Hubert de Givenchy, one of the great couturiers of modern times, has amassed a lifelong collection of over 1200 works of fine and decorative art. These include works by old masters and contemporary artists, as well as furniture and decorative objects that adorned the famous designer’s two iconic residences, the Hôtel d’Orrouer in Paris and the Château du Jonchet in the Loire Valley. The collection includes many outstanding works that have not appeared on the market for decades, as well as more recent works acquired towards the end of Hubert de Givenchy’s life.
As noted by Christie’s, the extraordinary diversity and richness of the art for sale perfectly reflects the depth and versatility of the couturier’s interests, as well as his impeccable taste – all to ensure that the forthcoming auction will be a landmark event.
Among the top lots in the collection is a bronze sculpture of a woman walking (estimate on request) by the fashion designer’s longtime friend Alberto Giacometti. It “welcomed” visitors to the living room of Hubert de Givenchy’s Parisian house. This work was the first sculpture on which Giacometti experimented with the motif of the walking human figure.
Painted in 1968, Joan Miró’s “Flight of the Migratory Bird” adorned his bedroom during the last years of his life. This work appears on the market for the first time (€2,500,000-3,500,000).
Pablo Picasso’s drawing “Faunus with a Spear”, created in 1947 (€1.500.000-2.500.000), was seamlessly juxtaposed with antique pieces of furniture in the first drawing room of the mansion on rue Grenelle. It hangs above a Directory-style console by Maison Meilleur (€30,000-40,000), surrounded by “royal” Louis XV chairs trimmed in leather and suede in three colors and made by the glove makers of Givenchy (€100,000-200,000 for six chairs). This ensemble is a fine example of Hubert de Givenchy’s skill in mixing styles and eras.
The magnificent bronze sculpture of Bacchus, created around 1700, is attributed to François Girardon. The work of Louis XIV’s favorite sculptor was a source of inspiration for Givenchy. He never parted with this classical masterpiece, which was probably inspired by a second-century marble sculpture from The Louvre, and perhaps thought of by Girardon as the central figure of Apollo’s Baths for the Versailles Park. The Bacchus (€1,500,000-2,500,000) is up for auction on a Louis XIV pedestal.
The live auction will take place in Paris from 14 to 17 June and online from 8 to 23 June. The total estimated value of the collection is around €50 million.
Photo: press-office
