With everything from a felt bicorne hat worn by Napoleon in 1807 to a Thomas Chippendale bookcase The Exceptional Sale at Christie’s in London on July 9 offers much of interest. This year’s sale of 61 lots – many with celebrated provenance – ranges from rare antiquities to modern day marvels. It features outstanding sculpture and masterpieces of European furniture and decorative arts There is a restored Vickers Supermarine Spitfire Mk.1A – P9374/G-MK1A (£1.5-2.5 million) and a magnificent Luba ceremonial bowstand, attributed to the Master of Warua (£1.5-2.5 million).
Highlights include five items of Napoleonic memorabilia, including the Emperor’s black felt bicorne hat (£300,000-500,000) and a classical Roman torso of an athlete, previously in the collection of Yves Saint Laurent (£1-1.5 million). The finest examples of English, French and Italian furniture, ormolu-mounted European and Imperial Russian porcelain, silver, clocks and sculpture are expected to bring in more than £14 million. Here is a taste of the auction:
(See post on antiquesandartireland.com for April 28, 2015).