History

Kunsthaus Lempertz, founded in 1845 in Cologne, is one of the leading art auction houses in Europe and the oldest family-owned one in the world. The history of the house began in 1845 with book auctions held by Mathias Lempertz in the Bonn office (based on the saleroom of J.M. Heberle founded in 1802) which was founded by him. Peter Hanstein buys the respected firm in 1875 and gradually moves the auction business to Cologne. In 1918 the building at Neumarkt is purchased. The classicist building is destroyed by bombs in 1943, like most of Cologne’s inner city. After the monetary reform Lempertz succeeds once more in establishing itself as the leading German art and auction house. A visible sign of this is the building at Neumarkt, completed in 1952, listed today in the Register of Historic Buildings. The Roman-Germanic Museum and the Wallraf-Richartz-Museum organize their first exhibitions here between 1953-1957. In 1965 the Gallery Lempertz Contempora is founded, an exhibition forum for contemporary art. In 1984 Lempertz complements its range by buying into the antique book store Venator. The name is changed to Venator & Hanstein.

Since the beginning of 2000, Kunsthaus Lempertz is the only German auction house to be part of the renowned International Auctioneers group (IA), a group that unites eight independent leading auction houses from eight countries.

Auctions

Auctions of books and graphic art mark the beginning. During the second half of the 19th century more and more paintings of old masters as well as decorative art are being auctioned. The first important collections begin to come to Lempertz for auction. The firm's reputation grows continuously. Soon Lempertz is one of the leading auction houses in Germany. Lempertz is the first European auction house, in 1908, to hold auctions of Asian art. Since 1958 separate auctions of modern art take place. In 1989 Lempertz becomes the first German auction house to hold independent auctions of contemporary art as well as photography and photographic art, positioning themselves as pioneers. Lempertz is also the only German auction house holding auctions abroad: since 1992 the Brussels branch holds auctions of African and Oceanic art. Approximately 18 auctions a year are being held at Lempertz in Cologne, accompanied by lavishly illustrated catalogues and previews one week prior to each auction. In addition to the spring and autumn auctions consisting of old masters, decorative arts, modern and contemporary art, photography and Asian art, there are two auctions of antiquarian books and prints, and the Tribal Art sale in our Brussels branch in spring.

Representatives

In 1965 the first representative office abroad is opened in New York. In the meantime, there are representatives in Tokyo, Shanghai, Zurich, and in São Paulo. In 1985 a branch in Brussels was reopened that organizes the preparation and execution of auctions as well as the previews of auctions taking place in Cologne. In Germany, Lempertz has branches in Berlin and Munich. The Berlin branch regularly holds the design and Berlin auctions in May, has regular previews and independent exhibitions on their own premises. Our representatives and experts at the Cologne headquarters are available for consultation and are happy to assist you regarding consignments without obligation.

Profile

Competent experts with profound knowledge of the art market produce richly illustrated catalogues of museum quality. Our long-standing experience and knowledge of the art market benefits our consignors and customers. Our competence, expertise, and experience acquired in over 150 years of contact with works of art and international markets have led to a multitude of national and international record-breaking prices. Numerous paintings, sculptures, and decorative art objects have been acquired by museums and private collectors throughout the world, and belong to the core of these collections ever since.

Lempertz as Mediator of Nationally Significant Works of Art

Lempertz has long been successful in mediating between private collectors and museums, and has been able to mediate nationally significant works of art of highest quality to public institutions. Kunsthaus Lempertz "plays a leading role in this sector depending on discretion" (Handelsblatt, August 7, 1999). Some examples are the estate of Marga Böhmer, the companion of Ernst Barlach, and the Otto Riese Collection of Switzerland, one of the largest private collections of Japanese woodcuts. Some recent mediations have been spectacular. In particular the purchase by the Archbishopric Museum of the Diocese of Cologne of a highly significant Romanesque ivory crucifix, one of the extremely rare examples of this type. Thanks to Lempertz' mediation, the German National Museum Nuremberg was able to obtain two famous tapestries, and a highly important Gothic ciborium with religious depictions on translucent enamel. With Lempertz’ assistance, the Museum of the Diocese of Eichstätt in Bavaria acquired two wall hangings from 1460 and 1519, resp., showing scenes from the life of Saint Walburga. Just as spectacular was the acquisition of the triptych of the legend of St. George by the Archbishopric of Cologne in spring of 1998. This painting - part of the famous Lyversberg Collection auctioned in its entirety by Lempertz in 1971 with partcipation of well-known foreign museums - was already catalogued and had created international interest. Advance bids of up to five million DM had been made. At the request of the Archbishopric, Lempertz renounced their right to auction this highly important triptych, and it has today reclaimed its rightful place in the Roman Basilica St. Kunibert in Cologne. In 2004 a particularly important picture from Master of the Bartholomew Altar was mediated for the Rheinische Landesmuseum in Bonn. The Adoration of the three Magi was top of the list of the most valuable national cultural assets in Northrhine-Westfalia. With the last available work on the market of this largely unknown late 15th century Master, the Landesmuseum in Bonn was able to crown its portfolio of late gothic art.