PARIS.- Christie's France will present the Black Sheep sale on May 25th and 26th. This exceptional ensemble, consisting of approximately 450 lots for an overall estimate of approximately 4 to 6 million euros - which will partly be donated to War Child charity - is an accurate representation of this great art enthusiast's keen eye. She was a prolific collector who always carefully selected the pieces that she would then stage in her interior, alongside the renowned decorator Jacques Grange.

Always one step ahead of her time, Marion Lambert celebrates the art of collecting as a discipline in itself. Her fruitful collaboration with Jacques Grange, master of colors and textures, gave birth to this eclectic collection's scenography, translating Marion Lambert's sensibility into subtle compositions.

The sheer diversity in this collection of high quality creations reflects Marion Lambert's fearless creativity. Superb classical pieces will share the spotlight with an iconic red Fiat 600 Jolly (estimate €30,000-40,000).

A FAMILY AFFAIR
Assembled over the generations, the Lambert family's collection embodies a genuine passion and instinct for the art of collecting that has been transmitted through the ages. Each piece reflects this same rigorous outlook on the great contemporary artists, but also on the masters of photography and design furniture.

In 1987, Christie's has had the privilege of selling Baron Léon Lambert's collection, composed of contemporary American art from the 1950s as well as works by modern masters such as Magritte, Dubuffet, Picasso, Giacometti, Warhol and Rothko. Inspired by his passion for art, the Banque Lambert, that he then directed, followed his lead and started its own collection of artworks.




In 2004, Baroness Marion Lambert, great collector of photography, introduced her important collection. This sale, entitled Veronica's Revenge, marked a real turning point for the discipline, setting many records in the category. Christie's and Simon de Pury have collaborated in London in October 2015 for A Visuel Odyssey, a sale displaying part of Baroness Marion Lambert's collection, totalling nearly £15,000,000.

Featuring a series of iconic pieces - such as Jean Prouvé's much prized Présidence desk from 1951 (estimate: €200,000-300,000), cristallizing his stylistic research - the creations in this collection encompass a broad period of 20th century art while multiplying the interactions between various currents and generations.

« It is a great honor for Christie's to present part of Marion Lambert's collection, whose curiosity has allowed her to identify and acquire new talents in the fields of photography, design and contemporary art. These discplines are well represented among the sale's pieces and will attract not only seasoned collectors but also amateurs for whom the name Marion Lambert will symbolize both discovery and elegance.» Cécile Verdier, Christie's France, President

Post-War & Contemporary Art
With around one hundred lots in the sale, contemporary art has a central place in Black Sheep. The work My Wife Nr.2 by Richard Prince (estimate €350,000-550,000) is one of the key pieces representing the modernity of this selection.

Photographs
Marion Lambert's passion for photography is highlighted with an impressive collection of more than a hundred pieces. Claude Cahun's photograph Self-Portrait (Variant I'm in) (estimate €40,000-60,000) is one of the focal points of this category.

20th Century Design
The extensive selection of design pieces illustrates Baroness Marion Lambert's comprehensive approach, reflecting her keen interest in the discipline. She takes a broad look at Design, from Art Nouveau to pieces of the 1980s. Among the many creations signed by great figures of Design, a set of creations by Elizabeth Garouste and Mattia Bonetti will be on sale. The most emblematic Rodeo model (estimate €20,000-30,000), crystallises the singularity of their work together. Some extremely rare lots, such as the sculptural vase La Poule Blanche by Georges Jouve (estimate €40,000-60,000) will satisfy the discerning collector. The lamp by Dagobert Peche (estimate €50,000-70,000), a prominent figure of the Vienna Werkstätte, also stands out for its quality and refinement.

Jewellery
Black Sheep also highlights a selection of fine jewellery made by the most prestigious jewellers of the 20th century, such as an exceptional Sheep's Head brooch designed by JAR, adorned with fine pearls and star sapphires (estimate €80,000-120,000).