From 12-14 November, Lempertz auction house in Cologne, Germany will hold seven consecutive sessions dedicated to decorative art objects, 19th-century masterpieces and paintings, and crafts and jewellery.
The 'Fit for a King – Abraham and David Roentgen' catalogue, 16 lots of which will be presented on 13 November, will be a golden opportunity for lovers of antique furniture. All the pieces offered come from a single collection and will be brought together for what will be the most important auction of works by Roentgen in the history of post-war Germany.
Abraham Roentgen founded his cabinetmaking company in Neuwied in 1750 and quickly became known for the quality of his work, characterised by exceptional marquetry. His son David Roentgen, who took over the workshop in 1772, made the transition from Louis XV style to Louis XVI style and, surpassing his father's success, opened a workshop in Paris.
Highlights of the catalogue include a former writing cabinet by Abraham Roentgen, as well as a chest of drawers and a cylinder desk adorned with elaborate chinoiserie designs by David Roentgen.
In addition to the Roentgen furniture, the first part of the Renate and Tono Dreßen collection from Westphalia is a gold mine of ancient arts and crafts.
The Dreßen Collection consists of works from the Meissen Porcelain Manufactory dating from the first half of the 18th century, one of the most important porcelain collections in Germany.
Noteworthy, among other historical treasures, is a dish from Count Brühl's famous swan service, services painted by the famous Hoeroldt workshop, as well as various pieces that Saxon voters sent as diplomatic gifts to their European 'colleagues'.
Modern craftsmanship will be in the spotlight, including a small bar by French decorator Jacques-Émile Ruhlmann, who, for the quality of his works, was nicknamed the 'Giant of Art Deco'.
This unique ceramic plate was designed by Lucien Lévy-Dhurmer between 1895 and 1902 and executed by Clément Massier. The relief represents the dancer of the Serpentine Dance, Loïe Fuller, who delighted the Parisian public around 1900 and inspired many artists.
The series of sales will end on 14 November with two sessions dedicated to painting. The old master paintings will cover all themes and mediums, ranging from paintings to drawings, sculptures and reliefs.
Art lovers can find a still life by Frans Snyder and a genre scene by Philips Wouwerman, which depicts a procession and horse-drawn carriage by a river.
The 19th-century paintings will close the series of auctions. Highlights include a landscapes by Ludwig Richter, son of a copper engraver who made his first trip to Italy in 1823 at the age of 20, and Jacob Philipp Hackert, a highly regarded Prussian neoclassical landscape painter.
Finally, a jewellery auction will open the marathon of sales. Don't miss exploring these sales of antique and modern treasures.
