The Paris art scene is once again in the spotlight: in the coming weeks, the French capital will host an auction already described as one of the year’s most intriguing events. Sotheby’s is putting up for sale the personal collection of Jean-Marie Rossi—a man whose life was filled not only with art, but also with dramatic twists of fate. His name has long been synonymous with refined taste, but behind the façade of antique brilliance lay passions, losses, and high-profile scandals that still captivate society page enthusiasts.
At center stage are not only rare works of art, but also the story of Rossi himself, who was more than just a collector—he was a true visionary of his era. Among the lots are pieces sure to spark excitement even among the most discerning connoisseurs, including the famous “Head of a Hostage No. 19” by Jean Fautrier, valued at hundreds of thousands of euros. Yet behind each exhibit lies a personal drama, as many once adorned the home in Rueil-Malmaison where artists, collectors, and close family friends would gather.
A special place in this story is held by his marriage to Carmen Martínez-Bordiú — Franco’s granddaughter and one of the most talked-about figures in Spanish high society. Their romance began against public expectations and became a real sensation at the end of the 20th century. The age difference, family circumstances, and tragic events only heightened interest in their union. After their wedding in Paris, Carmen left her children in Madrid, sparking a media storm in the Spanish press. Their life together was marked not only by public appearances but also by personal tragedies that would change their destinies forever.
The death of Rossi’s daughter Matilde in a water accident proved to be one of the most difficult ordeals for the family. Around the same time, Carmen lost her son Francisco in a car crash. These tragedies drew the spouses closer, and the birth of their daughter Cynthia became a symbol of new hope. The girl’s name united the memory of both lost children, giving their family a special depth and poignancy.
However, even deep feelings could not save their marriage from breaking up. After the divorce, Rossi remarried, while Carmen returned to Spain with their daughter. Cynthia, who grew up surrounded by art and creative people, chose to become an artist despite having a law degree. Today, she carries on the family tradition by creating her own works in pop art and street art, thus preserving the memory of her father’s remarkable life.
The Sotheby’s auction is more than just a sale of antiques; it is a unique retrospective of a man who knew how to spot beauty where others simply passed by. His children recall how items from the collection were an inseparable part of their childhood, and now, gathered together for the first time, they evoke powerful emotions. For many, this auction presents a chance to touch a history filled with passion, loss, and unexpected turns.
Jean-Marie Rossi made a significant mark not only in the art world, but also on the cultural life of France and Spain. His gallery became a meeting place for the brightest representatives of the creative elite, and his work with leading museums, including the Louvre, earned him a reputation as an innovator and expert in antiques. His personal life, full of dramatic events, became part of European society chronicles, and the collection he assembled with love and passion is now open to new owners. Remembering Rossi, one cannot separate his professional achievements from the personal trials that truly made him a unique figure.
