This is the third time that auction house Piguet has organised the sale of such magnitude. Situated on the shores of Lake Geneva, the stunning Balkany home contains nearly 1000 objects of art and decor, some of which will be featured in the sale at Piguet.
[youtube id="czpozXtPIPc"]
Bernard Piguet, Piguet's director and auctioneer, said: "It is a great honour to have been chosen by the heirs to organise this exceptional sale in a completely unique setting."
The collection of Molly de Balkany reflects her perfectly: refined and adventurous. The enchanting Swiss villa's interior is characterised by the exuberance of the decorations.
The globetrotting Balkany family have brought influences from their travels in to their home. Ancient paintings, pieces by renowned goldsmiths and sculptors as well as jewellery, porcelain and the finest of furniture will make up the 543-lot strong auction.
Molly de Balkany, the first female property developer in France, over the years built up an eclectic collection enriched by her travels and her passion for the cultures of the world. Paintings, furniture, objets d'art, goldsmith pieces and jewellery all from the 16th to the 20th century make up her estate.
In particular, her collection illustrates a strong taste for Empire period furniture, featuring an important set of pieces by famed cabinetmakers the Jacob brothers.
The bronzer Thomire, who had work commissioned by King Louis XVI and Emperor Napoleon I, will take centre stage in the auction in the form of a pair of candelabras.
A spectacular and rare mantelpiece clock depicting Napoleon I with the features of a triumphant Caesar, attributed to Feuchère, is estimated to sell for £31 500.
The collection of tableware in the sale is testament to the pomp of the evening spent at the Villa Aigue-Marine. A beautiful collection of goldsmiths 'and silversmiths' pieces from 17th to 20th century features an impressive ewer and a 5kg gold basin signed by Garrard & Co (London.)
Molly de Balkany's art collection includes the remarkable works of Flemish painters François Verheyden and the circle of Peter Paul Rubens and Jan I Brueghel.
The collection will be available for the public to view for the very first time from 28th to 30th April. The sale will take place at Villa Aigue-Marine on 6th May, 2017. Check out the full catalogue here.
