Dorotheum: Modern and Contemporary Art Auctions Announced

Vienna's renowned Dorotheum is set to dazzle collectors and art enthusiasts with its upcoming Contemporary Week, scheduled from May 19 to 21, 2026. This highly anticipated event will present a curated selection of modern and contemporary art, alongside exquisite jewelry and timepieces, promising a vibrant marketplace for discerning buyers.

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Modern and contemporary art as well as important jewels and watches are on the program for the major spring auctions of Contemporary Week at the Dorotheum in Vienna from May 19 to 21, 2026. They will be followed by Editions on June 10.

A significant highlight will be the inclusion of works by Julian Schnabel, the celebrated American artist and filmmaker. One of his signature "Victory Plate Paintings," created four years prior using ceramic shards, will be offered. Notably, Schnabel began this series in 2020 on the day Donald Trump lost the US presidential election, adding a layer of political commentary to the piece's vibrant depiction of summer optimism.

Further enriching the contemporary art offerings are the provocative works of British artist Chris Ofili. Known for his bold use of materials, including elephant dung, Ofili's pieces often explore themes of Black Culture, religion, history, and pop. His "Trump" portrait from 1997-1998, a significant early work from his "Sensation" period, is particularly noteworthy, combining a portrait of a woman with the playing card 'trump.'

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One of the central works in contemporary art on May 20, 2026, comes from the American artist and filmmaker Julian Schnabel.

The auction also features a bronze sculpture, "Vater Staat" (Father State), by German artist Thomas Schütte. The monumental nature of this work, with a larger version standing outside the Neue Nationalgalerie in Berlin, is a testament to Schütte's artistic vision. He humorously noted that the name "Vater Staat" was a playful label, inspired by the resemblance of the model to Germany's finance minister at the time.

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Schnabel's unconventional approach to materials is a defining element of his oeuvre.

Dorotheum's commitment to showcasing a broad spectrum of artistic talent is evident in the extensive list of participating artists. From internationally acclaimed German artists like Günther Uecker and Katharina Grosse to celebrated Swiss artist Miriam Cahn and American figures such as Andy Warhol and Robert Longo, the auction spans global art movements. Equally important is the strong representation of Austrian artists, including Maria Lassnig, Arnulf Rainer, and Martha Jungwirth, underscoring Vienna's enduring significance in the international art scene.

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The vibrant quartz-pink blossoms and the bright azure of the background testify to the optimism of warm summer days – this can also be interpreted politically: the artist began this series on the day in 2020 when Donald Trump lost the US presidential election.