2026 is an anniversary year! Forty years of Grisebach – four decades in which our villa has contributed to shaping the art market. In this issue of our magazine, we shine a light on our history – through an in-depth conversation between our founder Bernd Schultz and Gero von Boehm, and by revisiting some of the remarkable works and groundbreaking collections. Moments with lasting impact on the art world include Max Beckmann’s self-portrait, which set an international record of 23.2 million euros in 2022, the spectacular sale of the Rohde-Hinze Collection, the world-record-setting Adolph von Menzel gouache “Stehende Rüstungen”, as well as collections from Sander, Mario Calábria, and, most recently, Walter Bauer. They are all examples of what Grisebach represents: excellence, dependability and a keen instinct for quality. Grisebach has always specialised in modern and contemporary art. It is both our origin and our core.

From the very beginning, the auction house has had an international focus. Early on, works such as Lyonel Feininger's “Raddampfer II” and Franz Marc's “Fabeltier” set world records, making headlines far beyond Germany. Our passion and aspirations run like a red thread through the history of our auction house, from the Beckmann self-portrait to the multimillion-euro sales of Richter, Baselitz and Uecker in recent years.

Grisebach enjoys an outstanding reputation worldwide. The numerous sales to museums and major collections on every continent are proof of the trust placed in us – and a source of great pride. Today, more than half of the lots we sell go abroad, increasingly to international institutions. And we will continue on this path. In 2026 and beyond, Grisebach will keep expanding internationally – consistently, prudently and with a clear focus on what truly matters.

Building on this success story, we are inspired with confidence about the future ahead of us. We believe in the enduring value of art – and in collecting as a cultural mission. Grisebach brings together several generations in its team and senior management. Over the years, a set-up has evolved whose full brilliance is evident in the trusting collaboration that defines us. Our villa has always been – and remains – a meeting place that is open, welcoming and supported by teamwork and collective intelligence.

None of this would have been possible without you, our clients. We want to take this moment to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your loyalty and the trust you place in us. You are an essential part of this story, and we look forward to writing the next chapters with you over the next four decades – filled with joy, curiosity, and unwavering commitment.

Warmest regards from Berlin,