August 21, 2020: The remarkable private collection of Prince and Princess Sadruddin Aga Khan will be presented by Christie’s on October 1, 2020. The collection display in their former home, the Bellerive Castle, had been entrusted to prominent French interior designer Henri Samuel.
Patrons of philanthropy, the couple was always at the forefront of environmental protection as well as cultural preservation at significant sites like the European Alps and Egyptian temples. The outstanding private collection in the Bellerive Castle depicts their open-culture and universal approach towards arts. From fascinating objects dating back to centuries and each one with a rich cultural history, the collection also features commissioned paintings and other artworks from eminent artists who were friends with the couple.
The remarkable ensemble comprises furniture pieces like a pair of royal armchairs from the era of late George III (€20,000-40,000) and an early 16th century Gothic Tapestry (€40,000-60,000). Contemporary creations include a pair of patinated and gilded bronze candelabra by Claude Lalanne (each estimated at €60,000-80,000). The highlights of the collection are artworks like Guitare et compotier sur un guéridon, gouache and graphite on paper from 1929 (€180,000-220,000) by Pablo Picasso alongside a portrait of the horse Mahmoud IV by Sir Alfred James Munnings (€200,000-300,000).
Henri Samuel’s juxtaposition of all the objects and artworks is a symphony of associations and contrasts. Orientalist paintings like Femme orientale allongée entourée d'un lion et d'un esclave executed by Henrich Faust (€10,000-15,000), are paired with Bohemian crystal carafes, poufs covered with luxurious Iranian textiles and Japanese furniture carefully curated by the illustrious French interior designer himself.
François Curiel, Christie’s Chairman Europe, commented, “It is Christie’s honour to have been entrusted with such a wonderful project, to make this magnificent collection known to the public, and pay tribute to Prince Sadruddin and Princess Catherine Aga Khan as well as to the many good causes they supported dearly over decades.”
An exhibition will be held from September 26, 2020 to September 30, 2020 with a live auction on October 1, 2020 at 2 pm. The online sale at www.christies.com is from September 23, 2020 to October 6, 2020.