In a landmark event set to captivate the global art market, Sotheby’s has announced the auction of the extraordinary Leonard Lauder Collection, valued at more than $400 million. This once-in-a-generation sale, scheduled for November 18, 2025, will take place at Sotheby’s newly opened global headquarters in the iconic Breuer Building on Madison Avenue, New York.
At the heart of this collection lies a trio of Gustav Klimt masterpieces, led by the Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer (1914–16), expected to fetch in excess of $150 million, making it one of the most valuable artworks ever to be offered at auction. This monumental sale not only marks a historic milestone for Sotheby’s but also heralds a major moment for collectors, art historians, and enthusiasts worldwide.
Leonard Lauder: The Collector and Philanthropist
Leonard Lauder, heir to the Estée Lauder cosmetics empire, was more than a collector—he was a visionary patron who passionately supported the arts throughout his lifetime. His carefully curated collection spans key moments in 20th-century art and design, featuring works by Klimt, Matisse, Picasso, Edvard Munch, Agnes Martin, and more.
Lauder’s deep commitment to cultural institutions is reflected in his longstanding association with the Whitney Museum of American Art, where he served as trustee and chairman emeritus, and his support of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. His philanthropic spirit will continue, as a portion of the proceeds from the auction will be donated to charitable causes, in keeping with his legacy Sotheby’s Announcement.
The Star of the Sale: Klimt’s Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer
The centerpiece of the sale is Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer, one of only two known full-length Klimt portraits still held in private hands. Painted between 1914 and 1916, this portrait depicts Elisabeth Lederer, the daughter of Klimt’s great patrons, August and Serena Lederer. The painting has been on loan to the National Gallery of Canada, attracting acclaim for its extraordinary detail, delicate use of gold leaf, and the psychological depth of the sitter.
This portrait is not only poised to set a new auction record for Klimt, surpassing the previous $106 million achieved by Lady with a Fan in 2023 at Sotheby’s London, but it also carries immense historical and artistic significance, capturing the height of Vienna's Golden Age The New York Times Coverage.
Additional Klimt Masterpieces and Highlights
Leonard Lauder’s collection also includes two previously unseen landscapes by Klimt, both estimated to command significant sums. These feature:
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Blooming Meadow (1908), a jewel-like mosaic of wildflowers painted during Klimt’s most prolific period, estimated between $80 million and $100 million.
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Forest Slope in Unterach on the Attersee (1916), created during Klimt’s late career in his beloved Austrian summer retreat, estimated at $70 million to $90 million.
These landscapes, never before offered at auction, deepen the understanding of Klimt's artistic evolution beyond his portraits, emphasizing his profound engagement with nature and light Artnet News.
Other Noteworthy Works in the Auction
Aside from Klimt’s treasures, the sale will showcase six bronze sculptures by Henri Matisse valued at around $30 million, an Edvard Munch painting estimated at $20 million, and an Agnes Martin work valued north of $10 million. The collection also features works by Pablo Picasso, Claes Oldenburg, and Coosje van Bruggen, representing a rich cross-section of modern and contemporary art Artnews Coverage.
This diversity illustrates Leonard Lauder’s broad connoisseurship, emphasizing his interest in different artistic media, countries, and styles.
Sotheby’s New Era in the Breuer Building
This event will also inaugurate Sotheby’s new global headquarters located in the Breuer Building, designed by Marcel Breuer and once home to the Whitney Museum. The historic venue is itself a modernist architectural landmark, symbolizing the bridge between art history, contemporary culture, and the art market The Art Newspaper.
By hosting the sale here, Sotheby’s is solidifying its commitment to historic prestige while embracing a forward-looking perspective aligned with Lauder’s vision of art patronage.
Impact on the Art Market and Cultural Landscape
This auction represents a major boost for the art market, which has faced fluctuating demand in recent years. The sale of such an iconic collection is expected to set new benchmarks and attract significant attention from collectors and institutions globally. It also sparks renewed interest in Vienna’s Secessionist movement and the broader narrative of early 20th-century modernism.
Philanthropic elements tied to the sale further highlight how art collecting intersects with cultural legacy and social responsibility, reflecting Lauder’s ethos.
References for Further Reading and Engagement
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Explore detailed auction catalog and background at the Sotheby’s Leonard Lauder Collection Series.
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Read comprehensive art market analysis on the collection’s impact in Artnet News.
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Discover insights about Klimt’s life and art through the Art History News.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: When and where is the Leonard Lauder Collection auction taking place?
A1: The main auction will be held on November 18, 2025, at Sotheby’s new global headquarters in the Breuer Building, New York.
Q2: What is the estimated value of the collection?
A2: The collection is valued at over $400 million, making it one of the most significant private collection sales ever.
Q3: Which artwork is predicted to sell for the highest price?
A3: Gustav Klimt’s Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer is expected to fetch over $150 million, potentially setting a new auction record for the artist.
Q4: What other notable works are included?
A4: Two important Klimt landscapes, six bronze sculptures by Henri Matisse, an Edvard Munch painting, and works by Picasso, Agnes Martin, and others.
Q5: What is the significance of the Breuer Building location?
A5: The building is a historic modernist architectural landmark that signals Sotheby’s blending of tradition and innovation.
Q6: Will any proceeds go to charity?
A6: Yes, some proceeds will be donated to philanthropic causes aligned with Leonard Lauder’s legacy as a patron of the arts.
Leonard Lauder’s collection sale at Sotheby’s stands as a defining moment in the art world, marrying historic legacy with contemporary market dynamics. This auction promises to inspire new generations of collectors, scholars, and art lovers, extending Lauder’s vision far into the future.