Sacha Sosno Monumental “Oblitération” Outdoor Sculpture – Saint-Paul-de-Vence Provenance

A monumental outdoor steel sculpture by Sacha Sosno (1937–2013), one of the defining artists of the École de Nice and a leading exponent of the concept of l’oblitération.

Standing approximately two metres high, the work presents the negative-space silhouette of a classical female torso, often associated with Sosno’s recurring interpretation of the Venus form. Rather than depicting the figure as a solid object, Sosno removes it entirely from the steel plane, allowing the surrounding landscape, architecture and changing natural light to complete the composition.

This interplay between presence and absence lies at the heart of Sosno’s artistic language: cacher pour mieux voir — “to hide in order to see better.”

Executed in substantial fabricated plate steel with a matte charcoal / anthracite protective finish, the sculpture has been engineered as a permanent architectural outdoor work, with an integrated reinforced base system suitable for exterior installation.

The piece has an exceptional Côte d’Azur provenance. It formed part of the Bernard Fleury collection in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, where it was preserved in situ in private garden grounds. The work reportedly entered the collection through Fleury’s direct relationship with Sosno and has remained within an unbroken two-owner chain of custody following the subsequent acquisition of the estate.

Its combination of monumental scale, highly recognisable Sosno iconography and direct Saint-Paul-de-Vence provenance makes this a particularly interesting work for collectors of École de Nice, post-war French sculpture and significant Riviera art.

Artist

Sacha Sosno
Alexandre Joseph Sosnowsky
1937–2013
École de Nice

Work

Monumental negative-space cutout sculpture / Oblitération
Subject: Classical torso / Venus silhouette

Medium

Fabricated and cut plate steel with matte anthracite protective exterior finish.

Integrated structural steel base and reinforced mounting system.

Dimensions

Approx. Height: 200 cm
Approx. Width: 100 cm

Monumental outdoor scale.

Provenance

Collection Bernard Fleury, Saint-Paul-de-Vence.

Acquired through the original collector’s relationship with the artist and preserved continuously in the private grounds of the Fleury property in Saint-Paul-de-Vence.

Subsequently transferred with the acquisition of the estate to the present owner.

Two-owner provenance from the original collection to the current owner.

Condition

The sculpture remains in authentic outdoor condition, displaying environmental patina and surface wear consistent with long-term exterior installation on the Côte d’Azur.

The visible surface marks form part of the work’s current condition and history as an outdoor monumental sculpture. Prospective buyers are encouraged to review the photographs carefully and may arrange an inspection prior to purchase.

Installation & Collection

The sculpture is currently installed outdoors in Saint-Paul-de-Vence.

Sale is offered in situ / sur désignation. Professional art handling, unbolting, lifting and transport will be required for removal.

Specialist collection and installation quotations can be arranged separately upon request.

Location

Saint-Paul-de-Vence, French Riviera.