Christie's Auction House

Christie’s is one of the world's most prestigious auction houses, with a rich history that dates back to its founding in 1766 by James Christie in London. Renowned for its sales of fine art, antiques, and luxury items, Christie’s quickly established itself as a leader in the art market. James Christie's charismatic personality and extensive network helped attract a discerning clientele, including aristocrats and royalty. Over the centuries, the auction house expanded globally, holding landmark sales such as the auction of Leonardo da Vinci's Salvator Mundi, which set a world record for the most expensive painting ever sold. With offices and auction spaces worldwide, Christie’s remains a key player in the art and collectibles market, blending tradition with innovation to maintain its prominence in the industry.

Sales coming up:

March 2025



Christie's is set to host the 24th edition of "The Art of the Surreal Evening Sale" on March 5, 2025, in London. This prestigious auction brings together masterpieces from some of the most influential Surrealist artists, offering collectors a unique opportunity to acquire works that have shaped art history.

A standout highlight of the sale is René Magritte's "La reconnaissance infinie" (1933), estimated between £6,000,000–£9,000,000. This painting exemplifies Magritte's exploration of enigmatic imagery, featuring a mysterious orb hovering above a serene landscape, crowned by a solitary figure. 

The auction also showcases three exceptional paintings by Belgian artist Paul Delvaux: "Les belles de nuit" (1936), "La ville endormie" (1938), and "Nuit de Noël" (1956). These works, coming to market for the first time in over 30 years, capture Delvaux's signature blend of lyricism and melancholia, interweaving reality and fantasy. 

Other notable artists featured include Jean Arp, Max Ernst, Leonora Carrington, and Salvador Dalí, each contributing to the rich tapestry of Surrealist art represented in this sale. 

Regarding David Hockney, his masterpiece "California" (1965) is slated for Christie's 20th/21st Century: London Evening Sale on March 7, 2025. This painting, held in a private collection since 1968 and unseen publicly for over 40 years, is estimated to fetch around £16,000,000. "California" stands among Hockney's pioneering swimming pool works, marking a significant period in his artistic journey. 

February 2025

Another upcoming sale features exceptional highlights, including El Greco's San Sebastian and Lucas Cranach's Hercules and Omphale. A rare pair of Late Geometric Period gold earrings from Athens (750–725 BC), distinguished by their exquisite granulation, offers a glimpse into ancient artistry. Also on offer is a Fabergé flower, renowned for the astonishing craftsmanship and intricate detail.

The collection of Selim and Mary Zilkha is a remarkable assembly of rare works spanning the Renaissance to the 19th century, celebrated for its exceptional craftsmanship and prestigious provenances. Described as a modern Kunstkammer in the princely tradition, it is unparalleled among American collections. Silver treasures form its foundation, featuring masterpieces such as the Zilkha Aldobrandini Tazza (Netherlandish, 1587–99), a South German silver-gilt nautilus cup (Hans I Clauss, circa 1630), and the only complete set of 17th-century silver playing cards (Michael Frömmer, 1616). Sculptural highlights include a Giallo Tigrato leopard with her young (attributed to Antonio Moglia, circa 1825), while furniture masterpieces include a Kentian suite from the Coke collection (William Hallett, circa 1735) and a striking Japanese lacquer commode by Joseph Baumhauer, blending East and West aesthetics with early 18th-century grandeur.

Selim Khedouri Zilkha (April 7, 1927 – September 16, 2022) was an Iraqi-born British entrepreneur renowned for founding Mothercare, a prominent UK retail chain specializing in maternity and childcare products. Born into a distinguished banking family in Baghdad, he was the son of Khedouri Zilkha. Selim's early life was cosmopolitan, with time spent in Lebanon, Egypt, and the United States, where he attended the Horace Mann School in New York City and Williams College in Massachusetts. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. After selling his interest in Mothercare in 1981, he returned to the United States, where he made significant investments in the energy sector. Beyond his business ventures, Selim was a philanthropist with a keen interest in neuroscience, co-founding the Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute at the Keck School of Medicine of USC with his wife, Mary Hayley. Selim's personal life included a brief marriage to Diane Bashi, with whom he had two children, Michael and Nadia. He later married Mary Hayley, his partner of 60 years, with whom he shared a passion for collecting art and antiques. Their collection, described as a modern Kunstkammer, featured rare works from the Renaissance to the 19th century.  Selim Zilkha passed away at his home in Bel Air, California, at the age of 95, leaving behind a legacy marked by entrepreneurial success, philanthropic endeavors, and  appreciation for art and culture.

February 2025

The Personal Collection of Barry Humphries in London, February 2025. Renowned for his iconic comedic personas, including Dame Edna Everage and Les Patterson, Barry Humphries (1934–2023) was also a passionate collector, beginning in his Melbourne teenage years and continuing throughout his life. This extraordinary sale reflects his eclectic taste and intellectual curiosity, featuring an exceptional array of books, manuscripts, Australian paintings, Victorian and 19th-century art, and Impressionist and modern works. Highlights include Charles Conder’s Sand Dunes at Ambleteuse, an inscribed copy of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, and Jean Delville’s L'oubli des Passions.

Barry Humphries (1934–2023) was a celebrated Australian performer and writer, best known for his iconic comedic creations, Dame Edna Everage and Sir Les Patterson, which brought him global acclaim. Over a career spanning seven decades, he delighted audiences with his sharp wit, theatrical flair, and biting social commentary. Beyond his public persona, Humphries was a passionate collector with an eclectic taste, beginning his lifelong pursuit in his teenage years in Melbourne. His collection reflected a deep appreciation for art, literature, and history, encompassing treasures from the fin de siècle to modern times. A man of boundless curiosity and refined sensibilities, Humphries’ private world of collecting complemented his public legacy of humour and creativity.