Claude de Marteau

Claude de Marteau (1935-2016) was an internationally renowned Belgian art dealer and collector, principally for his exceptional collection of Asian art, particularly works from the Himalayas, Tibet, Nepal and India. Self-taught, he began his journey into the art world at the age of 19, when he embarked on a solo round-the-world trip that led him to discover Asia, a region that would profoundly influence his career. For decades, Claude de Marteau amassed an impressive collection of religious and artistic objects, including Buddhist sculptures, Tibetan artifacts and works of art dating back centuries. His passion for Asia and his discerning eye for art set him apart as a collector, although he long maintained a relatively low-key lifestyle. He had two stores in Brussels, where he also traded in Southeast Asian pieces (notably Thai and Burmese). Eventually, he would devote himself exclusively to a handful of very discerning collectors and major museums, keeping hundreds of pieces from his past activities or from his personal collection stored away in his large home. His collection, which spans 1500 years, is considered one of the most prestigious in Himalayan and Central Asian art. Among the many exceptional pieces in his collection are the “Brussels Buddha”, a famous Buddha statue from the Greco-Buddhist art of Gandhara. The Cleveland Murseum of Art acquired its Buddha Yuan from Claude de Marteau, and John D. Rockefeller III bought his dancing Shiva Nataraja from him in 1979… After his death, his collection was auctioned, notably by Bonhams, attracting worldwide attention. Exhibitions of his work have been held in cities such as Brussels, Hong Kong and Paris, testifying to the importance of his legacy to the art world. Most of the Southeast Asian pieces (Burma, Thailand, Laos, etc.) were purchased by Vintage Addict.