Sotheby's to sell one of the greatest private collections assembled in the 20th century SOTHEBYS TO SELL PROPERTY FROM THE COLLECTIONS OF LILY AND EDMOND J. SAFRA ON NOVEMBER 3RD AND 4TH, 2005
News-Antique.com - Nov 30,-0001 - New York, NY -- 2005 – On November 3rd and 4th, 2005, Sotheby’s New York will offer for sale works from one of the greatest private collections assembled in the 20th century, Property from the Collections of Lily and Edmond J. Safra. Comprising magnificent French, Continental and English Furniture, Decorative Works of Art, Clocks, Porcelain, Paintings, Carpets, Fabergé and Russian Works of Art, more than 800 items from the Safra residences in London, Geneva, Paris and New York will be offered in an auction which is expected to bring in excess of $25 million. The two-day sale will be preceded by an extensive exhibition in Sotheby’s York Avenue headquarters alongside Sotheby’s November exhibition of Impressionist and Modern Art.
Robin Woodhead, Sotheby’s Chief Executive Officer for Europe and Asia, said: “This exceptional private collection reveals a connoisseur’s discernment and the deepest appreciation and understanding of the arts. It is one of the finest of the period, with many of the works representing outstanding examples of style, period and maker. It will be Sotheby’s great privilege to bring it to auction.”
Mario Tavella, Deputy Chairman and Head of the Furniture Division for Sotheby’s Europe, noted, “Each object from this esteemed collection has a distinct personality – a strong pattern and design, luxurious materials, impeccable provenance and outstanding condition. The marriage of French, English and Anglo-Indian Furniture alongside paintings and exquisite examples of Fabergé and Tula all combine to create magnificent, luxurious and distinctively stylish and memorable interiors.”
“Since the age of 17, when I bought my first piece of art, collecting has been one of the great passions of my life” said Mrs. Edmond Safra. “With my late husband, Edmond, my original collection of Fabergé and Tula grew to include furniture and paintings, filling our homes in Europe and North America. It brought immense pleasure to us, our family and our friends over almost thirty years.
“Since Edmond’s passing, I have devoted much of my time to developing the work of his Philanthropic Foundation. My life and interests have changed a great deal in consequence, and I no longer have the time nor the scale of residences to enjoy our Collection as I once did. I have therefore made a difficult decision: it is time to pass onto others the joy of owning these treasures.
“Collecting was one of our great loves, and each one of these pieces was purchased with care and respect. They all had special places in our homes around the world, and I hope their new owners will treasure them as much as we did.”
About the Collection
“Many of the great names of 18th century French furniture, such as André-Charles Boulle, Joseph, Weisweiler, Cressent, Duboi and Leleu, are represented in this wonderful collection, and the English furniture includes pieces by Langlois, Chippendale and Matthew Boulton,” said Alistair Clarke, Worldwide Head of French, Continental and English Furniture for Sotheby’s. “This sale promises to be a truly memorable event and offers a splendid opportunity for new and established collectors
