Besenval Neo Classical Bureau London Auction

Christie’s in association with de Pury will soon present ‘A Visual Odyssey: Selections from LAC (Lambert Art Collection)’, staged by Jacques Grange. The auction will be on view from the 3-14 October at Ely House in Dover Street and the sale will take place on 14 October at Christie’s King St.

The historical point of reference for the collection is this Louis XV ormolu mounted ebony bureau plat, once owned by Baron de Besenval :



Charles Cator, Christie’s Deputy Chairman has said: ‘When I first saw this magnificent Louis XV ebony bureau plat and cartonnier thirty years ago, it stood alone with Alberto Giacometti’s three Grande femme debout and the impact was so strong I have never forgotten it. Paul Gallois in Christie’s furniture team has brilliantly discovered the original owner of the desk — Baron de Besenval (1722-1791), a celebrated collector and friend of Marie-Antoinette. The ensemble is subsequently recorded in the fabled collection of Baron Gustave de Rothschild in Paris from whom it has descended to the Lambert Family.  It is one of the most exciting pieces to come on the market for many years and is an outstanding example of the most up-to-date neoclassical taste in Paris of the 1760s.’

http://www.christies.com/features/A-Visual-Odyssey-Selections-from-LAC-6517-1.aspx