NEW YORK, NY.- Christie’s presents the sale of The Opulent Eye on April 18. Launched in 2011 at Christie’s London and presented in New York for the first time, the sale will feature exquisitely-crafted 19th century European furniture, porcelain and decorative arts. Encompassing 350 lots, the sale is highlighted by over 60 lots from the Estates of Dr. Milton and Marilyn Myers, comprising treasured pieces by François Linke, Henry Dasson and Alfred Beurdeley. Further top lots include a collection of Meissen porcelain figures by the Jugendstil artist Paul Scheurich; two sumptuous Berlin vases by the Neo-Rococo artist Franz Aulich; and a life-size marble, titled ‘Tres in Una’ by Paul Richer, reputedly from the collection of William Randolph Hearst.

Highlights include:

The sale is led by a fine Roman micromosaic table (estimate: $150,000-250,000). This exceptionally tabletop epitomizes the 18th and 19th century fascination with the Antique. The Italian vistas represented here were favored time and again by visitors on the Grand Tour and such meticulously detailed scenes, retailed by Roman mosaic workshops, were prized as souvenirs of their travels abroad.

A palatial Napoleon III ormolu-mounted ‘Boulle’ marquetry bureau plat (estimate: $120,000-180,000), is exceptional for its quality and craftsmanship. The luxurious effect of etched brass inlaid into exotic tortoiseshell has an enduring appeal and was first exploited as a technique by André-Charles Boulle in his work for the French Court during the reign of Louis XIV.

Extraordinary Berlin (K.P.M) porcelain is on offer including a massive Berlin porcelain flower-encrusted vase and stand, circa 1880 (estimate $60,000-80,000). This exquisite and impressive example features a life-sized female mask suspending pale-blue drapery swags, the sides applied in high-relief with rich bouquets. The design for this monumental vase is characteristic of Alexander Kipps, Artistic Director at the Manufactory (1858-1910). The exuberant flower modeling and rocaille scrolls are exemplar of the fresh Neo-Rococo fashion he introduced in the late 19th century.

The sale is also highlighted by a pair of ormolu-mounted Sèvres porcelain claret-ground vases (‘Fuseau’), dated 1822 (estimate: $50,000-70,000). When Alexandre Brongniart became Director of the Manufacture de Sèvres in 1800, he introduced a series of new vase shapes based on Ancient forms. Among this series, the ‘vase Fuseau’ was a grand success. This pair of classic baluster vases is finely painted front and back by Pierre Riton with panels enclosing ribbon-tied neoclassical emblems.

The Estates of Dr. Milton & Marilyn Myers, Hollywood, Florida
Dr. Milton Myer’s unparalleled passion for the arts and robust collecting history is expressed in this extensive and highly regarded collection of 19th century furniture, sculpture and works of art.

Leading the collection is a French ormolu mantel clock, by Henry Dasson, Paris, dated 1883. With rays bursting forth from a portrait medallion of Louis XIV, this spectacular clock is based on an 18th century model dedicated to the memory of the Sun King (estimate: $40,000-60,000). Created in 1754, the original was created by fondeur Edmé-Jean Gallien for Louis XV’s bedroom at the Château de Fountainbleau.