by Redazione 12/11/2026
Categories: Market / Disclaimer
On November 24 and 25, 2026, Il Ponte returns with its Modern and Contemporary Art auction, presenting a catalog that ranges from the great masters of the 20th century to international artistic trends. The highlight of the sale is a work by Cy Twombly with an estimate of 1–1.5 million euros.
A work by Cy Twombly (Lexington, 1928 – Rome, 2011), part of one of the most significant series in his oeuvre, is the highlight of the Modern and Contemporary Art auction organized by the Il Ponte auction house on November 24 and 25, 2026. The piece is *Untitled, January 1970, New York*, estimated at between 1,000,000 and 1,500,000 euros—a work that reflects a pivotal phase in the American artist’s creative exploration and his unique relationship with Rome. The work is part of the “Roman Notes” series, created in New York after a summer spent on Lake Bolsena. The early 1970s marked a decisive moment for Twombly, who, through this series, developed a personal and innovative artistic language situated at the intersection of painting, drawing, poetry, and writing. This creative journey was deeply rooted in classical culture and the city of Rome, which had captivated the artist since his first visit in the 1950s and became his home beginning in 1957. In *Untitled*, oil, wax pastel, and pencil intertwine on the paper, giving rise to a composition in which the painterly mark merges with that of writing, transcending any purely descriptive intent. Today, the “Roman Notes” are considered among the most important examples of Twombly’s artistic vision and are highly sought after by international collectors and museums.
In addition to the American artist’s work, the Il Ponte catalog offers a broad overview of the diverse artistic movements of the 20th century, from the avant-garde of early Italian Modernism to international experiments. Among the leading figures of the first half of the century are Alberto Martini, with *Sfinge* (lot 1, estimate 3,500–5,000 euros), Arturo Martini, represented by *Vittoria in cammino* (lot 16, 10,000–15,000 euros), and Mario Sironi, creator of *Macchina e tram* (lot 7, 15,000–25,000 euros). These are joined by Massimo Campigli’s *Frauen/Donne* (lot 18, 50,000–70,000 euros) and Giorgio de Chirico’s *Gli archeologi* (lot 23, 120,000–180,000 euros), a 1956 painting that revisits one of the most recognizable themes in the artist’s imagery.
The international dimension is represented by Jean Dubuffet, with *Chalutier d’Étaples II* (lot 26, 60,000–80,000 euros), a highly evocative composition, alongside works by Victor Vasarely and Hans Hartung.
The selection dedicated to Italian abstraction also takes on particular significance. Among the most important lots is Piero Dorazio’s *Taglio D* (lot 50, 100,000–150,000 euros), a large canvas created in 1971. The selection also includes two works by Carla Accardi: *Capriccio spagnolo 13* (lot 49, 40,000–60,000 euros) and *Rosso scuro* (lot 36, 40,000–60,000 euros). Lucio Fontana is represented by three works, including a historic *Concetto spaziale* (lot 24, 120,000–140,000 euros), which belongs to the 1955 *Gessi* series. Rounding out the selection are Salvo’s *Albero e sei lampioni* (lot 42, 80,000–120,000 euros), a large-scale work, and Emilio Scanavino’s *Struttura legata* (lot 48, 18,000–25,000 euros).
Sculpture constitutes another important section of the auction: the catalog features works by Giuseppe Uncini, Nunzio, Francesco Somaini, and Alberto Viani, representatives of various sculptural movements that helped renew the sculptural language of the 20th century.
The auction program continues with two sessions dedicated to fine art prints and multiples, featuring works by some of the most important international artists. From Joan Miró, Pablo Picasso, and Andy Warhol, the selection moves on to a significant collection of Italian prints, featuring works by Alberto Burri and Lucio Fontana, a section dedicated to Arte Povera, and works by Maurizio Cattelan.
The works will be presented at Palazzo Crivelli, the headquarters of Il Ponte, located at Via Pontaccio 12 in Milan. A private preview, by appointment only, will be available on November 17, 18, and 19, 2026. The exhibition open to the public will take place from November 20 to 22, offering visitors the opportunity to get an up-close look at the works selected for the auctions on November 24 and 25.
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| Cy Twombly Takes Center Stage at Il Ponte’s Auction: A Work from His “Roman Notes” Series Is Estimated at Up to 1.5 Million Euros |
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