Six months after the death of Michel Catty, said Michou, the blue of the king of Montmartre returns on Friday. No less than 300 objects from his private collection were auctioned at the Artcurial house. The objective of this sale is to "face inheritance tax and save" the cabaret "Chez Michou", which employs thirty employees, explains his niece, Catherine Catty-Jacquart.
>> ARCHIVE - Michou, the blue prince of Montmartre, told by Christophe Hondelatte
And it was to be expected: all the items on sale are blue, including his famous costumes, estimated between 100 and 150 euros, which is not a very high starting price. With its breathtaking view of the Sacré-Coeur, the entire apartment has been reconstructed to reproduce "life in blue" by Michou. "We arrive in the dressing room, there are his famous blue costumes, his cap, his hats, and even his blue shoes", says Stéphane Aubert, auctioneer of the exhibition.
Fifty paintings on the show
If there are not his essential blue glasses, Michou fans will be able to buy his trinkets from Lalique or Baccarat. Again, only one color is required. "The sofa is blue, the Louis XIV style dresser is blue", continues Stéphane Aubert. Glassware and service are also blue.
In addition to all these objects, around fifty paintings by Montmartre painters on the entertainment world are on sale, because Michou also collected art. There is even a drawing signed by Jean Marais, priced between 3,000 and 4,000 euros.