NEW YORK, NY.- This February, Sotheby’s will present The Vision of Aso O. Tavitian, a remarkable collection that reflects the refined taste and philanthropic legacy of Aso O. Tavitian. Spanning four sales during Masters Week in New York, this single-owner collection offers an extraordinary selection of Old Master Paintings, Sculpture, English Furniture, and Decorative Arts, carrying an estimate between $14 to 21 million. Tavitian’s passion for the arts and philanthropy shines through in this assemblage, providing collectors with a rare opportunity to engage with works reminiscent of the grand collections of the Gilded Age. His diverse acquisitions capture both a deep appreciation for history and a connoisseur’s eye for quality.

Aso O. Tavitian’s journey is the embodiment of the American Dream. Born in Bulgaria during the Cold War, Tavitian immigrated to New York and made his start driving taxi cabs until he managed, through keen intellect and no lack of charm, to secure a scholarship to Columbia University where he earned a Masters in Nuclear Physics. His high school English teacher, who partially funded his studies, left a lasting impact, inspiring his lifelong commitment to philanthropy.

From software entrepreneurship to philanthropy, Tavitian’s career flourished, and he founded the Aso O. Tavitian Foundation in 1995, which has significantly supported scientific, cultural, and religious initiatives in Armenia, Artsakh, and the United States. His philanthropy extended to local artistic endeavors in New York City and beyond, with the same exacting standards he applied to his art collection.

“Aso Tavitian was an extraordinary collector, a man of clear vision and boundless curiosity. From our first meeting in 2004, it was evident that he had an innate understanding of art’s deeper cultural significance. His approach was both meticulous and passionate—he knew exactly what he wanted and pursued it with unwavering determination. Over the years, Aso built a collection of remarkable quality, guided by a keen eye for the finest Old Master paintings and sculpture, and English furniture. His legacy endures through his generous contributions to institutions, and the exquisite objects he so lovingly acquired. Aso remains a true testament to what it means to be an exceptional collector.” --GEORGE WACHTER, SOTHEBY’S CHAIRMAN AND CO-WORLDWIDE HEAD OF OLD MASTER PAINTINGS

Tavitian turned his focus to fine and decorative arts in the early 2000s, cultivating a collection that evokes the grandeur of New York’s Gilded Age. His discerning eye sought out works of outstanding form, quality, and craftsmanship. The Vision of Aso O. Tavitian: Master Paintings and Sculpture—the inaugural sale of this series— will feature a curated selection of Old Master Paintings and Sculpture that reflects his deep interest in history and portraiture. Highlights from the live auction include early Netherlandish portraits, such as Margaret of Austria by the Master of the Magdalene Legend and Ambrosius Benson’s Mary Magdalene Reading, alongside French and English portraits from the 18th and 19th centuries by artists like William Bouguereau and George Romney. His sculpture collection includes Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical sculpture such as a stunning North Italian alabaster bust of Penelope, circa 1520, a pair of 18th century terracotta busts of children by Jean-Baptiste II Lemoyne, and a group of eight busts of Roman emperors by the Neoclassical Roman sculptor Bartolomeo Cavaceppi.

As a testament to his passion for enriching cultural institutions, Tavitian’s philanthropic legacy continues with a transformative gift to the Clark Art Institute in Williamstown, Massachusetts. Prior to the announcement of the auction, the Aso O. Tavitian Foundation donated 331 works of art to the Clark. This major gift—comprising 132 paintings, 130 sculptures, 39 drawings, and 30 decorative arts objects—was carefully selected to complement the museum’s renowned permanent collection, which spans from the Renaissance to the late nineteenth century. In addition to the works themselves, the donation includes funding for a new Aso O. Tavitian Wing, planned to open in 2027 or 2028, further underscoring his commitment to the arts.

Following the sale of the highlights in paintings and sculpture, Sotheby’s will present two live auctions and an online sale to close out the cross-category series, offering a glimpse into the interiors of Tavitian’s two homes— one in Manhattan and another in Stockbridge, Massachusetts—both of which were meticulously adorned with fine English furniture from the 18th century. His collection, anchored by carved mahogany pieces from the zenith of English cabinetmaking, showcases an unerring attention to detail and a passion for preserving the history of craftsmanship.

A GLIMPSE INSIDE THE COLLECTION

VISION OF ASO O. TAVITIAN: MASTER PAINTINGS AND SCULPTURE

This live auction showcases Aso O. Tavitian’s masterful collection of paintings and sculpture, reflecting his refined taste and passion for portraiture. The collection spans various styles and periods, from early Netherlandish portraits, such as Margaret of Austria, to 18th and 19th century works by William Bougereau and George Romney. Highlighted among the sculptures is a classically inspired 16th-century Lombard bust of Penelope, known for its exquisite detail and classical influence.

Portrait of Margaret of Austria
Master of the Magdalene Legend probably Brussels, active 1480–1537 oil on oak panel
panel: 18 ¼ x 12 ½ in.; 46.4 x 31.8 cm
framed: 22 x 16 ⅜ in.; 55.9 x 41.6 cm Estimate: $1,500,000–$2,000,000

Margaret of Austria was one of the most influential and important figures of her age, and this portrait, likely painted around 1495, captures the wise, strong, and virtuous leader in her youth. Likely conceived from within the courtly tradition of portrait exchange, this portrait remains today a defining likeness of a young woman who would leave an indelible mark on Europe’s political and cultural landscape.

Madonna and Child
Daniele Crespi
oil on panel
panel: 26 ¼ by 19 ¾ in.; 66.7 by 50.2 cm
framed: 35 ½ by 29 ½ in.; 90.2 by 74.9 cm Estimate: $600,000–$800,000

Painted around 1620, Daniele Crespi’s Madonna and Christ Child reflects the Lombard artist’s early style, marked by a tightly cropped composition and energetic brushwork. Influenced by Giulio Cesare Procaccini, with whom he worked in Milan, Crespi adopted a sculptural sensibility in his powerful figures. His career was tragically cut short by his death in 1630 at age 32, and with only eighty-four known works, this recent addition to his oeuvre is particularly notable.

Bust of Penelope
North Italian, Lombard
circa 1520 marble height: 22 in.
Estimate in excess of $200,000

This early 16th-century alabaster bust represents Penelope, the faithful wife of Ulysses from Homer’s The Odyssey, and features a plaque inscribed “PENELOPE. VLIXIS. CONIVNX.”The sculptor skillfully uses the alabaster’s subtle color variations to evoke an ancient Roman portrait, capturing Penelope’s serene character. Likely part of a series of virtuous mythological women, the bust’s design and decorative frame suggest it was intended for high placement, enhancing its visual impact. While it shares stylistic elements with a bust of Cleopatra, such as drapery and posture, Penelope’s idealized features and blank gaze contrast sharply with Cleopatra’s individualized characteristics. The bust has connections to early 16th-century aesthetics and is believed to have origins linked to the Lombard family in Switzerland.

VISION OF ASO O. TAVITIAN: THE TOWNHOUSE

This live auction presents highlights from Aso O. Tavitian’s distinguished collection, housed in his Beaux Arts townhouse on the Upper East Side, just steps from Central Park. The townhouse was filled with a remarkable selection of English furniture, Old Master paintings, and European sculptures, all chosen with Tavitian’s critical eye and guidance from experts. The collection features works by renowned craftsmen such as Benjamin Goodison, Thomas Chippendale, and George Bullock, alongside exceptional Chinese works of art. Tavitian’s vision created a seamless blend of styles and eras, immersing visitors in a grand yet harmonious celebration of artistry from across the globe.

A Pair of Early George III Carved Mahogany Armchairs
Circa 1760
Attributed to Thomas Chippendale
height 40 in.; width 27 ¼ in.; depth 28 ¾ in.
101.5 cm; 69 cm; 73 cm Estimate: $120,000–$180,000

These ‘elbow chairs’ with low, broad proportions and crisply carved serpentine mahogany frames are attributed to Thomas Chippendale, based on similarities to a documented suite made for the 5th Earl of Dumfries in 1759. The chairs, dating from Chippendale’s‘Director period’ around the publication of his Gentleman and Cabinet Maker’s Director (1754), exemplify the refined, English interpretation of Rococo style. Their elegant design and quality craftsmanship reflect Chippendale’s mastery of formal restraint and decorative detail.

A Pair of Early George III Carved Mahogany and Parcel-Gilt Torchères
Circa 1760
height 42 ½ in.; diameter of base 22 ½ in.; diameter of tops 13
¾ in. 108 cm; 57 cm; 35 cm Estimate: $80,000–$120,000

This magnificent pair of tray-topped candle stands, or torchères, reflects a model favored by esteemed early 20th-century collectors, following the guidance of R.W. Symonds. Nearly identical to a pair sold from Simon Sainsbury’s collection at Christie’s in 2008, these torchères also echo the renowned Samuel Messer collection, highlighting their prestigious provenance.

A Chinese ‘Huanghuali’ Bamboo-Form Corner Leg Table (Banzhuo)
Qing Dynasty, 18th Century
Height 32 ¼ in., 81.9 cm; Width 43 ¾ in., 109.9 cm;
Depth 21 5/8 in., 54.9 cm Estimate: $100,000—$150,000

This elegant table, carved from luxurious huanghuali, playfully mimics lightweight bamboo furniture with its rounded corners and sinuous stretchers. The craftsmanship cleverly imitates the traditional ‘wrapped’ aesthetic of bamboo, with the aprons and stretchers carved to encircle the cylindrical legs, demonstrating the artisan’s technical mastery.

VISION OF ASO O. TAVITIAN: THE COUNTRY HOUSE

This live auction features treasures from Aso O. Tavitian’s Berkshires “cottage,” an extraordinary home perched on a ridge in Western Massachusetts, near iconic Gilded Age estates like Naumkeag and Edith Wharton’s The Mount. Much like his city residence, Tavitian’s country house was filled with a curated collection of English furniture, Asian works of art, and Old Master paintings and sculptures. The home was warm and welcoming, with rooms full of art and history that evolved with the changing light. Highlights include the Art Reference Library and the unique Zodiac Room, offering a serene space for reflection in the heart of the Berkshires.

A Pair of Late George II Carved Mahogany Library Armchairs
Circa 1755
height 38 ½ in..; width 30 ½ in.; depth 30 in. 98 cm; 77.5 cm; 76 cm
Estimate: $150,000–$250,000

These boldly carved chairs exemplify the peak of the English Rococo style, with their flowing serpentine curves and intricate details. Drawing inspiration from Chippendale’s Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker’s Director (1762), the chairs showcase a blend of French influences with uniquely English craftsmanship. Once part of a suite for Eccleshall Castle, the chairs have since passed through prominent collections, reflecting its enduring appeal and historical significance.

Four Ages of Man
North Italian School, 17th Century oil on alabaster, a set of four
each alabaster: 11 ¼ x 16 in.; 28.6 x 40.6 cm
each framed: 18 ⅜ x 23 in.; 46.7 x 58.4 cm Estimate: $80,00–$120,000

These charming representations of life’s stages were created by an unknown 17th century artist in Northern Italy, inspired by engravings from Philippe Huart and others. Popular themes like the Stages of Life, Seasons, and Elements were often depicted in this period, and this series blends humor and poignancy. From playful scenes of infancy and adolescence to the stability of manhood and the quiet moments of old age, the artist masterfully uses the alabaster support to create striking trompe l’oeil effects, enhancing the depth and detail of each stage.

A Pair of Reliefs of Paris and Helen and the Horse Race in the Isthmian Games
Thomas Waldo Story (Paris 1855 - 1915 New York) marble
Paris and Helen: 23 ½ by 55 ¾ by 1 ⅛ in.; 60 by 141.5 by 3 cm Horse Race in the Isthmian Games: 23 by 59 by 1 ⅛ in.; 58.5 by 150 by 3 cm
Estimate: $80,000–$120,000

Thomas Waldo Story, though born in Italy, was of American heritage and the son of famed neoclassical sculptor William Wetmore Story. Educated at Eton and Oxford, Story was deeply influenced by Rome’s classical history and worked with a circle of aristocratic patrons, creating decorative programs for grand homes like Blenheim and Cliveden. The present pair of friezes, Paris and Helen and Horse Race in the Isthmian Games, exemplify his mastery of classical themes, with gracefully modeled figures and decorative motifs inspired by ancient friezes, reflecting the aestheticism embraced by Story and his contemporaries like Whistler and Wilde.

VISION OF ASO O. TAVITIAN: ONLINE

The Aso O. Tavitian sale series concludes with an online auction showcasing a diverse selection of furniture and objects from both his residences, reflecting Tavitian’s extensive collecting vision. Known for his relentless pursuit of art and design treasures, Tavitian frequented major art fairs and dealers even after fully furnishing his homes, embodying the passion shared by art lovers throughout history.