Sotheby's is set to unveil the art collection of the late Leonard A. Lauder, former chairman of Estée Lauder Companies, in a landmark auction valued at over $400 million. This significant event will also mark the opening of Sotheby's new global headquarters in the Breuer Building on Madison Avenue. The collection, a testament to Lauder's passion for art, will be presented starting November 18, 2025.
At the heart of the auction is Gustav Klimt's "Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer," a masterpiece from Vienna's Golden Age, with an anticipated sale price exceeding $150 million. This portrait is one of only two full-length Klimt portraits known to remain in private collections and has never been offered at auction before. Complementing this highlight are two other significant Klimt landscapes from his Attersee retreat: "Blooming Meadow," painted in 1908, estimated between $80 million and $100 million, and "Forest Slope in Unterach on the Attersee," from 1916, with an estimate of $70 million to $90 million. These landscapes also represent their auction debut.
The collection further boasts an impressive array of six Henri Matisse sculptures, collectively estimated at around $30 million. Renowned works by artists such as Edvard Munch and Agnes Martin are also featured, showcasing the breadth of Lauder's collecting acumen across various periods and mediums. The sale is expected to draw significant global attention and potentially revitalize the art market.
The choice of the Breuer Building for this momentous occasion is particularly significant. The modernist structure, originally designed by Marcel Breuer, has undergone extensive renovations. This historic venue will now commence its new chapter as Sotheby's primary New York location, symbolizing a fusion of architectural heritage and contemporary art commerce. The public will have the opportunity to experience this new space during its inaugural events leading up to the auction.
Leonard A. Lauder, who passed away in June 2025 at the age of 92, was not only a titan of the cosmetics industry but also a deeply committed patron of the arts. His contributions extended to transforming institutions like the Whitney and Metropolitan Museums. The consignment of his collection to Sotheby's underscores the immense value and historical significance attributed to these artworks. The sale represents a unique opportunity for collectors to acquire pieces that have been cherished and preserved by a true connoisseur, offering a glimpse into a pivotal era of 20th-century art.