We all have within us a little of French Indochina, this scent of a vanished empire, which nine years of war put an end to, in 1954, after the battle of Diên Bien Phu, the turning point of defeat.
The conflict was deadly and cut Vietnam in two.
But France left its mark and sought to renew ties.
As evidenced, on the political side, the celebration in 2023 of the fiftieth anniversary of its diplomatic relations with Vietnam.
And, on the cultural side, that, in 2025, of the centenary of the School of Fine Arts of Indochina, an institution directed by Victor Tardieu then Évariste Jonchère from 1925 to 1945. Long forgotten, its painters from the first half of the 20th century have resurfaced.
And with them a market which has continued to grow over the last ten years.
International auction houses - Christie's, Sotheby's and Bonhams, between Paris and Hong Kong - have stepped into the breach.
But also the French auctioneer Claude Aguttes, to make it one of his specialties…
This article is reserved for subscribers.
You have 90% left to discover.
Flash sale
-70% on digital subscription
I ENJOY IT
Already subscribed?
Log in