000 GBP, this oil on canvas is a testament to Loiseau’s mastery of light and texture. It is set to be included in the forthcoming catalogue raisonné by Didier Imbert, further securing its long-term value.
David Burliuk: The Storm of the Avant-Garde
For those seeking the raw energy of the early 20th century, David Burliuk’s Storm in Spring (circa 1910-1911) is a standout lot.
- The Movement: Burliuk was a central figure in the Der Blaue Reiter circle and a pioneer of the Ukrainian avant-garde.
- The History: Previously exhibited at the Leonard Hutton Galleries in New York in 1977, this work represents a pivotal moment in the development of modernism. It carries an estimate of 30,000 – 50,000 GBP.
The Security of Provenance
In the 2026 art market, the "Collection Effect" is a powerful indicator of value. When works like these emerge from a prestigious source like the Goeritz family, they bypass the skepticism often associated with single-lot entries. These pieces are not just paintings; they are part of a curated historical narrative. For the strategic collector, the Liebermann self-portrait or the Burliuk "Storm" offers a secure anchor in a portfolio, combining artistic merit with a transparent and respected history.
