The auction scene is set to dazzle collectors and art enthusiasts in the coming weeks as several significant pieces from history come to the forefront. Among these is the Winter Egg by the House of Fabergé, scheduled for auction at Christie’s in London on December 2, with an estimated value exceeding £20 million. Commissioned by the last two czars of the Romanov dynasty, this exquisite Imperial Easter Egg was designed by Alma Theresia Pihl, one of the few women to work for Fabergé. The egg, crafted from rock crystal and adorned with diamond-set platinum snowflakes, commemorates the 300th anniversary of the Romanov dynasty. Given the rarity of such pieces, particularly with seven lost since the Russian Revolution, the Winter Egg represents a unique opportunity for collectors and could potentially set a new auction record.
Expanding the variety of offerings, Sotheby’s is set to feature François-Xavier Lalanne’s unique hippopotamus-shaped bar, estimated to fetch more than $7 million, during its Important Design auction in New York on December 10. This playful item was commissioned by the late oil heiress Anne Schlumberger in the mid-1970s and is renowned for its intricate design, complete with a revolving bottle rack, glasses storage, and an ice bucket. Its design has become iconic, as variations of the hippopotamus have appeared in sculptures and furniture.
On December 3, Sotheby’s will showcase Pieter Bruegel the Younger’s rare interpretation of The Census at Bethlehem, with an estimated value of £3 million to £5 million. This particular piece, a detailed copy of the original work by Bruegel the Elder, has not been publicly exhibited in over 40 years and merges biblical themes with the everyday life of a snow-covered Flemish village.
Additionally, Bonhams will present L.S. Lowry’s lithograph Going to the Match on the same day, with estimates between £25,000 and £35,000. This work captures the essence of local life as fans flock to a football match, a subject familiar to Lowry’s portfolio that often reflects the working-class experience in the industrial north of England.
As these historic pieces prepare to go under the hammer, there is a palpable excitement in the air for collectors and art lovers alike, highlighting not only their artistic value but also their cultural significance. The upcoming auctions symbolize a continued appreciation for historical art and design, ensuring that these timeless creations remain celebrated in contemporary spaces.