This November, Sotheby’s New York will spotlight an extraordinary collection of Modern and Contemporary art, design, and sculpture from the late beauty mogul Sydell Miller. Expected to generate around $200 million, this prestigious auction will be the highlight of Sotheby’s marquee sales, offering rare masterpieces to collectors around the world.
Among the standout pieces in the collection is Nymphéas (1914-17) by Claude Monet, poised to sell for around $60 million. Another significant work is Pablo Picasso’s La Statuaire (1925), a captivating portrait of a woman sitting opposite a life-sized bust. The painting is expected to fetch approximately $30 million. The collection also includes pieces by art luminaries such as Wassily Kandinsky, Henry Moore, and Yves Klein.
A Collection Reflecting a Passion for Art and Beauty
“Sydell Miller was a great 20th-century collector, and the roll call of great artists and designers in her collection speaks to both the breadth of her vision and the depth of her connoisseurship,” said Charles Stewart, Sotheby’s CEO. “What stands out is the thread that runs through every painting, sculpture, and object—that of Miller’s eye for beauty as she innately understood it.”
Ahead of the auction, Sotheby’s will host exhibitions of Miller’s collection in major cities such as London, Paris, and Hong Kong, including at their newly opened space in Hong Kong’s Landmark Chater area.
From Beauty Industry Pioneer to Art Patron
Miller’s journey to becoming a significant art collector began after a successful career in the beauty industry. She co-founded Ardel and Matrix Essentials with her husband, Arnold Miller, transforming the company into a leading salon product manufacturer. In 1994, two years after her husband’s passing, she sold the company to Bristol Myers Squibb for $400 million, turning her focus toward philanthropy and art.
Her collection will be featured in both day and evening sales, alongside three dedicated online auctions showcasing her diverse interests, including fashion and decorative arts. A portion of the proceeds will support charitable causes close to Miller’s heart, including the Cleveland Clinic Women’s Comprehensive Health and Research Center, the Cleveland Museum of Art, and the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.
A Legacy of Philanthropy and Art Collecting
Miller’s influence extends beyond the art world, with her philanthropic efforts continuing to impact major institutions. The Sydell & Arnold Miller Family Pavilion at the Cleveland Clinic stands as a testament to her contributions to healthcare and community development.
The upcoming auction at Sotheby’s will not only highlight Miller’s impeccable taste in art but also her commitment to giving back through her legacy of charitable work.