Alain Delon:
60 Years of Passion

Edgar Degas
Danseuse

This drawing has been a part of my life since I was a little girl. My father and I are both very fond of it, and have always been fascinated by the dancer's back— wanting her to turn around, wanting to see her face.

I was lucky enough to have it on my bedroom wall for several years, and it's a real privilege to have enjoyed such a beautiful work. I developed such a passion for Degas that he was the subject of a high school project when I was 17 years old...

Rembrandt Bugatti
Panthère grognant

I truly believe that this panther is my father's favourite piece. He is very fond of it, especially for its exceptional patina. The expression of the cat is breath-taking and so realistic... I remember, when I was younger, watching my father caress this panther—he was always very tactile with his bronzes. This way, he could measure Rembrandt Bugatti's beautiful chiselling work. It has inspired me to touch the sculptures whenever I can too.

My younger brother and I grew up with this panther, she is almost part of our family. Now, my father is very proud to show her to the world—so that she can find a new owner who will love her, as he did for so many years.

Raoul Dufy
La baie de Sainte-Adresse

I love this painting. I love Dufy, his colours and his lines. There is something soothing about his art. I could look at this scene of the beach in the bay of Sainte-Adresse for hours and lose myself between the different characters.

As a little girl, I was always impressed by its commanding presence—commanding like my father, who is also very attached to this work. He taught me that Dufy only participated in the Fauvist movement for a very short period, during which he produced this painting.

Fernando Botero
Nature morte aux fruits

I find this still life truly sublime. I love red-chalk drawings as much as my father does. The fruits are so round and perfect that you want to touch them. Botero is famous for his figures and women, less for his still lifes, and that's what makes this drawing so special to my father. He told me that it was love at first sight when he discovered this work.

I secretly wish he would keep it a little longer...

Joan Miró
Composition

I'm very fond of this work by Miró. It's a drawing that my mother particularly liked so, naturally, I associate it with her. It reminds me of her affection and her taste for more contemporary works of art.

I used to go up to see my mother in her office almost every day, and this Miró would be hanging there—faithful to its post—like her.

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