Daily Management Review

The Bernard De Leye Collection: The Quest for the Exceptional


07/02/2021


“Objects do not belong to you,” says Bernard De Leye. “They are just passing through.” The time has come for the Belgian antique dealer and former BRAFA president to pass his collection on to the next custodian. Over 250 pieces, including several of museum quality, are up for sale.



by Vanessa Schmitz-Grucke

Jean-Baptiste François Chéret, Paris, 1770. Toiletry set for the Marquis and Marquise de Montmelas, silver with two-toned gold plating, h. of pitcher 29.5 cm/11.6 in, h. of basin 9 cm/3.5 in, l. 36.3 cm/14.3 in, d. 23.5 cm/9.3 in. Total weight 2,479 g/87.44 oz. Estimate: €1/1.2 M
Jean-Baptiste François Chéret, Paris, 1770. Toiletry set for the Marquis and Marquise de Montmelas, silver with two-toned gold plating, h. of pitcher 29.5 cm/11.6 in, h. of basin 9 cm/3.5 in, l. 36.3 cm/14.3 in, d. 23.5 cm/9.3 in. Total weight 2,479 g/87.44 oz. Estimate: €1/1.2 M
There is perhaps only one collection in the world bringing together Pope Sixtus V, Madame de Pompadour, the Comte d’Arnouville, Ferdinand I de' Medici and Louis XVI. To achieve this feat, it needed an adventurer with a passion for silver and goldware, particularly of the French variety (the catalog also includes rare paintings and furniture) and an interest in great historical figures. Enter Bernard De Leye... read more



Tags : Art, Auction, Collecting, Collection, Gold, Luxury Goods, Silver