An international auction is scheduled for Monaco in October 2025, offering a significant collection of personal mementos belonging to the renowned Soviet-era actor and poet, Vladimir Vysotsky. The esteemed auction house Hermitage Fine Art is orchestrating the event, which promises to provide an unparalleled look into the life and creative output of the cultural icon. This assembly of relics offers admirers a chance to acquire tangible pieces connected to a life marked by intense artistic conviction.
Among the most anticipated items is a bronze sculptural death mask of Vysotsky, a poignant piece commissioned in 1980 under the supervision of his wife, the acclaimed French actress Marina Vlady. This specific mask is confirmed as the first of three known bronze casts made from the original plaster mold, which was created by sculptor Yuri Vasilyev shortly after Vysotsky’s death on July 25, 1980. The pre-sale valuation for this mask is substantial, estimated at €100,000 to €120,000, reflecting its historical and artistic significance.
Further underscoring the immediacy of his final days, the sale includes Vysotsky's last known handwritten communication. This brief note, penned on a travel agency card on June 11, 1980, carries a conservative appraisal between €10,000 and €15,000, serving as a stark final testament. Additionally, photographic records capturing the couple's shared journey are featured, including a notable 1975 portrait from their time in New York, with valuations ranging from starting bids of €80 up to €1,200.
The auction also presents a substantial icon, which was a gift to Vysotsky and Vlady upon their 1971 wedding in Moscow; it is expected to command a minimum of €1,200 and is authenticated with a certificate from the Tretyakov Gallery. Beyond items directly linked to the poet, the sale includes jewelry once owned by Marina Vlady, such as platinum brooches and a gold bracelet. The selection of Monaco as the venue elevates the profile of this singular occasion, positioning these personal effects within a global arena for high-value art and memorabilia.