PARIS.- Christie's will present the remarkable private collection of Prince and Princess Sadruddin Aga Khan on 1st October 2020. The highly recognised French interior designer Henri Samuel had been entrusted with the display of the collection in their Geneva home, Bellerive Castle.

Visionaries, and ahead of their time, Prince Sadruddin and Princess Catherine Aga Khan have been the discreet patrons of many major philanthropic projects, aimed at preserving cultural and natural sites, from Egyptian temples to the Alps.

Over a period spanning the decades, the Aga Khan’s gathered an outstanding collection from a variety of cultures across the globe, reflecting their essence with this incredibly universal, yet very personal selection of fascinating objects and masterpeices. Each work of art demonstrates the collector’s open-cultural approach, representing a rich cultural history, with century-old objects, alongside works from leading artists and commissioned pieces from artists the couple maintained close friendships with.

François Curiel, Christie’s Chairman Europe : «It is Christie’s honour to have been entrusted with such a wonderful project, to make this magnificent collection known to the public, and pay tribute to Prince Sadruddin and Princess Catherine Aga Khan as well as to the many good causes they supported dearly over decades.»




The true passion for the arts that united this couple is illustrated in their curation of the collection, and the confrontations and juxtapositions the objects impose on the surrounding objects. The 17th and 18th century furniture interact with pieces by Diego Giacometti, Claude Lalanne or Philippe Hiquily, antique paintings are in dialogue with Picasso’s oeuvre, while Orientalist pieces resonate with works by Isabelle de Borchgrave.

Several objects which adorned Bellerive Castle underline the importance of classical decorative arts in this collection, such as a pair of royal armchairs, dating from the period of late George III (€20,000-40,000) and a Gothic tapestry from the early 16th century (€40,000-60,000).

The couple, who maintained close friendships with many artists, were also committed to featuring modern creations in their collection. Therefore the sale includes a superb pair of patinated and gilded bronze candelabra by Claude Lalanne (estimated €60,000-80,000 each), as well as two 'Ginkgo' tables by the same artist. Several pieces by Philippe Hiquily are also part of the collection, such as a floor lamp created in 1974 (€4,000-6,000) and a pair of 'Quille' side tables (€10,000-15,000 each). Numerous pieces by the sculptor are included in both, the live sale and the online sale.

Simon de Monicault, Director of the European Furniture & Works of Art Department: «What a joy it is to present such a collection, orchestrated by one of the most iconic designers of the 20th century. Henri Samuel knew how to stage this collection, characterised by harmonious associations and daring contrasts. As a matter of fact, Christie's already celebrated this great designer, by selling his private collection in London in 1996. »

Among the highlights of the collection are works by Pablo Picasso, such as Guitare et compotier sur un guéridon, gouache and graphite on paper from 1929 (€180,000-220,000), alongside a portrait of the horse Mahmoud IV by Sir Alfred James Munnings (€200,000-300,000).

Orientalist paintings, such as Femme orientale allongée entourée d'un lion et d'un esclave executed by Henrich Faust (€10,000-15,000), are complemented by sumptuous Bohemian crystal carafes, poufs skilfully covered with precious Iranian textiles and Japanese furniture chosen by Henri Samuel.