Antiquities At Christie’s London On 26 April

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For Immediate Release4 April 2012

Contact: Leonie Pitts +44 (0)20 7752 3121 [email protected]

ANTIQUITIESAT CHRISTIES LONDON ON 26APRIL

London Christies is pleased to announce the forthcomingAntiquitiessale and The

Groppi Collection, to be held on Thursday, 26 April 2012 at Christies South

Kensington saleroom. Altogether featuring 397 lots, the auction is expected to

realise between 5.8 million and 8.6 million. The April sale follows a successful

2011 for Christies Antiquities department, with sales totaling8.74 million in

London, a testament to Christies leadership in the European Antiquities market .

The auction is led by The Groppi Collection a family collection of ancient

Egyptian artefacts originally formed by Achille Groppi between the 1920s-40s.

Totaling 107 lots, the collection comprises a variety of objects,

mainly rare Egyptian glass tiles, and is expected to realise

700,000 to 1,100,000. *A separate Press Release is attached.

One of the most important lots in the sale, and the largest,

standing at over 4 feet high, is an Egyptian limestone cult statue

of Nectanebo I - the first king of the last dynasty in Egypt and the

last major native pharaoh (estimate: 600,000-900,000) illustrated left.

Dating to circa380-362 B.C. this statue is an important addition to the

corpus of royal sculpture from the Late Period there are almost no

examples that compare to this statue in terms of size, subject-matter and

excellence of preservation. The Louvre has a head identified as Nectanebo I in

its collections.

Exceptional ProvenanceThe auction showcases works of exceptional provenance, including property

from the Hubertus Wald Charitable Foundation

and the estate of Renate Wald; and the

collection of photographer Bob Willoughby,

famous for his iconic portraits of his muse

Audrey Hepburn. Unseen on the market in over

thirty years, a Roman bronze chariot fitting in

the form of a pantheress, circa 1st-2nd century

A.D., is offered for sale from a Private

Collection, having once graced the highly-

esteemed collections of Baron Eugen Miller von
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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catalogue coversee end. A Cypriot limestone male head, circa460-450 B.C., was previously in the collection

of Hector-Martin Lefuel (1810-1880)architect under Napolon III, whose most famous project was

the completion of the Palais du Louvre, Paris (estimate: 40,000-60,000) illustrated above right. Similar

examples are in the Collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York and The Louvre, Paris.

And from a European Family, a Roman archaistic marble herm of Hermes Propylaios, circa1st century

B.C.-1st century A.D. (estimate: 50,000-80,000) illustrated above left. The herm has been handed down

through generations of the family since it was acquired circa1896 by Don Fernando de Contreras and

Francisca Prez de Herrasti, Spain, from the sale of the property of Mariano Tllez Girn y BeaufortSpontin (1814-1882), 12th Duke of Osuna, Spain, Russia, and Belgium. A Knight of the Spanish Order of

Toisn de Oro, The Duke attended Queen Victorias coronation and Napolon IIIs marriage to Eugenia

de Montijo and was based in St Petersburg from 1856-1862.

There he was known for his extravagant parties attended by all

Russian nobility which caused the ruin of his great fortune and

led him to auction most of his property.

The ownership in antiquity of this important Roman parcel giltsilver fluted bowl is known from the inscription on the base in

Graeco-Bactrian, which reads Property of Mawe-guzgprobably

the name of the individual who commissioned the piece and

suggests a date of around the 3rd Century A.D. (estimate:

300,000-400,000) illustrated right.

Gold Rush

The sale also includes, thirty-nine lots of ancient jewellery, ranging from affordable ancient intaglios and

necklaces starting from around 1,000 to a spectacular Greek gold wreath, circa 3rd-2nd century B.C.

estimated at 100,000-150,000 illustrated below. Formerly from Hever Castle in Kent, the wreath sold at

Christies London in 1987 for 15,400. In

antiquity, gold wreaths were frequently given

as prizes for athletics contests, bestowed by

the State as a mark of honour and glory. They

were also used in religious processions, as

funerary decorations and were popular

dedicatory offerings made in temples. Further

highlights from the jewellery section include aGreek gold snake armlet, circa4th-2nd century

B.C. (estimate: 80,000-100,000) and an

Ostrogothic gold bracelet, circa late 5th-early

6th century A.D. (estimate: 80,000-120,000).

# # #

High resolution images and further information available upon requestComplete catalogue available online atwww.christies.comor via the Christies iPhone app

Please click here to view the Antiquities Department Page Online
http://../Administration/Templates/Press%20Release%20Templates/www.christies.comhttp://../Administration/Templates/Press%20Release%20Templates/www.christies.comhttp://www.christies.com/departments/antiquities-6-1.aspxhttp://www.christies.com/departments/antiquities-6-1.aspxhttp://www.christies.com/departments/antiquities-6-1.aspxhttp://www.christies.com/departments/antiquities-6-1.aspxhttp://../Administration/Templates/Press%20Release%20Templates/www.christies.com


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Notes to Editors:

Public Exhibition: Saturday, 21 April: 11.00am5.00pmSunday, 22 April: 11.00am5.00pmMonday, 23 April: 9.00am7.30pm

Tuesday, 24 April: 9.00am5.00pmWednesday, 25 April: 9.00am5.00pm

Auction:Antiquities and The Groppi Collection26 April 2012 at 10.30am

Ecatalogue:The full catalogue is available to view online now, please click

Christies South KensingtonOpen seven days a week, Christies South Kensington is one of the busiest salerooms in the UK attracting over200,000 visitors each year. With over 100 sales and offering more than 20,000 lots annually, estimates start from300. Interiors sales dedicated to home furnishings are held three times a month alongside regular Sunday sales ofsingle-owner collections. Specialised sales for the avid collector are scheduled throughout the year according to

category, and include Film Posters, Pop Memorabilia, Antiquities, Jewellery, 20th Century British Art and ChineseWorks of Art, among others. In 2011 Christies South Kensington realised the highest ever total for the secondsuccessive year with sales of 115.9 million / $186.6 million.

About ChristiesChristies, the world's leading art business, had global auction and private sales in 2011 that totaled 3.6 billion/$5.7billion. Christies is a name and place that speaks of extraordinary art, unparalleled service and expertise, as well asinternational glamour. Founded in 1766 by James Christie, Christie's has since conducted the greatest and mostcelebrated auctions through the centuries providing a popular showcase for the unique and the beautiful. Christiesoffers over 450 auctions annually in over 80 categories, including all areas of fine and decorative arts, jewellery,photographs, collectibles, wine, and more. Prices range from $200 to over $100 million. Christie's also has a longand successful history conducting private sales for its clients in all categories, with emphasis on Post-War and

Contemporary, Impressionist and Modern, Old Masters and Jewellery. Private sales totaled 502 million / $808.6min 2011, an increase of 44% on the previous year.

Christies has a global presence with 53 offices in 32 countries and 10 salerooms around the world including inLondon, NewYork, Paris, Geneva, Milan, Amsterdam, Dubai, Zrich, and Hong Kong. More recently, Christieshas led the market with expanded initiatives in growth markets such as Russia, China, India and the United ArabEmirates, with successful sales and exhibitions in Beijing, Mumbai and Dubai.*Estimates do not include buyers premium. Sales totals are hammer price plus buyers premium and do not reflect costs, financing feesor application of buyers or sellers credits.

CHRISTIES SOUTH KENSINGTON

85 Old Brompton Road, London, SW7 3LDOPENING SEVEN DAYS A WEEK

Monday: 9.00am7.30pmTuesdayFriday: 9.00am5.00pmSaturday & Sunday: 11.00am - 5.00pm

WWW.CHRISTIES.COMPrices do not include buyers premium


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For Immediate Release

5 March 2012

Contact: Leonie Pitts +44 (0)20 7752 3121 [email protected]

THE GROPPI COLLECTIONAT CHRISTIES:Egyptian Golden Age to Golden Twenties

Inside The Groppi Caf, 1930s Achille Groppi, 1940s The Groppi Caf, Present day

London - Christies is proud to announce the sale ofThe Groppi Collectiona family collection of ancient Egyptian

artefacts originally formed by Achille Groppi between the 1920s-40s. Totalling 107 lots, the collection comprises a

variety of objects, mainly rare Egyptian glass tiles, some measuring only 2 cm high, components of Ancient

Egyptian palace walls, furniture or funerary decoration. The collection will be offered at auction on the morning ofThursday, 26 April 2012; it is expected to realise 700,000 to 1,100,000.

Originating from Switzerland, Achilles father Giacomo Groppi established his first patisserie in Alexandria in 1884.

Together Giacomo and Achille continued the venture in Cairo, opening Maison Groppi in 1907, which soon

relocated to the now iconic Art Deco building in the heart of Cairo, still bearing the name Groppi illustrated above

The Groppi Caf quickly became a popular rendez-vous for Egyptian and Middle Eastern royalty and elite

epitomising Cairos glamour and splendour and effortlessly combining restaurant and dance hall, catering for large

scale banquets whilst also serving Groppis world famous confiserie and ice cream. Achille Groppi was passionate

about Egypts flora and fauna and found in ancient mosaic glass Egypts finest and most complex works of art. He

became one of the preeminent collectors of ancient Egyptian glass amassing a collection of over 700 pieces. TheGroppi provenance remains highly prized among collectors, and this rare opportunity to obtain items directly from

the Groppi family is likely to excite connoisseurs of ancient art.A selection of highlights is illustrated below.
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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Lot 29: An Egyptian glass face inlay ofAkhenaten or Nefertiti, New Kingdom,Amarna Period, Dynasty XVIII, circa1353-1336 B.C.4.2 cm. highEstimate: 80,000-120,000

Lot 107: An Egyptian mosaic glass inlay withhead of a Maenad, Ptolemaic period, circa1stcentury B.C.3.8 x 3.4 cm.Estimate: 15,000-20,000

Lot 87: An Egyptian mosaic glass falconhead inlay, Ptolemaic period, circa2nd-1stcentury B.C.2.4 cm. highEstimate: 20,000-30,000

Lots 1&2: Three Egyptian mosaic glass fragmentary fish, Ptolemaic-Roman period, circa1stcentury B.C.-1st century A.D., 11 in. (28 cm.) long maxEstimate: 8,000-12,000 per lot

Lot 47: An Egyptian bronze Wepwawetstandard terminal, Late period, circa7th-6thcentury B.C., 5.3/4 in. (14.5 cm.) highEstimate: 30,000-50,000

Lot 26: An Egyptian painted limestonehead of an official, New Kingdom, DynastyXVIII, Reign of Hatshepsut, circa1479-1458 B.C.3 3/8 in. (8.5 cm.) highEstimate: 20,000-30,000

Lot 48: An Egyptian blue Faience Khonsu as aBaboon, New Kingdom, Dynasty XIX, circa1291-1191 B.C.3.3/4 in. (9.5 cm.) highEstimate: 70,000-100,000

Lot 89: An Egyptian wood and bronzesacred IbisLate Period, Dynasty XXVI, circa6thcentury B.C.20 in. (51 cm.) longEstimate: 80,000-120,000


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# # #High resolution images and further information available upon request

Complete catalogue available online atwww.christies.comor via the Christies iPhone appClickhereto view Christies Antiquities page online

Notes to Editors:Public Exhibition: Saturday 21 April: 11.00am5.00pm

Sunday 22 April: 11.00am5.00pmMonday 23 April: 9.00am7.30pm

Tuesday 24 April: 9.00am5.00pmWednesday 25 April: 9.00am5.00pm

Auction: The Groppi Collection26 April 2012 at 10.30am

Ecatalogue:The full catalogue will be available to view online from April 2012 atwww.christies.com/calendar

Christies South KensingtonOpen seven days a week, Christies South Kensington is one of the busiest salerooms in the UK attracting over 200,000

visitors each year. With over 100 sales and offering more than 20,000 lotsannually, estimates start from 300. Interiors salesdedicated to home furnishings are held three times a month alongside regular Sunday sales of single-owner collectionsSpecialised sales for the avid collector are scheduled throughout the year according to category, and include Film Posters, Pop

Memorabilia, Antiquities, Jewellery, 20th Century British Art and Chinese Works of Art, among others. In 2011 ChristiesSouth Kensington realised the highest ever total for the second successive year with sales of 115.9 million / $186.6 million.

About ChristiesChristies, the world's leading art business, had global auction and private sales in 2011 that totaled 3.6 billion/$5.7 bil lionChristies is a name and place that speaks of extraordinary art, unparalleled service and expertise, as well as internationalglamour. Founded in 1766 by James Christie, Christie's has since conducted the greatest and most celebrated auctions throughthe centuries providing a popular showcase for the unique and the beautiful. Christies offers over 450 auctions annually inover 80 categories, including all areas of fine and decorative arts, jewellery, photographs, collectibles, wine, and more. Pricesrange from $200 to over $100 million. Christie's also has a long and successful history conducting private sales for its clients inall categories, with emphasis on Post-War and Contemporary, Impressionist and Modern, Old Masters and Jewellery. Privatesales totaled 502 million / $808.6m in 2011, an increase of 44% on the previous year.

Christies has a global presence with 53 offices in 32 countries and 10 salerooms around the world including in London, NewYork, Paris, Geneva, Milan, Amsterdam, Dubai, Zrich, and Hong Kong. More recently, Christies has led the market withexpanded initiatives in growth markets such as Russia, China, India and the United Arab Emirates, with successful sales andexhibitions in Beijing, Mumbai and Dubai.

*Estimates do not include buyers premium. Sales totals are hammer price plus buyers premium and do not reflect costs, financing fees or applicationof buyers or sellers credits.

CHRISTIES SOUTH KENSINGTON85 Old Brompton Road, London, SW7 3LD

OPENING SEVEN DAYS A WEEKMonday: 9.00am7.30pm

TuesdayFriday: 9.00am5.00pmSaturday & Sunday: 11.00am - 5.00pm

WWW.CHRISTIES.COMPrices do not include buyers premium
http://ukfile01/CKSPRS$/Administration/Templates/Press%20Release%20Templates/www.christies.comhttp://ukfile01/CKSPRS$/Administration/Templates/Press%20Release%20Templates/www.christies.comhttp://www.christies.com/departments/antiquities-6-1.aspxhttp://www.christies.com/departments/antiquities-6-1.aspxhttp://www.christies.com/departments/antiquities-6-1.aspxhttp://www.christies.com/calendarhttp://www.christies.com/calendarhttp://www.christies.com/calendarhttp://www.christies.com/calendarhttp://www.christies.com/departments/antiquities-6-1.aspxhttp://ukfile01/CKSPRS$/Administration/Templates/Press%20Release%20Templates/www.christies.com

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Antiquities At Christie’s London On 26 April