The Ketterer Auction House in Munich is celebrating a significant milestone: 80 years of operation. This anniversary is not just a moment for回顾; it’s a testament to enduring entrepreneurial spirit, strategic adaptation, and a deep-seated passion for art. In an exclusive interview, CEO Robert Ketterer delves into the company’s rich history, its evolution within a dynamic art market, and the recent triumph of a record-breaking Wassily Kandinsky sale.
From Oil to Oil Painting: A Family Legacy
The origins of Ketterer Kunst trace back to a rather unconventional starting point: specialty and waste oils. Robert Ketterer’s uncle, Roman Norbert Ketterer, founded the Stuttgart Art Cabinet in 1946, transitioning from industrial oils to the world of art. This initial leap of faith laid the groundwork for a family enterprise that would eventually become a dominant force in the German and international art scene. Robert’s father, Wolfgang, continued this path, establishing his own gallery in Stuttgart in 1954 before making the pivotal move to Munich in 1965.
“Munich in the 1960s was a vibrant hub for art, collectors, galleries, and museums,” explains Ketterer. “My father had a keen sense for where a market could develop. The move wasn’t a flight from Swabian frugality, but a strategic business decision.”
Robert Ketterer’s own entry into the family business was less a choice, more a calling. Having earned his pocket money within the company since 1982, he found himself thrust into the auctioneer’s role at just 22, taking over from his father mid-auction. Two years later, at 25, he assumed the CEO position. “Looking back, that was the greatest opportunity of my life,” he reflects, acknowledging that his youthful passion for skiing instilled in him the discipline, risk assessment, and drive to succeed that proved invaluable in the art world.
Navigating a Changing Art Market: Digitalization and Provenance
Under Robert Ketterer’s leadership, the auction house has successfully navigated a rapidly evolving art market. His primary focus has been to adapt Ketterer Kunst to an increasingly international and digital landscape, always prioritizing the client’s perspective.
“The market is becoming more transparent, more digital, and at the same time, more demanding,” Ketterer observes. “Buyers compare more; they check prices, provenance, condition, and literature. At the same time, the personal touch remains crucial. Art may be traded globally online today, but trust is still built through direct conversation.”
A cornerstone of Ketterer Kunst’s strategy has been its unwavering commitment to provenance research. This meticulous investigation into the history of artworks not only mitigates risks but also enhances a piece’s credibility and value. The responsible handling of art tainted by the Nazi dictatorship is a personal concern for Ketterer, leading to the establishment of Germany’s largest provenance department within an auction house. Over the past decade, this dedication has resulted in 49 fair and just resolutions for artworks with problematic histories.
Record-Breaking Success: The Kandinsky Revelation
Recent research efforts have yielded remarkable discoveries, significantly impacting the value and understanding of several works. A painting previously attributed to Gabriele Münter, “Bei Oberau,” has now been reattributed to Wassily Kandinsky after careful investigation. Even more astonishing is the re-emergence of Kandinsky’s “Villa Seeburg am Staffelsee” from 1911, a painting known only through a historical sketch and unseen publicly for over a century.
This rediscovered masterpiece became the highlight of last Friday’s auction, achieving a staggering 5.5 million Euros – the highest result of the German auction season. “This work truly stands out because it was created during a crucial transitional phase in Murnau am Staffelsee, marking the path to the Blue Rider and the transition to abstraction,” Ketterer explains. “You don’t get such paintings often.”
The Future of Ketterer Kunst: Adaptability and Vision
Despite economic uncertainties, Ketterer remains optimistic about the high-end art market. “High-quality art has often proven surprisingly stable during crises,” he notes. “The market becomes more selective. For very good works, clear provenance, and realistic estimates, we continue to see strong international buying interest.”
Looking ahead, Ketterer Kunst plans to continue its trajectory with the same blend of family values, expertise, entrepreneurial spirit, and courage that has brought it this far. “The core remains: good art, correctly researched, convincingly presented, brought to the right audience,” Ketterer asserts. “The key will be never to rest on our laurels. We must constantly understand what our clients need and where the market is heading. Those who only look at what worked yesterday will miss the future.”
As the Ketterer Auction House celebrates 80 years, it stands as a testament to the enduring power of art, the importance of integrity, and the vision to adapt in an ever-changing world. The legacy built by Roman Norbert and Wolfgang Ketterer continues to thrive under Robert Ketterer’s stewardship, promising many more years of significant contributions to the global art market.
