This major exhibition consists of works of art to be sold in international salerooms in New York, Paris, Geneva, London and Hong Kong. The total value of works on show is estimated at $20,000,000 with objects dating from the 10th century right through to the 20th century. The exhibition will include unique and exciting examples of Islamic art, a group of significant paintings by leading Orientalist painters of the 19th century, a selection of furniture from the renowned Partridge gallery in London, superb British sporting art, a magnificent range of jewels and watches and Art Deco paintings and sculptures.
“We are delighted to have the opportunity to stage such a major art event in March and hope that people will take the opportunity to come and enjoy such a diverse and dazzling array of works of art, jewellery and watches. The contrast and dialogue between the objects will prove stimulating, thought-provoking and also highly enjoyable,” says Lydia Limerick, General Manager, Christie’s Dubai. “The team of Christie’s specialists will be available for tours of the exhibition as well as to talk about the art historical background to the objects on view. Looking forward to the inaugural sale of International Modern and Contemporary Art to be staged by Christie’s on 24 May 2006 at the Emirates Towers Hotel, the team will also be happy to talk about collecting art more generally, from price levels of $1,000 upwards.”
Dubai Exhibition Highlights include Works from the following Major Auctions:
Art of the Islamic and Indian Worlds
Christie’s London
4 April 2006
The earliest Iznik dish ever to be offered at auction is included in the exhibition (estimate: £120,000-180,000). This intact dish is one of a very small group of only ten known vessels to survive from the earliest stage of Iznik pottery and is a magnificent example, with cobalt blue on white decoration. Dating from 1480-90, it looks forward to the growing taste for blue and white Chinese porcelain that was to develop during the 16th century.
Another highlight is the exceptional Qur’an from Mongol China dated AH 737/1337 AD (estimate: £200,000-300,000). A unique manuscript, it is the only Qur'an from the period of the Mongol rule in China (Yuan Dynasty). Its calligraphy and decorative layout has no known parallel, the start of each sura (chapter) appearing in highly individual formats and lettering.
Other ceramics and pottery are featured, among them a tile panel, probably from the Darwish Pasha Mosque in Damascus, dating from the 1570s (estimate: £50,000-70,000). This arched mihrab design has candlesticks and footprints below the mosque lamp, while either side of the panel are columns decorated with painted marbling. A close examination reveals it to be inhabited by a wide variety of fish, birds and rabbits.
Partridge
Christie’s New York
17 May 2006
The exhibits brought to Dubai will reflect the wide range of categories on offer in this landmark sale, which include French and English furniture, Old Master paintings, carpets, porcelain and silver, to be sold on behalf of Partridge, perhaps the most famous antique dealer in London. Leading the strong selection of French furniture is the sumptuous Louis XV ormolu-mounted Chinese black, polychrome and gilt-lacquer commode inlaid with exquisite details of birds and flowers (estimate: $200,000-300,000). Representing the selection of silver in this sale is the magnificent and rare Queen Anne silver-gilt ewer and basin, bearing the arms of King George I and with the mark of Lewis Mettayer, 1710 (estimate: $700,000-1,000-000).
19th Century European Art
Christie’s New York
19 April 2006
The Dubai exhibition features highlights of an important privately owned collection of work by Orientalist painters. It includes the atmospheric depiction of The Palace Guard, (estimate $1,500,000-2,000,000) by Ludwig Deutsch (1855-1935), one of the foremost Orientalist artists of his time. The work evokes a sense of mystery, capturing the elegant poise of the solitary guard and the intricate detail of his architectural surroundings. The exotic nature of the setting, its history and characters are further explored in a work on display by Gustav Bauernfeind (1848-1904), the bustling Street Scene, Damascus (estimate $700,000-1,000-000). This contains the only known self-portrait of the artist and documents one of several trips he made to the Syrian capital.
Magnificent Jewels
Christie’s Geneva
17 May 2006
The exhibition will showcase some exceptional jewels from the sale in Geneva, featuring works signed by JAR, Schlumberger, Boivin and Cartier. There are pieces owned by notable individuals including impressive diamonds and imaginative work inspired by animals and nature.
Sporting Art
Christie’s London
19 May 2006
Sir Alfred Munnings’ Tom and Luke Parsons on their ponies, Champagne and Squirrel, Exmoor (estimate £1,000,000-1,500,000) is a double portrait which captures his skill as an equestrian portrait artist. This painting, has never before been exhibited or seen in public. Highlights of the exhibition will include a second work by Munnings, Before the fly comes (estimate: £150,000-250,000) and a superb hunting portrait by John Ferneley Senior from the estate of His Royal Highness the Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester, Portrait of John Drummond on a chestnut hunter, with a groom holding his second horse (estimate: £120,000-180,000). It is a beautiful example of the artist's work from a period when he was patronised by many of the most prominent members of the aristocracy.
Important Watches
Christie’s Hong Kong
31 May 2006
The exhibition will feature an exciting selection of timepieces from the world’s most famous watchmakers. Included in the sale is a rare wristwatch by Richard Mille (estimate: $90,000-130,000), two pieces by Patek Phillipe and a range of watches from Franck Muller, Vacheron Constantin and Breguet as well as jewellery watches from leading jewellery houses such as Cartier, Graff and Bulgari. Another highlight will be a lady’s Kanthara watch by Piaget encrusted with diamonds totaling over 60 carats (estimate: $218,000-295,000).
A Private French Collection
Art Deco, Modern and Contemporary Paintings and Sculptures
Christie’s Paris
8 and 9 June 2006
Being sold is a private French collection which consists of the very best French Art Deco pieces of the period. The exhibition will include an exceptional pair of gilt-bronze jardinières by Albert Armand Rateau (estimate: €700,000-900,000), the sophisticated designer-decorator, who was inspired by the observation of nature and reinterpretation of antiquity. This work was originally in the artist’s own collection. There will also be works by Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann, one of the most distinguished ébéniste-ensemblier of his era, and a splendid Bugatti bronze of two leopards (estimate: €350,000-450,000) that illustrates the taste for sculpture and representations of animals in this period.
Looking Forward:
The International Modern & Contemporary Art sale in Dubai will offer works of art by Arab, Indian, Iranian and Western artists. Lydia Limerick, Christie’s general manager in Dubai commented: “We have chosen to offer modern and contemporary art as the market is currently at its strongest level with Christie’s international market leaders in the field”. The works will appeal to institutions and individuals alike both in and beyond the Middle East. Confirmed highlights include Chant Avedissian’s Icons of the Nile, 1993 (estimate $20,000-30,000) and Untitled, from the Qajar series by Shadi Ghadirian (estimate $4,000-6,000).
