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The Onzea-Govaerts Collection: Axel Vervoordt Curates a Timeless Fusion of Art and Culture at Christie’s Paris

The Onzea-Govaerts Collection: Axel Vervoordt Curates a Timeless Fusion of Art and Culture at Christie’s Paris January 28, 2025Art Auction, Paris0 Comments

In the hallowed halls of Christie’s Paris, an extraordinary moment in art history is set to unfold on March 27, 2025, with The Onzea-Govaerts Collection. Curated by the legendary Axel Vervoordt, this sale is far more than a mere auction – it is a profound journey into a world where Flemish heritage meets a universal vision of beauty, a testament to the vision of Joris Onzea and Suzanne Govaerts, two pioneering collectors with a deep connection to their cultural roots.

At the heart of this collection lies a rare gem: Pieter Brueghel the Younger’s The Wedding Banquet (1622), an exquisite masterpiece estimated at €1.5–€2.5 million. This particular version stands apart, not only for its vibrant narrative but for being the only signed and dated rendition among four known iterations. A cornerstone of the Onzea-Govaerts’ acquisitions since 1976, it represents their discerning taste and commitment to timeless art.

Image in situ ©Jean-Pierre Gabriel

Axel Vervoordt: A Visionary at Work
The genius of Axel Vervoordt permeates every aspect of this collection. Globally revered for his ability to blend architecture, art, and design into poetic harmony, Vervoordt transforms the Onzea-Govaerts’ collection into a modern-day Kunstkammer—a chamber of wonders where Flemish masterpieces, Egyptian artifacts, African carvings, and contemporary treasures coexist in a dialogue that transcends time and geography.

“For me, the quest is always about seeking the universal, finding the shared essence between the historic and the contemporary,” Vervoordt explains. This ethos is evident in every piece, from the simple to the sublime, reflecting a shared commitment between Vervoordt and the Onzea-Govaerts family to create a living legacy of cultural dialogue.

A Family Legacy of Vision and Innovation
The roots of this extraordinary collection trace back to 1925, when Karel Govaerts founded the family business, Fort, which later revolutionized retail through innovation. By the 1960s, Suzanne Govaerts and her husband Joris Onzea had redefined the home décor market with CASA, a concept that became an international success. Their entrepreneurial spirit extended seamlessly into their passion for collecting, culminating in this extraordinary ensemble of 150 lots estimated at €7–€12 million.

An Eclectic Symphony of Art and Culture
The Onzea-Govaerts Collection reflects a rare convergence of eras and aesthetics. From Flemish Renaissance masterpieces to Asian ceramics and Egyptian relics, each item has been selected with a focus on authenticity, depth, and timelessness. This carefully curated collection embodies Vervoordt’s philosophy: marrying the past and present to create spaces of unparalleled elegance.

Save the Date
Mark your calendars for March 27, 2025, as Christie’s Paris unveils this extraordinary collection. With each piece telling its own unique story, The Onzea-Govaerts Collection is a celebration of art, legacy, and the timeless pursuit of beauty. This is a moment the art world won’t soon forget.

Tags: art and culture, Asian ceramics, Axel Vervoordt, Christie's Paris, Egyptian relics, Flemish Renaissance masterpieces, Joris Onzea and Suzanne Govaerts, paris art events 2025, What We Adore Magazine