Paintings by Romanian master Tonitza from a friend's private collection to go on auction in France

A collection of Romanian paintings, including ten by Nicolae Tonitza, one whose works currently holds the record price for a Romanian painting sold at auction, will go on sale on March 25. The auction is in Moulins, in the Auvergne region of Central France.

The collection belonged to Stéfania Manoliu, who was a friend, student and probably model of Romanian master Tonitza. The paintings have been in the possession of a Bourbon family for many years, according to the auctioneers, from Enchères Sadde. The highest estimate is for a portrait of a young girl in profile (in picture), which is expected to fetch between EUR 15,000 and EUR 20,000. Also among the collection are a number of other paintings of young girls, two nudes and some portraits. Two unsigned portraits attributed to Tonitza are also included. The estimates for the Tonitza paintings range from as low as EUR 3,000, but with the majority valued at between EUR 8,000 and EUR 15,000. The unsigned portraits are estimated at less than EUR 1,000. The rest of the collection comprises paintings by Stéfania Manoliu, the previous owner, and another Romanian painter of the early 20th Century, Francis Sirato. Nicolae Tonitza (1886 – 1940 ) was arguably the leading Romanian artist of his time and his paintings regularly fetch prices between EUR 150,000 and EUR 200,000 in auctions. His painting In iatac/In the Bedroom holds the record for a Romanian painting at auction – sold for EUR 290,000 in 2011. The artworks will be on exhibition a 9, Rue de Bouchers, Moulins, from March 22 to March 25. The auction itself is at the same address and starts at 14:00 on March 25. editor@romania-insider.com photo source: interencheres.com