What is the great painter Rembrandt best known for? Well, his gorgeous “Portrait of a Man” is no less than the Mona Lisa that Da Vinci painted. And now it seems that the half length image of a 1658 man with arms akimbo as etched out with Rembrandt’s brush will be going up for auction in December this year. This time too it is brand Christie’s which will be associating itself with this historical auction. The painting, we are told, has been offered by a private collector. History tells that Rembrandt first sold this one as part of personal antiquities to avoid bankruptcy.

The portait has not been seen in public since 1970. It measures 42 inches and 34 inches framing a man that faces the viewer in a very defiant pose with his hands on his hips. This one is the second of the only two paintings by Rembrandt dating to 1658.

The work is that of a genius. It holds the signature chiaroscuro technique of the painter that has the application of brushstrokes for a clever use of light and shade in defining the physical presence and psychological character of the subject. The painting will go on display at Christie’s, London from December 4 onwards and the sale will take plave on December 8.

Via telegraph

Ismail Merchant is not a new name for those who appreciate poetic cinema. The famous Indian-born Academy Award-winning filmmaker passed away in 2005 and now on October 7, Christie’s in London has decided to auction some of his collections. The man is most known for Merchant Ivory, his production company that did a lot of adaptations of the works of Henry James, E.M. Forster and others.

So a man with such a sensibility can be expected to have a great taste in life away from the cameras. And that when when the various works of art, furnishings and textiles from Merchant’s uber residences in London, Paris and Hudson River Valley make an entry.

The estimated price target for all his possessions to be auctioned lies close to $115,000. Each of these pieces reflect Merchant’s  passion for “the encounter between Eastern and Western cultures”. Apart from these, the auctio will also include some memorabilia from various Metcnat Ivory films.

via justluxe

Art experts like to believe that gifted designers like Emilio Pucci are born once in an entire lifetime. Now, that’s some serious honor we are talking about. Well, if you are wondering why then let us tell you that the famous creator and politician from Italy has a number of woolen rugs to his credit that display some very refined, never-seen-before kind of pattern and knitting.

And the rugs have made a long journey to reach to you. Originally made in Argentina by Dandolo & Leaders in Buenos Aires way back in 1969, they reached NY at the Museo de Arte Decorativo and later at Harmony carpets, and now they are available at Sotheby’s and Christie’s for an impressive price ranging between $6,905 and $17,775.

People are already hailing these gorgeous carpets as ‘floor paintings’ but in wool. And each of these come signed because they are a part of a limited edition of juts 15 rugs in five different and stunning color combinations that include earthy tones, ice cream shades, sun colors, night hues and a pink spectrum.

Via 20ltd

If you are a fan of everything ‘bubblegummy’, diamonds included then you must check out the fancy one that is up for sale in Chritie’s Hong Kong store. This precious ice is called The Vivid Pink, which really explains, more or less, it’s sparkling  good looks. It has been set in a ring designed by graff and comes from a private collection.

Jewelry experts have estimated the value of this diamond between $5million and $7 million. The auction is expected to be held in the beginning of December. With a weight of a neat 5 carats, it is perhaps the largest Fancy Vivid Pink Potentially Flawless diamond to have ever been sold at Christie’s.

Again, this pink diamond is also treasured because it has not a single trace of any other color exceot for the deeply saturated shade of pink which is rarely seen in diamonds (if you refer it to the ‘Pink Panther’ as in the famous movie, trust us, the vivid pink will still win with its unique vibrance)! Apparently, only one in one hundred thousand diamonds have a color that is deep enough to qualify as ‘Fancy’. Before the December auction, the Fancy Vivid Pink diamond will for on a touring display in NY, Singapore, Bangkok, Geneva and Taipei from October onwards.

Via reuters

The forthcoming jewels sale at Chritie’s to be held on October 21 is already got everyone’s attention courtesy the Annenberg Diamond. This one is tunning piece of ice shaped like a square with a value of 31.01 carat. But that is just the tip of the iceberg. Experts in the field have already given the precious stone their approval by saying that this one is an emerald-cut diamond and grade D in color. Apparently, this makes it the most flawless and rarest of its kinds available today.

The Annenberg diamond does not comme alone. Among its entourage, you shall fine two pear-shaped  diamonds, each of 1.5 carats and 1.61 carats, all mounted together on a ring designed by David Webb.

The ring belongs to the Leonore Annenberg collection and has an estimated value within $3 million and $5 million. And so, this one shall get the opportunity to tour the world before th final sale in October.

Via reuters

There is a lot of buzz being generated at Christie’s. Well, their Latin American Sale in New York set for May 28 and 29 has a rare masterpiece from 17th century. It is none other than a self-portrait by famous muralist Diego Rivera. Called ‘The Firestone Self-Portrait’ this one is expected to sell for a price between $1.2 million and $1.8 million.

Little bit of research on history tells us that this self portrait was made on request by American engineer and art collector Sigmund Firestone from Rochester. Apparently, he met Rivera and his wife Frida Kahlo when on a business trip to Mexico in 1939. The painting was commissioned in 1940 and took a year to be completed.

The most interesting part is that Rivera is known to have painted himself close to 20 times. But the ‘Firestone Portrait’ stands apart from the rest because the artist bears a mature and self-conscious expression in this painting while holding a note that reads,
“To my dear friend /Sigmund Firestone /Diego Rivera /January 1, 1941”.
Fourteen letters were exchanged between Firestone and Rivera which too will be sold along with the portrait.

Via forbes

Brand Patek Philippe had everyone’s attention last year with enormously huge auction of their Yellow Gold 2499 Fourth Series watch. Well, it sold for $271,000, no wonder people still talk about it. Come 2009, and the watchmakers are making a new history with a rare 18 K Rose Gold from the 2499 Second Series up for sale at Christies.

Equipped with amazing features like a perpetual calendar chronograph with moon phases and baton minerals that go back to 1960, the Rose Gold watch is expected to go for a price ranging between $880, 00 – $ 1.3 million.

Originally retailed by the distinguished house of Gobbi in Milan, the watch is making more news because it was never seen before at any other auction. Even the exclusivity is factor is further heightened by the fact that only seven such pieces have appeared in public to this day. The 2499 has inspired many since 1950, the year it was introduced in.

Via justluxe

Christie’s will bring you something quite extraordinary at one of their auctions taking place on the 7th of this month. This fossilised gemstone, Ammonite, is of a mollusc that went into extinction over 80 million years ago. The beautiful rainbow colour of the fossil is from centuries of pressure on the shell of the sea creature. The smaller of two Ammonites being auctioned off, the fossil was found in Alberta, Canada. It is estimated that the fossil could fetch $68,000.

The prices of ammonites have recently increased due to the attractiveness of its rarity. If you have anywhere near $68,000 you could go over to the Natural History sale at Paris and get it for your mantelpiece.

Via: Wired

French furniture is known for its woody charm and rustic elegance. If you know about French culture, you would know how important Yves Saint Laurent’s place is, in French culture. An iconic chair owned by this great maestro was auctioned off at the Christie’s in Paris. Would you guess how much it garnered in the auction? An amazing $28 million. This is apparently the most expensive 20th century design ever.

It was designed by Eileen Gray who was a French artist during 1917 and 1919. It comes with beautiful brown leather and sculpted wooden frame which would look perfect in a French Chateau in the middle of Burgundy. In fact, imagine the situation of sitting on this chair, surrounded by French paintings, and some lovely chansons.

Next you would dig into some of the choicest fondue and wine while fire crackles in front of you. I would love to have one of these at any cost and it is a shame I can’t afford it.

Via: Luxist

A 1000-year-old carved rock crystal ewer from the Fatimid royal treasury is all set to generate a sale of 3 million pounds ($5.3 million) at Christie’s sale of Art of the Islamic and Indian Worlds on 7 October. Dating back to late 10th to early 11th century AD, the Fatimid ewer is one of counted seven fully-carved recognized extant examples and the foremost one to be available for sale in an open market. Undoubtedly, it is a notable occasion for private collectors and institutions across the world. The auction is anticipated to sport an amazing grouping of exceptional artworks ranging from diverse geographical areas, materials and time and is expected to generate over �11 million.

Engraved from an individual piece of flawless rock crystal (hard as toughened steel), the ewers were first unfilled and then carved by hand with astonishing elegance, leaving a surface in the thinner areas that is only a few millimeters wide.

Designed and developed in 1854 by the French silversmith Jean-Valentin Morel, the Ewer is auxiliary embroidered with enamelled gold mounts that is clearly visibile on its right.

Via MiddleEastEvents