LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM.- The Badminton cabinet sold for $36.7 million at Christie’s London to Vienna's Liechtenstein museum on behalf of Prinz Hans-Adam II. It was made under the supervision of the Foggini family. The price of the sale makes it the most expensive furniture to be sold at an auction. The Florentine furniture was made between 1720 and 1732 for Henry Somerset, third Duke of Beaufort.

Dr Kraeftner, director of the Liechtenstein Museum, sated, "We are delighted to have been the successful buyers today. I tried to bid as fast as I could to secure this magnificent object for our collection. We look forward to welcoming the international public to view the Badminton cabinet in Vienna where it will be on permanent display from spring 2005."

Charles Cator, chairman of Christie's UK and international head of furniture, stated, "Yet again the Badminton cabinet has pushed the boundaries of the art market. The cabinet transcends the boundaries of furniture, combining architecture, sculpture and painting, resulting in a unique masterpiece. It was an honour to be entrusted again with its sale and the price achieved today reflects the magnificence of this famous, much loved and admired work of art."