Vietnamese Modernism at Auction | Lê Phổ, Vũ Cao Đàm & Important Vietnamese Art
As international demand for Vietnamese Modernist art continues to grow, Freeman's is launching a dedicated sale devoted to one of the most dynamic categories in the global art market.
Highlighting exceptional works by Lê Phổ and Vũ Cao Đàm, the auction celebrates artists whose works bridge Eastern traditions and Western modernism.
What Is Vietnamese Modernism?
The Origins of a Distinct Artistic Movement
Vietnamese Modernism emerged during the early twentieth century and stems from a group of artists trained at the École des Beaux-Arts de l'Indochineunder Victor Tardieu, who blended traditional Vietnamese aesthetics with European artistic techniques.
The result, throughout several years, was a unique visual language characterized by lyrical compositions, refined color palettes, cultural symbolism, technical innovation, and cross-cultural influences.
Lê Phó (French/Vietnamese, 1907-2001) Composition de Fleurs, c. 1983 | Price Realized | $197,350; Vũ Cao Đàm (French/Vietnamese, 1908–2000) Composition, 1984 | Price Realized $62,500
The École des Beaux-Arts de l'Indochine
The School That Shaped a Generation
Founded in Hanoi in 1925, the École des Beaux-Arts de l'Indochine became one of the most influential institutions in Southeast Asian art history.
The academy introduced Western academic training while encouraging students to explore local traditions and materials, helping create a distinctly Vietnamese artistic identity that continues to resonate with collectors worldwide.
Lê Phổ: Master of Vietnamese Modernism
A Global Market Favorite
Among the most celebrated figures of Vietnamese Modernism stands Lê Phổ, who developed a signature style known for its luminous color, elegant, elongated figures, and poetic, relaxing depictions of family, gardens, and daily life in Vietnam and abroad as the artist formally settled in Paris in 1937.
Lê Phó (French/Vietnamese, 1907–2001) "Sur La Terrasse" | Price Realized $140,000; Lê Phó (French/Vietnamese, 1907-2001) | L'Enfant aux Pavots | Price Realized $101,600
Vũ Cao Đàm: Bridging East and West
A Distinctive Artistic Voice
Vũ Cao Đàm was another important name associated with the expansion of Vietnamese Art out west. First established in Paris, he moved to the South of Franceresiding in Vence, where he met Henri Matisse. A sculptor by training, his art focused on women models, maternities as well as Vietnamese folklore and mythology, which he celebrated throughout his life to appeal his manyWestern Collectors, in Europe and in the United States.
Vũ Cao Ðàm (French/Vietnamese, 1908-2000) | Divinité Blanche, 1976 | Price Realized $102,100; Vũ Cao Đàm (French/ Vietnamese, 1908-2000) | Mother and Child | Price Realized $190,500
Why Collect Vietnamese Modernist Art?
Rising Global Demand
Collectors, institutions, and investors increasingly recognize Vietnamese Modernism as one of the most important and rapidly expanding sectors within the Asian art market.
A particularly heartwarming recent trend is the rise of Southeast Asian collectors joining this global movement, united by a shared effort to bring their beloved national heroes back home.
Contact a Specialist
Interested in buying or selling Vietnamese Modernist art? Connect with our specialists to discuss upcoming auctions, valuations, and collecting opportunities.
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Freeman’s to Present Important Pennsylvania Impressionist Works from the Martin Estate in November 3 Auction
On November 3, Freeman’s will present Pride of Place: Works from the Estate of Sydney F. and Sharon B. Martin – Part II, a distinguished collection of 30 paintings celebrating the landscapes, communities, and artistic traditions of Pennsylvania and the Delaware River Valley. Taking place in Philadelphia, the auction brings together important works by leading Pennsylvania Impressionists, including Daniel Garber, Edward Willis Redfield, George William Sotter, and Walter Emerson Baum, reflecting the Martins’ lifelong appreciation for the artists who captured the region they called home. The Martins were avid and early collectors of Pennsylvania Impressionism, assembling a collection distinguished by its quality, depth, and strong regional focus. Rooted in their affection for Bucks County, Pennsylvania and its artistic heritage, the collection reflects a discerning eye for works that capture the character of the region, from the rolling countryside and historic villages of the Delaware River Valley to its changing seasons and distinctive light. The November auction follows Freeman’s successful first offering from the estate in June 2023, when 24 of the 25 works offered found buyers. The second installment presents another opportunity to acquire paintings from this thoughtfully assembled collection, including significant examples by some of the most celebrated artists associated with the New Hope School. Adam Veil, VP, Head of Department, American Art & Pennsylvania Impressionists, states: “The Martins' collection is a heartfelt tribute to the place they loved, and the quality of the paintings reflects the care with which it was assembled. Freeman's has long been committed to Pennsylvania Impressionism, and this group is among the finest we've had the privilege to offer.” Auction Highlights Lot 20 | Daniel Garber, Stockton, 1922 Estimate: $150,000 – 250,000 Among the auction’s leading highlights is Daniel Garber’s Stockton, an evocative view of the Delaware River and the village of Stockton, New Jersey. Painted in 1922, the composition captures a leisurely summer afternoon, with figures playing croquet on a sunlit lawn overlooking the river and the village beyond. Garber’s luminous palette, broken brushwork, and carefully structured composition exemplify the artist’s celebrated approach to the landscapes of the Delaware River Valley. Painted at the height of Garber’s maturity, Stockton reflects his ability to unite the atmospheric qualities of Impressionism with a remarkable sense of clarity and form. The painting also boasts an extensive exhibition history, including at the Corcoran Gallery of Art, and has been featured in several notable publications on Pennsylvania Impressionism. Two significant works by Edward Willis Redfield showcase the artist’s mastery of the Pennsylvania landscape across the seasons. Spring Veil, a monumental depiction of the Delaware River Valley in full bloom, is among the largest canvases produced by the artist, measuring more than four feet in height. Its bold brushwork and vibrant palette capture the energy of spring, while its importance to Redfield is underscored by his decision to retain the painting throughout his lifetime. The work has been extensively exhibited and published, including in exhibitions at the James A. Michener Art Museum. In contrast, Winter in New Hope captures daily life in the historic Bucks County village on a snow-covered morning. A horse-drawn sleigh, villagers going about their routines, and colorful homes bring warmth and activity to the winter scene. Richly textured passages of snow and a brilliant turquoise sky exemplify Redfield’s celebrated approach to winter landscapes, which remain among his most admired works. George William Sotter’s Mill-Spring Valley offers a striking contrast to the sunlit landscapes of Garber and Redfield. Celebrated for his poetic moonlit scenes, Sotter transforms a snow-covered Bucks County landscape into an intimate nocturne, with a fieldstone mill, winding stream, and softly illuminated farmhouse windows set beneath a star-filled sky. A longtime resident of Holicong, Pennsylvania, Sotter developed a distinctive approach to landscape painting that combined the influence of the New Hope School with a deeply atmospheric sensibility. Mill-Spring Valley exemplifies his ability to capture the beauty and stillness of the region after dark, balancing the cool tones of the winter landscape with the inviting warmth of distant lights. Additional highlights from the collection include: Lot 10 | Edward Willis Redfield, Winter on the Farm (Farbotnik Farm), c. 1935-1940 Estimate: $100,000 – 150,000 Lot 21 | Daniel Garber, The Studio, 1922 Estimate: $60,000 – 100,000 Lot 5 | Edward Willis Redfield, Village Street Estimate: $50,000 – 80,000 Lot 30 | Mary Elizabeth Price, Still Life with Lillies and Foxgloves Estimate: $12,000 – 18,000 Together, the 30 works offer a compelling portrait of the artists and landscapes that defined Pennsylvania Impressionism. As a longstanding leader in the market for the category, Freeman’s is pleased to bring this significant collection to auction in Philadelphia, returning the Martins’ artistic legacy to the region that inspired it. Auction Information Pride of Place: Works from the Estate of Sydney F. and Sharon B. Martin – Part II Tuesday, November 3, 2026 | 1:00 p.m. EST 2400 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA Preview Exhibition: October 30–November 2, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. For additional information and to view the complete catalogue, visit: https://freemansauction.com/auction/6525-pride-of-place How to Bid The Pride of Place: Works from the Estate of Sydney F. and Sharon B. Martin – Part II auction will be offered on November 3 at 1:00 p.m. EST in Freeman’s Philadelphia 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 15 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.
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.
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Made In Normandy | What is the School of Rouen?
Freeman’s October 27 sale of Impressionist and Modern Art features several artists and landscapes that spotlight the École de Rouen, one of the most distinctive regional expressions of French Impressionism and Post-Impressionism. But what exactly was this movement that links to Claude Monet and Camillo Pissarro?
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