Renowned Vietnamese Artist Nguyen Gia Tri’s War Painting Fetches Over $500,000 at Bonhams

Battle of the River Bạch Đằng in the XIIIth century, Attributed to Nguyen Gia Tri | Bonhams

BY ALBERT CHEN

A painting attributed to Vietnamese artist Nguyễn Gia Trí (1908–1993) sold for €483,000 (approximately $507,000 USD) at Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr’s Vietnamese Art online sale in Paris, France. The sale, which took place in December 2024, saw Battle of the River Bạch Đằng, executed around 1955, significantly exceed its pre-auction estimate of €30,000–50,000

The painting, a large-scale depiction of the 1288 naval battle where Vietnamese general Trần Hưng Đạo secured a historic victory against the Mongol fleet, was noted for its detailed composition and historical significance. The work reflects Nguyễn Gia Trí’s engagement with national history and artistic expertise.

Nguyễn Gia Trí was a pioneering Vietnamese artist known for his mastery of lacquer painting. He played a crucial role in modernizing Vietnamese art, blending traditional lacquer techniques with Western influences. He was a key member of the École des Beaux-Arts de l’Indochine (Indochina College of Fine Arts) in Hanoi and is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in 20th-century Vietnamese painting. His works often depicted historical and cultural themes, making Battle of the River Bạch Đằng a continuation of his artistic legacy.

The Battle of Bạch Đằng was a decisive naval confrontation in 1288 between the forces of Đại Việt (now Vietnam), led by General Trần Hưng Đạo, and the Mongol-led Yuan Dynasty. Trần Hưng Đạo employed an innovative strategy by planting large wooden stakes in the riverbed, which were concealed during high tide. As the Mongol fleet advanced, the Vietnamese forces launched a counterattack, forcing the enemy to retreat into the trap. When the tide receded, the stakes were exposed, destroying the Mongol fleet and securing a significant victory that reinforced Vietnam’s independence from the Mongol Empire. This battle remains a symbol of national resilience and military strategy in Vietnam.

Joan Yip, Senior Specialist for Indian, Himalayan, and Southeast Asian Art at Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr, commented: “We are pleased with the outcome of this sale. Battle of the River Bạch Đằng attributed to Nguyễn Gia Trí is a significant work, both in scale and historical relevance. Its provenance and subject matter contributed to the strong interest from collectors. Many pieces in the sale met or exceeded their upper estimates, and participation from bidders beyond the Vietnamese-speaking world reflects a growing appreciation for this artistic tradition. We anticipate continued interest in 2025.”

The Vietnamese Art sale achieved a total of €777,458, with 72% of lots sold and 100% of value realized. These impressive results highlight the sustained global interest in Vietnamese art, underscoring Nguyễn Gia Trí’s lasting influence and the growing recognition of Asian artworks in international markets.

BY ALBERT CHEN

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