NEW YORK, NY.- Sotheby’s announce that it will offer The Collection of Suzanne Saperstein in a dedicated sale on 19 April 2012 in New York. Carefully assembled over the course of two decades and housed in her celebrated Beverly Hills estate Fleur de Lys, Ms. Saperstein’s impressive collection comprises mainly 18th-century French furniture and decorative arts, with important examples by some of the most celebrated cabinetmakers of the era. The sale will be on exhibition in Sotheby’s York Avenue galleries beginning 14 April.

Inspired by her Swedish great-grandparents, who had collected local antique furniture and decorative arts, Ms. Saperstein first began collecting with textiles – closely related to her love of couture clothing – and expanded into furniture which incorporated fabrics that drew her attention. Her very personal collection grew through her passion for researching the history behind pieces she found both at auction and by scouring markets and antique shops for unique works. Ms. Saperstein conceived of her Fleur de Lys estate in Beverly Hills – represented by Michael Waddington – as an ideal environment to house this impressive group of furnishings and decorations with great care.

“After many years of collecting, living with and loving these objects, I feel that it is time for them to be enjoyed by a new group of owners,” commented Ms. Saperstein. “I look forward to the new chapter of my life that will begin with the sale of Fleur de Lys – a time to be spent with my family and on my new pursuits.”

The Collection at Fleur de Lys
The April auction will offer a number of exceptional and rare pieces, led by a Louis XIV Ormolu-Mounted Boulle Marquetry Coffer on Stand, circa 1710 (est. $800,000/1.2 million*). This rare model is attributed to André-Charles Boulle, the greatest cabinetmaker of his time, and according to family tradition it was given to Lord Cathcart by King Louis XV. A Set of Six Louis XVI Giltwood Fauteuils and Two Matching Bergères, circa 1780 are stamped H. Jacob, for the famed cabinetmaker Henri Jacob (est. $400/600,000). The armchairs are distinguished for having five legs – an unusual design feature – and were previously in the collection of the distinguished Italian family of Prince Pallavicini.

A Pair of Louis XV Silvered-Bronze Swans, circa 1750 are closely related I design to a pair in the collection of Madame de Pompadour (est. $400/600,000). A group of works by royal cabinetmaker Jean-Henri Riesener include a Louis XVI Mahogany, Burrwood, Fruitwood and Marquetry Bureau à Cylindre, circa 1775-80 (est. $400/600,000) and a Louis XVI Ormolu-Mounted Mahogany and Parquetry Writing Table, circa 1775-80 (est. $300/500,000).

*Estimates do not include buyer’s premium