A Pennsylvania couple’s art collection, featuring Matisse and Picasso, is expected to sell for over 0 million.

The art collection of Robert F. Weis and Patricia G. Ross Weis is poised to make waves in the auction world as it heads to Christie’s major fall auctions, valued at an estimated 0 million. This extraordinary assortment, cultivated over six decades, comprises 80 pieces including works by renowned modernist artists such as Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso.

Growing up in central Pennsylvania, Colleen Weis and her siblings adhered to strict household rules that prohibited putting feet on the family’s white couches or bringing food into the living room. Yet, the presence of masterpieces by Matisse, projected to fetch upwards of million, and Picasso, estimated at around million, was an everyday reality in their home. Colleen reflected on their upbringing, noting that these artworks were an integral part of their daily lives, surrounding them in their residences both in New York and Sunbury, Pennsylvania.

Robert Weis, a prominent figure as the chairman of Weis Markets, along with his wife Patricia, dedicated their time to curating a distinguished collection that included pieces from celebrated artists such as Piet Mondrian, Joan Miró, and Mark Rothko. Following Robert’s death in 2015 and Patricia’s passing in 2024, their three children—Colleen, Jennifer, and Jonathan—have taken on the responsibility of selling the collection.

Christie’s has assured the Weis siblings a minimum payout nearing 0 million ahead of the auction, reflecting the high esteem in which the collection is held. According to Christie’s, the collection showcases not only financial value but also a narrative of how art intertwined seamlessly with the family’s lifestyle. Unlike many collectors who keep valuable pieces stored away or lend them to institutions, the Weis family opted to display their art openly, fostering an atmosphere where masterpieces adorned their living spaces.

Max Carter, vice chairman of 20th and 21st-century art at Christie’s, praised the Weis collection for its depth and variety, particularly considering the era during which it was assembled. In a time less saturated with available information and resources for collectors, Robert and Patricia’s approach hinged on diligent research and a deep appreciation for art.

As the siblings prepare to part with these treasured artifacts, there is a palpable sense of nostalgia. Colleen noted that while selling the collection is a bittersweet endeavor, it aligns with her father’s belief that they were merely custodians of a larger legacy, destined to be enjoyed by others. The upcoming auction not only represents the culmination of a familial passion for art but also the beginning of a new chapter for these remarkable works as they once again enter the public domain.

In essence, the Weis collection’s sale not only symbolizes the transition of priceless art into the hands of new owners, but it also preserves the ideals of appreciation and enjoyment that the Weis family instilled over the decades. The forthcoming auction is a landmark event that encapsulates both financial potential and the enduring appeal of art in everyday life, inviting new generations to engage with the works that have long resided in the hearts and homes of the Weis family.

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