AMSTERDAM.- One of the highlights of the sale "European Collections" at Sotheby's Amsterdam on Tuesday 16 November 2004 is the collection of the late Dr. J.M.A.H. Luns, the former Secretary General of NATO. The selection of paintings, furniture, ceramics, silver, good decorations and memorabilia are representative of the likes and passions of Joseph Luns.

Joseph Luns (1911-2002) was well liked public figure who, for a generation, personified the foreign policy of the Netherlands. Born into an artistic family, he initially aspired to a career in the military. After reading law in Amsterdam he joined the Dutch Foreign Service. In 1952 he became Minister for Foreign Affairs for the KVP (Catholic People's Party), one of the forebears of the Christian Democratic Appeal which is still an important factor in the political spectrum in the Netherlands. He held this portfolio for 19 years in various coalition governments, longer than any other Dutch Foreign Minister. In 1970 he left the government to become Secretary General of NATO. He held this position until 1984.

Joseph Luns saw European Unity and the importance of ties with the United States as two pillars for the foreign policy of the Netherlands. He had come of age in the years just before the war and as a junior diplomat had seen the effects of war in Europe. The post-war Soviet threat had further strengthened his view that only the United States could safeguard Europe's hard fought freedom. Later in his career and life, this view clashed with a younger generation but this did not detract from his popularity in the Netherlands and abroad. His many travels were a source of many anecdotes, including one form a visit to the Moscow. Having not had any caviar offered during his stay, he expressed his 'displeasure' to his wife in the supposed privacy of their rooms, only to be given a bucket of the black gold the next day! The Soviet caviar is now long gone, but the esteem in which Joseph Luns was held by successive United States Presidents can still be savoured in their personal gifts to him (illustrated).

His retirement was spent in relative calm in Brussels. It is from his Brussels apartment, overlooking the Avenue Franklin Roosevelt, that the present works of art and memorabilia were removed.

The selection of furniture, ceramics, silver, good decorations and pictures are representative of the likes and passions of Joseph Luns. The life of a diplomat and Foreign Minister required fine silver and services to dress the dinner table such as a set of 18 silver dinner plates (€1,800-2,500, illustrated). His artist father, Huib Luns, left him many of his works, some of which are on offer now (lots 467 and 488). His brother Theo was an artist as well who painted the charming portraits of the Pekinese dogs of Mrs Luns (lot 480). Mrs Luns (née baroness Van Heemstra) hailed from an old Friesian noble family. She was a cousin once removed of Ella van Heemstra, the mother of actress Audrey Hepburn. Several important pieces of furniture (lots 429 and 449) and a collection of Chinese porcelain originate from the Van Heemstra family. Joseph Luns befriended Lady Deterding, the widow of Royal Dutch executive and art collector Sir Henry Deterding. She left him a fine 18th century Louis XV kingwood bureau plat (€20,000-30,000, illustrated) and several decorative Japanese works of art. Luns also was an avid historian and had an interest in Napoleon Bonaparte. This resulted in one lot of Napoleon memorabilia, comprising such items as prints, booklets, tin soldiers, letters, a reproduction of a flintlock pistol and a brass kettle used during the campaign to Moscow, 1812 (€ 1,800-2,500).

Joseph Luns was respected by friends and foes alike and received a great many gifts, some of extraordinary interest, whilst others, though of little penury value, witness the esteem in which he was held by people of all walks of life. Having kept most of these gifts demonstrate how he treasured these and the memories they evoked. Fine examples can be found in the royal photographs (illustrated) and jewelled gifts such as a diamond set ceremonial dagger presented by the king of Saudi Arabia (€1,800-2,500, illustrated) and an emerald and diamond ceremonial dagger which was a gift from King Hassan II of Morocco (€ 3,000-4,000).