Houston Auction to Feature Rare Modigliani and Dalí Masterworks

HOUSTON, TX – May 14, 2026 – The global art market's attention is turning to Houston this week, where a local auction house is preparing for what may be its most significant sale in a 45-year history. On Sunday, May 17, Lewis & Maese Antiques & Auctions will present a Fine Art & Antiques Auction headlined by two extraordinary finds: a charcoal study by Amedeo Modigliani with a prestigious European provenance and a privately commissioned oil painting by Salvador Dalí, accompanied by the artist's own correspondence.

The event, held both live at the firm's gallery and online, is poised to attract international bidders, placing the Houston-based company squarely on the world stage. The appearance of such high-caliber works by two of the 20th century's most iconic artists is a landmark moment, not only for the auction house but for the city's growing prominence in the high-stakes world of fine art.

The Stories Behind the Art

Beyond their aesthetic and technical brilliance, the true allure of the marquee lots lies in their unique and well-documented histories. These are not merely pictures, but artifacts with stories that dramatically enhance their value and desirability.

The centerpiece is Lot 431, Amedeo Modigliani's Femme assise en robe à motifs (Seated Woman in a Patterned Dress). This charcoal study, dated circa 1911, captures the graceful contours and expressive simplicity that would become the Italian artist's signature style. What elevates this piece to an exceptional status is its impeccable and unbroken provenance. The drawing's journey began with Modigliani's own estate before passing through the hands of legendary Parisian dealers, including Galerie Percier and Galerie Bernheim-Jeune. In 1935, it entered the revered collection of Baron Raoul de Rothschild, a name synonymous with elite European connoisseurship. The work is supported by a trove of archival material, including gallery invoices and collection inventory records, providing a rare and verifiable chain of ownership that is highly sought after by collectors and institutions.

Equally compelling is Lot 366, Salvador Dalí's The Astronaut, a surrealist oil on canvas from 1968. As a privately commissioned piece, it offers a glimpse into a more personal side of the flamboyant artist's career. The work's narrative is profoundly enriched by the inclusion of rare, personal correspondence from Dalí to the original owner. This direct documentation from the artist himself provides an intimate context for the painting's creation, a feature that transforms it from a simple transaction into a historical dialogue. For collectors, such a direct link to the artist is the holy grail, offering unimpeachable authenticity and a story that cannot be replicated.

A Houston Firm's Global Moment

For over four decades, Lewis & Maese has been a fixture in Houston's arts and antiques scene, building a solid reputation for professionalism and a discerning eye. With a 4.4-star rating from hundreds of reviews on platforms like LiveAuctioneers, the firm is praised for its knowledgeable staff and seamless process. This auction, however, represents a strategic leap from a respected regional player to a contender on the national and international circuits.

Securing masterworks by artists of Modigliani and Dalí's stature is a testament to the firm's established trust within the world of estate liquidation. The press release noted, "The combination of historical provenance and artistic significance in these works creates a remarkable opportunity for our clients. These discoveries are exactly what make estate auctions globally relevant today." This statement underscores a deliberate strategy to leverage unique estate finds for a global audience, a mission amplified by a marketing partnership with Advantage.Bid to expand their digital reach.

This event positions Houston as an increasingly important hub in the art market, capable of competing with traditional centers like New York and London. The ability of a local firm to source and present such significant pieces highlights a decentralizing trend in the market, where major discoveries are no longer confined to a handful of global capitals.

Reading the Market: High Stakes and Shifting Tides

The timing of this auction aligns perfectly with key trends shaping the contemporary art market. After a period of contraction, the global market showed signs of recovery in 2025, with public auction sales rebounding by 9%. More importantly, collector behavior has shifted. In a volatile economic climate, there is a pronounced "flight to quality," with buyers doubling down on artists with established, blue-chip reputations and proven historical endurance. Modigliani and Dalí are the epitome of such artists, their markets having weathered numerous economic cycles while retaining institutional validation.

Furthermore, today's collectors are increasingly selective, driven not just by an object's beauty but by its story, authenticity, and the experience it represents. The detailed provenance of the Modigliani and the personal letters accompanying the Dalí cater directly to this demand for narrative depth and a tangible connection to the past. This trend counters the digital saturation of modern life with a renewed interest in handcrafted expression and works where the artist's hand is visibly present.

The hybrid format of the auction—offering live, online, absentee, and phone bidding—also reflects the market's evolution. By creating a "phygital" experience, Lewis & Maese is catering to a new generation of digitally savvy collectors who expect global accessibility. The scarcity of ultra-high-value masterpieces appearing for sale further heightens the anticipation for these lots, suggesting the potential for intense bidding.

While the Modigliani and Dalí are the undeniable stars, the auction features a broad and curated selection of other significant items, including European and American oil paintings, bronze sculptures, antique and designer furniture, and fine jewelry from distinguished private estates. The full catalog offers a deep dive for collectors of all stripes. With global eyes turning to Houston, the sale on May 17 promises to be a defining moment for both the auction house and the collectors vying for a piece of art history.