Nine paintings signed by Romanian master Nicolae Tonitza recently sold for a total amount of over EUR 122,000 in an auction organized by the Sadde Auction House, France, according to Mediafax. The paintings came from the private collection of Stefania Manoliu, who was a friend and student of the Romanian painter Tonitza.

The highest bid of EUR 26,000 was obtained by a portrait representing a young girl in profile. The estimations for this painting were between EUR 15,000 and EUR 20,000. The other Tonitza paintings sold during the auction organized on March 25, 2013, were: Portrait de jeune fille ­- sold for EUR 4,100, Petite fille au turban à la lecture - EUR 4,200, Petite fille à la lecture - EUR 7,600, Portrait de femme - EUR 10,200, Portrait d'enfant au chapeau - EUR 13,000, Nu debout - EUR 22,000, Rosier grimpant - EUR 18,000 and Nu assis à l'étole rouge - sold for EUR 17,200.

Other paintings signed by Romanian painters Stefania Manoliu and Francisc Sirato, as well as works belonging to the Romanian 19th Century School were also sold at this auction.

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.

Irina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com

(photo source: interencheres.com)