César (1921-1998) and Jean-Claude Farhi (1940-2012) - Lot 183

César (1921-1998) and Jean-Claude Farhi (1940-2012) "Paire de colonnes lumineuses" 1970 Polished gilded bronze (traces of occidations), cylindrical shaft in blue methyl methacrylate Each signed on top and base and numbered 3A and 3B of 8 190 x 54 cm The same model also exists with pink columns. Provenance: Private collection, Paris Bibliography: "Les décorateurs des années 60-70", P. Favardin and G. Bloch-Champfort, Éditions Norma, Paris 2007, reproduced on page 26 for the same model "Yves Gastou antiquaire du futur", D. Antoine, Éditions Norma, Paris 2011, Reproduced on pages 130-131 for the same model in pink. In 1970, Jean-Marie Rossi and Philippe Durand-Ruel launched an innovative project at Galerie Aveline, entitled "Antiquités du XXe siècle". This initiative aimed to bring contemporary art closer to the traditional codes of antiquity by presenting works by major contemporary artists such as César, Farhi and Hiquily in a context that echoed ancient objects, notably antique sculptures. The concept of "twentieth-century antiquity" was a way of questioning and redefining art history by confronting modernity with the forms and symbols of the past. César's sculptures, known for their use of compression, and Hiquily's, famous for their exploration of sensuality and metal, were part of this reflection on how contemporary art could echo great traditions while reinterpreting them.