From Roentgen to Fabergé: A European Private Collection, Christie’s, King Street, London, 20th May 2015
CREDIT: CHRISTIE’S IMAGES LTD. 2015
There can be little doubt that Monsieur de C, who formed this remarkable collection over more than three decades is a man of great taste and connoisseurship. He focused on the 18th century with particular interest in the furniture of Abraham and David Roentgen, the celebrated Neuwied- based cabinetmakers. While the father’s furniture forms reflected rococo shapes David’s pure lines and veneers were superb examples of neoclassical taste and it is no surprise that Catherine the Great and Louis XVI were among his patrons.
CREDIT: CHRISTIE’S IMAGES LTD. 2015
The collection is rich in other treasures of German craftsmanship, including an exceptional pair of Berlin gilt-bronze wall-lights, circa 1745 made for the Goldene Gallerie at Schloss Charlottenburg (estimate: £50,000-80,000), and 17th and 18th century Augsburg silver, including figures and a pair of silver tureens from the Perm Service made for Catherine the Great. Meissen is also represented well, including a group of pieces with Augsburg Hausmaleri decoration. Another ceramic delight in the auction is a Chinese mid-18th century porcelain serving dish decorated with the arms of Frederick the Great which comes from a service that is believed to have been presented to him (£6,000 – 10,000).
CREDIT: CHRISTIE’S IMAGES LTD. 2015
A further area of interest lay in the creations of Fabergé and others in Imperial Russia and there is a fine selection of pieces as can be seen here and also a beautiful silver and silver-gilt table service (estimate:£40,000-60,000). The silver and porcelain (there is a Russian Imperial service too) were used by Monsieur de C when he entertained in the treasure-filled enfilade of rooms of his home. I fully expect that there will be fierce competition to acquire these treasures on the day.
CREDIT: CHRISTIE’S IMAGES LTD. 2015
CREDIT: CHRISTIE’S IMAGES LTD. 2015
Tim Forrest's E & A 