Traditionally, the gallery has devoted its wall space to early modern and impres- sionist artists. This is not to say, however, that the gallery’s collection has remained limited in scope. Cazeau and Béraudière stay on the lookout for exceptional works from any period—but with an admitted special inclination towards the modern. The gallery’s current show is dominated by early modern works of twentieth century masters Pierre Auguste Renoir, Pierre Bonnard, Pablo Picasso, René Magritte, Max Ernst, Paul Signac, and Marc Chagall. Béraudière is is especially excited by the gallery’s newest acquisitions, Max Ernst’s Forest and Loplop.
Appearances aside, what makes the gallery most notable is the relationship it has fostered between its two owners. Cazeau typically focuses on painting acquisition while Béraudière organizes the sales. ”It’s our complimentary style that gives notoriety to our gallery,” comments Béraudière. “My great-grandparents, grandparents and parents were art collectors. Painting adopted me and I naturally wanted to create a place where we could exist together.”
Several times a year the gallery packs up its inventory and shows at numerous international art exhibitions including the two Armory Shows in New York. They use these events to showcase their work and to attract potential buyers, including major American museums. According to Béraudière, “We mostly sell to private collectors but also to major American museums like the National Gallery in Washington DC and the Art Institute of Chicago.” Such clientele is understandable—most of the works sell from $400,000 all the way up to $10,000,000.
With such an exquisite collection on display, the Cazeau-Béraudière Gallery is certainly worth the visit. All of the works currently exhibited reflect difficult or experimental phases in the lives of their creators. They also provide a profound glimpse into an exciting period in the history of modern art.
When asked his favorite artist, Béraudière is certain. “My favorite artist is Max Ernst, an important French surrealist of the twentieth century, because he is perpetually in search of revival and he only seeks to create something personal,” he states. At the Cazeau-Béraudière Gallery, it seems Béraudière has done the same.
