Right: Alexander Calder Butterfly 1968For the collector, the pursuit of a major modern masterpiece is defined by two imperatives: unquestionable authenticity and definitive provenance. Since 1989, Galerie AB, nestled in Paris's historic Saint-Germain-des-Prés, has served as the discreet European source for blue-chip modern art. Founded and directed by Agnès Aittouares, a certified expert with the FNEPSA, we offer more than acquisition; we provide a bridge to the seminal movements of the 20th century, with a curatorial focus on the transformative power of line, form, and abstraction.
Under the expert guidance of Agnès Aittouares, our gallery operates at the nexus of scholarship and the market. Our dual identity—as both a premier gallery and a dedicated art expertise cabinet—ensures every work is vetted with academic rigor. We collaborate with major museums and institutions worldwide, a testament to our standing. For the American client, this translates into absolute confidence. Each piece in our collection, from a Cubist drawing to a lyrical abstraction, is accompanied by exhaustive documentation and a certificate of authenticity.
Our current acquisition offerings honor the revolutionary artists who redefined vision. We specialize in works on paper and canvas that reveal the artist's hand and intellect, from the foundational strokes of Cubism to the expansive gestures of Abstract Expressionism.
Explore the genesis of modern art with works that deconstruct and reinvent perception. We offer select, authenticated drawings and paintings from the Cubist period, where the radical ideas of Picasso, Braque, and Albert Gleizes were first realized. These are not merely studies; they are the essential blueprints of modern art.
Discover the poetic and symbolic narratives of Joan Miró and Marc Chagall. Their works on paper—drawings, gouaches, pastels—unlock intimate, dreamlike worlds. As seen in our recent monographic exhibitions, these pieces showcase the effortless fluidity and inventive symbolism that define their legacy.
Engage with the dynamic language of post-war abstraction. From the playful, suspended universes of Alexander Calder to the intense, gestural works of Hans Hartung and Sam Francis, our collection represents key figures who pushed the boundaries of non-representational art. Each work embodies a unique dialogue between spontaneity and control.
We have refined a personalized process to facilitate secure and elegant acquisitions for our overseas patrons.
We invite you to connect with our art advisory team to explore our current portfolio of available works by Picasso, Calder, Chagall, Miró, and other defining artists.
The path to ownership of a defining modern masterpiece starts with a conversation. Connect with our art advisory team to explore our current portfolio.
📞 +33 (0)1 45 23 41 16You have reached the definitive destination for acquiring high-level European modernism with absolute certainty. Welcome to a space where the rigorous standards of French expertise meet the discerning needs of the American collector. In the heart of Paris, within the historic district of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, lies a gateway to the most prestigious signatures of the 20th century. Acquiring a masterpiece is not merely a transaction; it is a profound commitment to cultural heritage and financial prudence. For the sophisticated American buyer, the distance between New York and Paris vanishes when trust is established through transparency. You are not seeking a mere decorative object to fill a void on a wall. You are looking for a tangible asset that carries the weight of history and the seal of authenticity. You require a work that has been vetted with the precision of an expert and the passion of a connoisseur. This is the world of blue-chip art, where liquidity meets legacy. Whether you are a seasoned collector or a family office representative, your objectives remain the same: security, provenance, and long-term value. European art markets offer a unique vantage point, providing access to pieces that have remained in private hands for generations. The transition of these works to American collections requires a specialised bridge built on expertise and impeccable logistics. At Galerie AB, we provide that bridge, ensuring that every acquisition is a seamless journey from our Parisian walls to your home or office. We invite you to explore why the most successful American collectors look toward Saint-Germain-des-Prés for their next major acquisition.
While the United States remains the powerhouse of the global art market, the historical source of modernism is firmly rooted in European soil. Paris was the crucible of the avant-garde, the place where the definitions of modern art were written and rewritten. Many of the most significant works by masters like Picasso, Miró, or Chagall are still held within European estates and private foundations. Sourcing directly from the heart of the European market allows you to bypass the overcrowded auction rooms of Manhattan. It provides a first-look advantage at works that have not been "over-exposed" to the global market. A work with a "fresh-to-market" status always commands a premium and offers a more exciting narrative for a collection. In Europe, particularly in France, the legal framework surrounding art expertise is exceptionally stringent. This provides an added layer of protection for the American buyer who may be unfamiliar with local nuances. The provenance of a work found in a Parisian gallery often stretches back to the artist's own studio or their primary European dealers. This direct lineage is the "gold standard" of the art world. By purchasing in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, you are placing yourself at the very source of the 20th-century art movement. You are benefiting from a density of expertise that is virtually unmatched anywhere else in the world. Our gallery serves as your eyes and ears on the ground, identifying opportunities before they reach the international circuit. We understand that as an American collector, you value efficiency and clarity above all else. Our mission is to provide the historical depth of the European market with the professional responsiveness you expect in the United States.
The terms "major" and "authentic" are frequently used, but in the high-stakes art market, they carry very specific technical meanings. A major work is not defined by its physical dimensions, but by its historical significance and its place within the artist's oeuvre. It represents a "key period"—a moment of innovation or a peak in the artist's creative output. For a Picasso, this might mean a work from the Cubist era or a significant late-period drawing that shows his enduring vigour. For a Calder, it might be a mobile or a gouache that perfectly captures the balance and rhythm of his kinetic vision. A major work is "museum-quality," meaning it is a piece that an institution would be proud to include in a retrospective. It is often a work that has been referenced in literature, included in major exhibitions, or featured in a catalogue raisonné. Authenticity, on the other hand, is the bedrock upon which the entire value of the work rests. In the modern market, authenticity is not a matter of opinion; it is a matter of documented fact. It requires a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) issued by the universally recognised authority for that specific artist. Without the correct COA, a work of art is effectively illiquid and loses its status as an investment-grade asset. We ensure that every piece in our collection is accompanied by the necessary documentation from the official committees. Whether it is the Picasso Administration, the Miró Successio, or the Comité Marc Chagall, we handle all the verification processes. This rigorous approach eliminates the risk for the buyer and secures the future resale value of the work. Authenticity also involves a deep dive into the physical state of the work through detailed condition reports. We use professional restorers and conservators to examine every centimetre of the piece under UV light and high magnification. When we say a work is authentic and major, we back that claim with a comprehensive dossier of evidence.
Since its founding in 1989, Galerie AB has established itself as a cornerstone of the Parisian art scene. The gallery is led by Agnès Aittouares, a name synonymous with integrity and deep historical knowledge. Agnès is not just a gallerist; she is a certified expert member of the FNEPSA (Fédération Nationale d'Experts Professionnels Spécialisés en Art). This dual status is a critical advantage for our clients. It means the gallery operates with the rigour of an appraisal office while offering the curated selection of a top-tier art space. Located in the 6th arrondissement, we are surrounded by the ghosts of the giants of modern art. Saint-Germain-des-Prés was the meeting place for Sartre, Picasso, and the intellectual elite of the post-war era. Operating in this environment requires a commitment to excellence that goes beyond mere commerce. We treat every inquiry with the utmost confidentiality and professional courtesy. Our team is fluent in the complexities of the international art market and understands the specific needs of American clients. We provide a bespoke service that ranges from identifying a single masterpiece to building a comprehensive collection. The gallery's longevity—spanning over three decades—is a testament to our stability and our clients' trust. In a world of "pop-up" galleries and digital platforms, Galerie AB offers the permanence of a brick-and-mortar institution. We invite you to call us directly to discuss our current inventory and the specific artists you are targeting. Our telephone consultations are designed to provide immediate clarity on pricing, availability, and documentation.
Pablo Picasso remains the most influential artist of the 20th century and the primary driver of the modern art market. For the American collector, Picasso represents the ultimate "safe haven" asset. His market is characterised by immense depth, global demand, and high liquidity. However, navigating the Picasso market requires a sophisticated understanding of his various periods and mediums. While his oil paintings reach astronomical prices, his works on paper offer a more accessible entry point for strategic investment. A Cubist drawing from 1910-1912 is often more historically significant than a larger canvas from a less critical year. We specialise in sourcing Picasso works that possess an "irreproachable provenance." A provenance that includes names like Kahnweiler, Rosenberg, or Berggruen adds an invisible layer of value to the piece. These names are the pedigree of the art world, confirming that the work was handled by the most important dealers of the century. We also focus on the condition of the paper or canvas, ensuring that no aggressive restoration has compromised the artist's original intent. When you acquire a Picasso through Galerie AB, you are receiving more than a signature; you are receiving a verified piece of history. We provide the latest market data to help you understand the price trajectory of the specific work you are considering. Our goal is to ensure that your Picasso acquisition serves as a strong foundation for your overall art portfolio. A simple phone call to our Paris office can provide you with a high-definition preview of our current Picasso holdings. We can discuss the nuances of the work's inclusion in the Zervos catalogue and its exhibition history.
Joan Miró and Marc Chagall are two of the most beloved figures in American museum collections. Their work resonates with a sense of lyricism and freedom that has always appealed to the US sensibility. Miró's surrealist vocabulary—his stars, moons, and biomorphic shapes—is universally recognised and highly sought after. Investing in Miró requires a focus on his "vibrant" periods, where his use of primary colours and spatial balance is at its peak. We ensure that every Miró we offer is fully vetted by the Successió Miró in Palma de Mallorca. Chagall, the poet of the "Paris School," offers a different kind of investment opportunity. His work is steeped in folklore, love, and a unique dream-like atmosphere. The market for Chagall is robust, particularly for his gouaches and oil paintings that feature his iconic themes of lovers and bouquets. Authenticity for Chagall is managed by the Comité Marc Chagall, and we never present a work without their prior approval. For both artists, works on paper—such as pastels or watercolours—represent a highly sophisticated area for collectors. These works often possess a freshness and intimacy that is lost in larger, more formal compositions. They also allow for a more diversified collection, enabling you to own multiple "major" works rather than one single canvas. We provide detailed high-resolution imagery and video walkthroughs of these works for our American clients. This allows you to appreciate the texture of the paper and the brilliance of the pigment from the comfort of your office. Our expertise ensures that the "visual impact" of the work is matched by its "documentary strength."
Alexander Calder is perhaps the most "French" of all American artists, making him a natural focus for our gallery. His years in Paris were transformative, leading to the invention of the mobile and the revolution of kinetic sculpture. Calder is a staple of the American market, with his work featuring prominently in every major US museum. However, the European market often yields exceptional Calder works on paper and smaller stabiles that are highly competitive in price. His gouaches, in particular, are a masterclass in the use of red, yellow, blue, and black. They are the "energy cells" of his larger sculptural projects and hold significant investment value. Every Calder work we handle is submitted to or has been archived by the Calder Foundation in New York. This ensures that your investment is recognised by the highest authority in the field. Calder's work has shown remarkable price stability and growth over the last two decades. It is an artist that appeals across generations, making it an ideal choice for family estate planning. We can help you identify Calder pieces that provide the best "ratio" of historical importance to price. Our proximity to European private collections allows us to find Calder works that have not been seen on the market for 30 or 40 years. This scarcity is a key driver of value in the contemporary art market. If you are looking to add a Calder to your collection, our gallery provides the expertise to ensure it is a "major" example of his genius.
In the high-end art market, the back of a painting is often as important as the front. Labels from historic galleries, stamps from customs offices, and handwritten notes from previous owners tell a story. This story is what we call "provenance," and it is the single most important factor in determining an artwork's value. A work with a "broken" or "missing" provenance history is a risk that a professional collector should never take. At Galerie AB, we conduct exhaustive research into the "pedigree" of every work we represent. We consult library archives, exhibition catalogues, and database records to reconstruct the work's journey through time. We look for "prestigious" provenance—ownership by famous collectors, writers, or historical figures. Such a history can increase the value of a work by a significant percentage compared to an identical piece with an anonymous past. We also verify that the work has not been flagged in any database of looted or stolen art. This due diligence is essential for the "peace of mind" of our American clients, especially given the strict regulations of the US market. When you receive a dossier from us, it includes a complete timeline of the work's ownership and exhibition history. This documentation is not just a formality; it is a vital part of your asset's "identity card." It protects you during future appraisals for insurance, tax purposes, or potential resale. We believe that transparency in provenance is the highest form of service we can offer. Our reputation as experts depends on our ability to provide ironclad documentation for every major and authentic modern artwork we sell.
The prospect of buying art in Paris and shipping it to Los Angeles, Chicago, or Miami may seem daunting. However, we have refined our logistics process to make it as simple as a domestic purchase. We work with the world's leading art transport companies, specialising in climate-controlled, secure international shipping. For our American clients, we handle all the complexities of French export licenses. These licenses are required for certain works of cultural significance and act as a final "seal of approval" from the French state. We also manage all customs documentation to ensure a smooth entry into the United States. It is important to note that, in most cases, original works of art are duty-free when imported into the US. We provide "white-glove" delivery services, meaning the artwork can be delivered directly to your home and professionally installed. Insurance is another critical component; the work is covered by a "nail-to-nail" policy from the moment it leaves our gallery until it is hung on your wall. We also offer flexible viewing options for those who cannot travel to Paris immediately. Through high-definition video conferencing, we can show you the work in different lighting conditions and provide a "live" commentary. We can place the work next to common objects to help you gauge its scale and presence. For significant acquisitions, we can also arrange for a private viewing in a US-based facility if required. Our goal is to remove every friction point from the international acquisition process. Your only focus should be the beauty and the value of the artwork itself.
In an era of volatile financial markets, major and authentic modern artworks have proven to be a resilient asset class. Blue-chip art typically shows a low correlation with traditional markets like stocks or bonds. It acts as a powerful hedge against inflation, as the supply of "masterpieces" is inherently finite. Unlike contemporary art, which can be subject to the whims of fashion and speculation, modern art has a "historical floor." The artists we represent—Picasso, Miró, Calder—are permanent fixtures in the history of humanity. Their place in the "canon" is secure, meaning the demand for their best work will always exist. Strategic art investment requires a long-term horizon and a focus on quality over quantity. It is better to own one "major" work on paper with a perfect provenance than three mediocre canvases with questionable histories. We assist our clients in identifying "undervalued" niches within the modern market. For example, certain periods of a master's career may be currently overlooked but are ripe for institutional "re-discovery." We provide the historical context that allows you to see these opportunities before they become mainstream. Art is also a "mobile" asset, providing a unique form of geographical diversification for your wealth. Our consultations often involve discussions with family offices and wealth managers to ensure the art fits within a broader estate strategy. We provide regular valuation updates so you can track the performance of your collection over time. Investing in art is a journey that combines intellectual stimulation with financial discipline.
The art market is built on relationships and specialized knowledge. A website can provide a glimpse of our collection, but a conversation provides the depth you need to make an informed decision. We encourage American collectors to reach out to us by telephone to establish a direct connection. A phone call allows us to understand your specific tastes, your current collection, and your future goals. We can inform you about "off-market" opportunities—works that are available privately but are not listed on our website. Many of the most significant transactions in the art world happen "behind the scenes" to protect the privacy of both buyer and seller. By engaging in a consultation, you gain access to this "inner circle" of the Parisian art market. We can provide immediate answers to technical questions about condition, pricing, and documentation. We can also offer advice on how to start a collection if you are new to the field of modern art. Our approach is one of "education-first" marketing; we want you to be the most informed person in the room. Whether you are calling from the East Coast or the West Coast, we accommodate your time zone for your convenience. Our gallery is a place of welcoming expertise, not of intimidation. We take pride in sharing our passion for 20th-century masters with a global audience. Pick up the phone and discover the difference that professional French expertise can make to your collection. The next masterpiece for your home is waiting in our Saint-Germain-des-Prés gallery.
Building a collection of modern art is one of the most rewarding endeavours a person can undertake. It is an investment in beauty, history, and the enduring power of human creativity. But it is an endeavour that requires the right partners. At Galerie AB, we offer the expertise, the heritage, and the professional integrity to help you succeed. From the streets of Saint-Germain-des-Prés to the galleries of the United States, we are the bridge that connects you to the masters. We invite you to take the next step in your collecting journey. Contact us today to discuss how we can help you acquire your next significant piece. Our telephone lines are open, and our experts are ready to provide the insights you need. Visit our website to view our current curated selection of 20th-century masterpieces. We look forward to becoming your trusted partner in the world of high-level art acquisition. For all inquiries, please call us directly or visit our online viewing room. Experience the rigour of French expertise and the brilliance of the modern masters. Major and authentic modern artworks.
Authenticity is our cornerstone. As a FNEPSA-certified expert, Agnès Aittouares personally oversees the due diligence for every work. We compile provenances, exhibition histories, and catalogue references. Where necessary, we liaise with artist foundations and committees. A formal certificate of authenticity from the gallery and its expert cabinet accompanies each acquisition.
Absolutely. We have established, long-term partnerships with premier fine art shippers specializing in transatlantic transport. We arrange door-to-door, fully insured, climate-controlled delivery. Our team prepares all required CITES and customs documentation (including ATA carnets for temporary import for fairs), ensuring a smooth arrival to your home or storage facility in the US.
We highly encourage it. Our gallery in Saint-Germain-des-Prés is an immersive experience. We gladly arrange private viewing appointments outside of public hours to offer you the undisturbed attention these works deserve. Consider pairing your visit with major Parisian art events like the Salon du Dessin or Art Paris.
While we frame each work as a cultural legacy, blue-chip modern art has demonstrated remarkable stability and appreciation. Works with impeccable provenance, exhibition history, and in strong condition—particularly key drawings and studies by masters like Picasso and Miró—are highly sought after in the global market, including at New York auctions. We provide transparent market context during your consultation.
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