Guy Wildenstein has told The Art Newspaper that he is stepping down from the presidency of the company founded 150 years ago by his great grandfather Nathan. After 50 years at the Wildenstein & Co. art dealership and the last 35 as President, Guy Wildenstein, who has just turned 80, will be replaced by his son David, 46, with his daughter Vanessa taking the role of vice-president at the established art dealing dynasty.
Both have been appointed by the board of directors to ensure a “smooth transition”, according to a statement from the company. David has been the vice-president in charge of the investment division and real estate portfolio. His sister, Vanessa, who directs the London Gallery, will also take the direction of the New York art dealership, Guy Wildenstein said.
The company statement highlighted “the pivotal role Mr Wildenstein played in bringing the renowned gallery, created in 1875, into the 21st century”. The statement claims: “Under his leadership, Wildenstein & Co. helped shape countless private collections and continued to enrich the holdings of major museums in the US and around the world.”
The company also diversified its portfolio during his tenure, it adds, remaining “the leading gallery and dealership it has always been, and now also has a meaningful investment division which focuses on real estate and private equity investments. With the help of formidable research teams on both sides of the Atlantic, the company built unmatched archives over the years and has provided museums and collectors with an abundance of information no other gallery could.”
Succeeding his grandfather Georges and father Daniel, Guy Wildenstein also headed the Wildenstein Institute, which partnered with the Potsdam-based Hasso Plattner Foundation to publish catalogues raisonnés on artists such as Claude Monet, Paul Gauguin or Jasper Johns, all of which are freely accessible online. The family’s library was donated jointly by the Wildenstein Institute and the Hasso Plattner Foundation to the University of Texas in Dallas.
Questioned about the legal issues he has faced in France over fiscal issues, that are still pending in front of the High Court, Guy Wildenstein insists that “this has nothing to do with his decision to step down, which is dictated by his confidence that the company is well positioned for continued success under the leadership of David and Vanessa”.
“Serving as President of Wildenstein & Co. has been the greatest honour of my life,” Guy Wildenstein said. “I am incredibly proud to have stewarded one of the world’s great art galleries and dealerships. Throughout my tenure, I have enjoyed the loyal support of some truly gifted colleagues, and I am gratified by what our team has accomplished together.”
