The collection includes magnificent European furniture and works of art, Russian works of art, silver, bookbindings, and 19th century interior paintings.
“Bringing together works of art to create beautiful collections has been one of the passions of my life, one that I shared with my husband, Edmond,” Mrs. Safra was quoted in a press release.
“Lily and Edmond Safra’s collecting passion was directed toward the most important works of art, where beauty and rarity were the cornerstones,” commented Robin Woodhead, chairman of Sotheby’s International in a press release. “True collectors, they brought together only the best and created magical settings that were as comfortable as they were refined.”
Edmond J. Safra was one of the 20th century’s most accomplished bankers and a devoted philanthropist. He established a major philanthropic foundation providing aid in the areas of education, science and medicine, religion, humanitarian assistance, culture, and social welfare.
“It is a great privilege to offer works from one of the finest collections assembled in the 20th century,” Woodhead said.
The 2005 Sotheby’s sale, Property from the Collections of Lily and Edmond J. Safra, in New York, brought in $49 million over two days, the highest total ever for an auction of decorative arts at Sotheby’s New York.
The October sale this year could break that record, especially with the quality of items, such as furniture from the greatest names of French and English furniture makers from the 18th century.
Highlights
French 18th century objects include a highly important Louis XIV mantel clock depicting Venus Marinara, estimated between $700,000 and $1 million and attributed to the greatest master of the Louis XIV period, André-Charles Boulle.
English furniture in the collection includes a group of pieces by George Bullock, notably an important center table and a fine set of 18 dining chairs estimated from $200,000 to $300,000, and $70,000 to $100,000, respectively.
Russian works in the sale comprise the largest private collection of important Russian porcelains ever to be sold at auction. With the rise in popularity of Russian works of art, the 100 lots of fine porcelains, silver, enamels, and other objects should sell well.
A connoisseur’s collection of mainly English and French silver from the mid-18th to early 19th centuries is sure to impress. The Burghley epergne estimated between $800,000 and $1.2 million is a masterpiece of English rococo, created for the 9th Earl of Exeter and commissioned in 1755.
A significant collection of 19th century watercolors provides an intriguing view of 19th and early to mid-20th century daily life. Also in the sale are approximately 150 lots of European ceramics, from the 17th through the 20th century, including rare turned ivory carvings.
The sale will be exhibited throughout Sotheby’s York Avenue headquarters beginning Oct. 14.
Source: Sotheby’s
