PARIS.- The remarkable collection of Prince and Princess Sadruddin Aga Khan achieved a total of €2,996,963 and attracted bidders from 33 countries. The enthusiastic bidding was a testament to the perfect taste of the Aga Khan and of Henri Samuel who has been entrusted with the display of their collection in their Geneva home, Bellerive Castle.




“The great results of the collection of Prince and Princess Sadruddin Aga Khan demonstrates the continued strong appetite for works of art fresh to the market and coming from prestigious collections. Being an auctioneer is my profession, but on October 1st I was particularly proud and honoured to hold the hammer for this great ensemble of pictures, furniture and works of art, ranging from very contemporary to 17th century, selected by a couple with great taste and refinement” commented François Curiel, Chairman Christie’s Europe

60% of the lots in the collection exceeded their high-estimates including the portrait of the horse Mahmoud IV by Sir Alfred James Munnings which sold for €450,000, more than doubling its presale estimate (lot 14) and a table by Diego Giacometti which sold for €250,000 against a presale estimate of €60,000-80,000 (lot 33). The Orientalist works of art also realised strong results as The painting by Henrich Faust, Cleopatra, sold for €43,750 way above its presale estimate of €10,000-15,000 (lot 11). Furthermore, the furniture created by Henri Samuel attracted many bidders as a set of five rectangular poufs realised by the French Interior designer sold for €42,500 against a presale estimate of €1,000-1,500 (lot 22).

Collectors will be able to acquire online another 124 lots from the collection until the 6th October. Finally, a remarkable Boulle cabinet will be presented in our next Exceptional Sale on 23rd November.