Burgundy’s Mounir Saouma Hosts Charity Auction Celebrating Marie Curie

The online art auction benefiting France’s Institut Curie cancer research center and hospitals honors the institution’s 100th anniversary

Robert Taylor

Dec 13, 2021

Burgundy and Rhône vintner, art lover and Marie Salomea Skłodowska Curie fan Mounir Saouma is hosting an online charity auction in honor of the 100th anniversary of France’s Institut Curie, the world-renowned cancer research institution founded by its namesake in 1920. But you won’t find any of the classic-rated Burgundy grands crus or Châteauneuf-du-Papes that Saouma makes with his wife, Rotem, for sale. Instead, it’s a collection of artworks inspired by the legendary Poland-born French physicist and chemist who pioneered the science of radiology.

“’Lady Radiology,’ the great pioneer in the war against cancer … epitomizes the notion that energy and hard work lead to new summits of knowledge for the benefit of all mankind,” read a statement from Saouma. “With this project in support of the Institut Curie, the world says ‘Merci to Marie Curie.’”

Bidding is now open for the 16 works of art from 14 artists representing 12 countries, with 100 percent of the auction proceeds benefiting Institut Curie, which today has a staff of more than 3,700 researchers and doctors treating patients at the school, research center and two hospitals. All of the artwork is currently on display at Saouma’s Burgundy property, and starting bids range from €4,000 to €20,000; visit art-for-curie.com to view all of the works up for sale.

An oil painting of Marie Curie by Italian artist Luigi Rigorini.]

Italian artist Luigi Rigorini’s oil painting is among the works up for auction. (Courtesy of Art for Curie/Luigi Rigorini)

“Seeing this wealth of colors and forms from around the world on display in my winery in Beaune, I’m tempted to buy every single one!” Saouma said. “Knowing what Institut Curie will do with the funds, we can only be generous and bid high.”

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