Rare Egon Schiele’s Knabe in Matrosenanzug to be Auctioned at Christie’s

Christie’s is honoured to present Egon Schiele’s Knabe in Matrosenanzug (Boy in a Sailor Suit), estimated at £1,000,000 – £1,500,000, as a highlight of the 20th/21st Century: London Evening Sale on 5 March 2025.

Originally part of Fritz Grünbaum’s renowned collection, the work is being offered following a restitution agreement.

Grünbaum, a celebrated cabaret performer and passionate art collector, assembled an extensive collection in Vienna before it was lost following the Nazi annexation of Austria in the late 1930s. He was later imprisoned and perished at Dachau concentration camp in 1941, while his wife, Lilly, was murdered at Maly Trostenets in 1942.

Michelle McMullan, Co-Head of the sale, described the artwork as “a seminal and iconic work by Schiele that shows him at the very height of his powers.”

Grünbaum’s heir, Timothy Reif, expressed gratitude for the restitution: “We are grateful that Fritz Grünbaum’s ownership of this superb work of art has been restored to history and that proceeds from this auction will help the Grünbaum Fischer Foundation support underrepresented performing artists.”

Marc Porter, Chairman of Christie’s Americas, added: “It’s been a privilege for Christie’s Restitution team to help tell the powerful story of Fritz Grünbaum and his collection, and bring another magnificent Schiele work on paper to the market.” Proceeds from the sale will benefit both the Grünbaum Fischer Foundation and the consignor’s chosen children’s charity, Kinderoase.

For over 25 years, Christie’s has been at the forefront of addressing Nazi-era art theft and dispossession, recognising the lasting impact of these losses on the art world. The auction house has the largest and most experienced Restitution team of any international auction house, with specialists based in key global locations. Their dedication to provenance research underscores Christie’s commitment to historical accountability and ethical responsibility in the art market.