Furniture, sculpture and works of art from the 19th century feature at Christie’s sale The Opulent Eye in London on September 18, The sale is led by an exceptional coffre à bijoux, jewellery cabinet-on-stand, by Henri Fourdinois (£70,000-100,000). Recently rediscovered in a private Portuguese collection this unique cabinet captures the grand ambition and subtle sophistication of the great exhibitions of 19th century Europe. The mahogany veneers are finely inlaid with silvered-bronze mounts, and the angles cornered by lapis lazuli veneered columns supporting ivory angels by the sculptor Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse.
Representing many of the best makers and sculptors of the period, the sale presents palatial furnishings drawn from an eclectic mixture of styles and countries, united by their opulence, fine craftsmanship and use of precious materials. Featuring furniture, lighting, marble and bronze sculpture, garden statuary, clocks, carpets and porcelain, the sale totals 328 lots and is expected to realise in the region of £3.5 million.
A French gilt and silvered bronze enamel and ivory mounted Coffre a bijoux (£80,000-120,000). Courtesy Christie’s Images Ltd., 2014.
A French ormolu mounted American walnut credence by Edouard Lievre, Paris c1870 (£150,000-250,000). Courtesy Christie’s Images Ltd., 2014.
One of a pair of over life size cast iron models of a lion and tiger, the models by Henri Alfred Marie Jacquemart (£80,000-120,000). Courtesy Christie’s Images Ltd., 2014.