PARIS.- Christie's France is pleased with the results realised yesterday, especially for the masterpiece by Bernardino Luini which established a new world auction record, selling for €1,207,500, more than three times its presale estimate. This painting, unseen since 1865, is coming from the former collection of the Duchess of Berry and was always known as being executed by Leonardo Da Vinci himself until 1956, when the art historian Ottino Della Chiesa published a monograph on Luini in which the painting was represented.

Pierre Etienne, International Director of Old Master Paintings: “I am very proud to have defended such a strong picture to a very high level despite the fact that it was classed amongst the Monuments Historiques: French and International collectors fought for this painting and were ready to keep it in France”.

Christie's France is also proud that the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields, Indiana acquired the beautiful 19th century Sèvres porcelain blue-ground “Déjeuner Chinois Réticule” for €85,000 against a presale estimate of €40,000-60,000.

Other highlights included an exceptional reliquary realised in Limoges circa 1210-1220 which sold for €487,500 and a remarkable late 18th century Sèvres porcelain armorial blue-ground dessert service which sold for €343,500. Collectors were also active on a Louis XVI meuble à hauteur d'appui executed by Etienne Levasseur circa 1780, which sold for €211,500.

Simon de Monicaut, Director Decorative Arts : "The important result obtained for the Louis XIV Savonnerie carpet, woven for the Galerie d'Apollon in the Louvre circa 1664-1667 (€187,500), demonstrates once again the high interest from collectors for exceptional works with royal provenance".