An unframed oil on canvas entitled Orpheus Charming the Animals auctioned from the collection of a fashion editor at Christie's on July 1, leading the London sale of art, furniture and decorative items.
 A detail from the top-selling auction lot: Orpheus Charming the Animals |
Estimated to be worth £8,000 ($12,000), the unattributed, undated work sold with a 32.8% increase, for £10,625 ($16,161).
Painted in the style of 17th century artist Jacob Bouttats, the work features mythological musician and poet Orpheus bewitching a menagerie of creatures, including a unicorn and an ostrich, with the soothing tones of his lyre.
 An eye-catching gilt-metal and glass chandelier made £9,375 (14,259) |
A suite of 19th century Italian walnut furniture comprising four armchairs and a "canape", or diminutive sofa, also put in a strong performance, bringing £10,000 ($15,210), while a gilt-metal and glass chandelier made £9,375 (14,259).
A pair of north Italian carved-wood figures of recumbent angels sold with a 41.7% increase on their combined estimate, for £2,215 ($3,232), and a set of two walnut alter candlesticks achieved £2,750 ($4,183).
The extensive collection of more than 200 items was offered for sale by an unidentified former fashion editor who has previously worked for Harper's Bazaar Italy, Vogue Italy and Vogue France. Duly, many pieces are as striking and stylish as they are valuable.
The sale evidences the enduring popularity of antique furniture at auction.
On July 3, an extremely rare late-renaissance tabletop is to auction at Sotheby's with a substantial £1.2m ($1.9m) valuation.
We currently have this beautiful antique demi-lune commode in stock.
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