Christie’s roundel
Lot 136

Christo (b. 1935)

Wrapped Trees (Project for 267 Trees-Avenue des Champs Elysees and Rond Point des Champs Elysees-Paris)

Closed17 October 2009

Price Realised

GBP 67,250

More Information

How to sell

Christo (b. 1935)
Wrapped Trees (Project for 267 Trees-Avenue des Champs Elysees and Rond Point des Champs Elysees-Paris)
signed, titled and dated 'WRAPPED TREES (PROJECT FOR 267 TREES-AVENUE DES CHAMPS ELYSEES AND ROND POINT DES CHAMPS ELYSEES-PARIS) Christo 1969' (lower centre)
graphite, colour pencil, gouache, string, polyethylene, staples and photograph on paper mounted on board
28 x 22in. (71 x 56cm.)
Executed in 1969

Annely Juda Fine Art, London.
Anon. sale, Sotheby's New York, 9 May 1996, lot 194.

Specialist note

This preparatory drawing done in 1969 illustrates Christo and Jeanne
Claudes unique proposed joint project to wrap one of the most famous
avenues in the world. The duo conceived of an ambitious and bold plan
to wrap Champs-Elyses in their trademark fabric. Unfortunately the
Prefect of Paris did not approve of the project and therefore the
Champs-Elyses was never enveloped, however, it is an intriguing
testimony to a unique artistic vision. Once again, Christo and Jeanne
Claude have rendered the familiar unfamiliar and have presented the
viewer with a new way of seeing the world.