Tamara de Lempicka’s Portrait of a Famous Doctor Set to Be Auctioned for the First Time in 40 Years
# A Rare Portrait by Tamara de Lempicka Scheduled for Auction at Christie’s
Tamara de Lempicka, the renowned figure of Art Deco, is widely recognized for her alluring and glamorous depictions of strong, autonomous women. However, one of her scarce male portraits, *Portrait du Docteur Boucard* (1928), is set to be auctioned at Christie’s London on March 5, 2025. This eagerly awaited sale presents collectors and art aficionados with the chance to obtain a notable piece by one of the most impactful modern artists of the 20th century.
## **The Distinct Importance of *Portrait du Docteur Boucard***
Lempicka’s artistry represents the vibrant 1920s and early 1930s, a time characterized by elegance, affluence, and swift artistic transformation. *Portrait du Docteur Boucard* is particularly unique within her body of work, as it showcases one of the rare moments where a male subject is the focal point of her creations.
Dr. Pierre Boucard, a distinguished French bacteriologist and enthusiastic art collector, was the patron behind this portrait. In the artwork, Boucard is portrayed with an aura of intellectual confidence. Clad in a crisp white trench coat akin to a lab coat, the scientist radiates sophistication and composure. His left hand gently rests on a microscope, while his right hand grasps a test tube—both nuanced references to his pioneering efforts in modern pharmaceutical science.
In contrast to the vivacious female figures that Lempicka typically rendered in sensual, cubist-inspired styles, this portrait emanates a sense of masculine elegance. Boucard’s intense gaze, sharply contoured facial features, and upturned collar reflect the refined allure of Hollywood’s golden age, rendering the composition almost cinematic in nature.
## **The Artist’s Distinctive Art Deco Aesthetic**
Lempicka’s unique style harmoniously blends classical beauty with the geometric precision of Art Deco. Her works are distinguished by dramatic contrasts, sculptural shapes, and an undeniable sense of luxury. In *Portrait du Docteur Boucard*, her adept manipulation of light and shadow highlights Boucard’s features, underscoring his intelligence, grace, and presence.
This portrait captures the rising appreciation for individuality and ambition within the *haute société* of the late 1920s. Christie’s emphasizes that the artwork “exudes vitality” and embodies “a strikingly nuanced yet significant psychological exploration of the modern man.” The piece not only enshrines Boucard as a scientist but also as a cultured cosmopolitan—an individual committed to both knowledge and the arts.
## **The Legacy of Dr. Pierre Boucard**
Dr. Boucard made a considerable impact in the realm of medical science. In 1907, he was the innovator behind Lactéol, a groundbreaking probiotic that still shapes modern research focused on gut health. His advancements in bacteriology prompted notable progress in pharmaceutical science, solidifying his contributions as vital to contemporary medicine.
By commissioning Lempicka to create his portrait, Boucard guaranteed that his likeness would signify not just scientific acclaim but also the lavish elegance of his era. Few scientists during his time were portrayed in such a grand and stylish fashion, making this portrait a stunning amalgamation of art and intellect.
## **Anticipations for the Auction**
*Portrait du Docteur Boucard* has not been presented for public sale in over 40 years, marking its forthcoming auction as a significant occasion in the art market. Christie’s has estimated the painting’s value to be between £5 million and £8 million ($6.18 million and $9.89 million). Given Lempicka’s rising popularity among collectors, art connoisseurs will be closely monitoring if this unique male portrait achieves record-setting sales.
The existing auction record for a Lempicka piece stands at **£16.28 million ($21.16 million)**, established by *Portrait de Marjorie Ferry* in 2020. Should *Portrait du Docteur Boucard* inspire competitive bidding, it may follow a comparable trend, particularly due to its exceptional subject matter and historical relevance.
## **Tamara de Lempicka’s Enduring Impact**
Lempicka famously asserted, **”Among a hundred paintings, you could always recognize mine.”** Her distinctive artistic voice—defined by bold sophistication, strong lines, and an intrigue with modernity—continues to enchant art enthusiasts worldwide.
As the art community persists in reevaluating the impact of female modernists, Lempicka’s influential part in the Art Deco movement is firmly established. This impending auction serves as yet another affirmation of her brilliance and lasting allure.
For collectors, historians, and fans of Lempicka’s creations, March 5, 2025, promises to be a significant occasion—one likely to reinforce her status as one of the most sought-after artists of the 20th century.
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