ALAMEDA, CA.- The private collection of renowned Los Angeles antiquarian Rita Neuman will be offered in an exclusive auction at Michaan’s on Friday, June 9, 2017 at 10:00 am PST. Over 150 lots of Continental furniture, art and decorative objects will be offered.

This collection from Rita Neuman’s own residence is the culmination of a remarkable career. A native New Yorker, Rita was at heart a Parisian in her sensibilities, grace and discerning taste. Her lifelong passion for 18th and 19th century French and Continental art and design led her to seek out the finest treasures: exploring the winding streets of Paris, traveling the world for nearly 70 years.

Rita’s self-education began in her twenties and her expertise accrued rapidly as her interests expanded and her collection grew. Over the years, Rita earned an impeccable reputation as a noted connoisseur and respected dealer in the international art community. She held court in her elegant Los Angeles home, entertaining and sharing her expertise with the celebrities, politicians, business executives and titled nobility who were among her clients.

Rita Neuman’s collection included the finest examples of French 19th century cabinetmaking, painting and sculpture, Sevres porcelain, gilt bronze lighting fixtures and objets d’art. One noteworthy example is her personal desk, the Maison Millet gilt bronze mounted parquetry Bureau a Rognon ($20,000-30,000). Another is the coromandel mounted cabinet ($12,000-18,000) also from Maison Millet. Collectors seeking an exceptional focal point will find the amazing gilt bronze mounted and paint decorated marquetry Louis XV style grand piano by Gaveau et Cie circa 1900 ($70,00090,000), made for the Buenos Aires market. Complementing the exquisite furnishings is the imposing Gervais gilt bronze and marble clock garniture ($20,000-30,000) and a superb pair of large Louis XVI style gilt bronze and marble cassolettes, possibly by the celebrated bronzier ebeniste Henry Dasson.

Among the rare finds for discerning collectors is the Maison Jansen triple vitrine cabinet ($12,000-18,000). Founded in Paris in 1880, Maison Jansen was the first truly global interior design house. Other prized pieces include the rare pair of large Napoleon III porcelain mounted cabinets and a finely executed Regence style boullework bureau plat.

Rita Neuman’s art collection includes a charming Belle Epoqueportrait ($2,500-3,500) by Gustave Jean Jacquet ( 1846-190), a student of Bougereau) and “The Presentation”, ($4,000-6,000) by Sinibaldo Tordi (1876-1955). “The Arrival” ($18,000-25,000), a large tableau of elegant figures at the edge of a Versailles reflecting pool, is by Edward Harrison May (1824-1887), one of the first Americans to be awarded a prize at the Paris Salon.

A special treasure to Francophiles is Gustave Dore’s allegorical figural bronze, “La Defense Nationale” (approximately 60 inches in height, estimate $15,000-20,000). “La Defense Nationale” was Dore’s entry to a competition for a sculpture to commemorate the sacrifices of Parisians during the Franco-Prussian war. It was later cast in bronze for the Exposition Universelle 1889 (anniversary of the French Revolution), the same exhibition presenting the Eiffel Tower. A life size model of the “La Defense Universelle” can be found at the Musee du Petit Palais, Paris. Additional sculptures include bronzes of French royalty as well as an impressive pair of marble busts of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella.

Of very special note are several lots of floral painted porcelain plaques representing a unique opportunity for collectors. A rare pair is by Joseph Nigg (c. 1830, estimate $7,0009,000) is a highlight. Nigg, a Viennese painter specializing in floral subjects on porcelain plaques, was the most important European master of the genre in the first half of the 19th century.