Christie’s proudly announces the sale of the Michel Wittock Collection, Part IV, which will be held in Paris on May 11. As well as an exceptional copy of the famous Description de l’Egypte, bound by Jean-Joseph Tessier in polished and richly decorated calfskin, the collection includes a
fine selection of French literature in master bindings from the late XIXth to the XXIst century, by or after design by Marius-Michel, Rose Adler, Pierre Legrain, François-Louis Schmied and Paul Bonet. Jean de Gonet is represented in a unique selection of more than 30 examples ranging from 1977 to 2006.
Collection Michel Wittock, Part IV
Jean-Joseph Tessier and the Description de l’EgypteThe highlight of the sale is the Description de l’Égypte, 23 volumes in their original mahogany display case, which is expected to realize €500.000 to €700.000. This is the first edition of this monumental publication, which is considered to be the foundation of modern Egyptology: a virtually complete set of the large paper issue, printed on woven paper with handcoloured ornithological plates.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Original copy of La Description de l'Egypte to be sold at auction
Christie's
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
WOW!
If i had the money i would purchase this "lot" and ensure it is available to the public(behind glass). Please NO PRIVATE COLLECTORS.
A relatively low price (?) £500,000.00 for a huge piece of history, even though advertised as virtually complete- this is real Egyptological history.
Really exciting!!
Regards,
Stuart
I couldn't agree more - a marvellous piece of both history.
Post a Comment