Hôtel Lambert, Une Collection Princière, Sotheby’s

 

Some Summer nights, when Hôtel Lambert was all lit up, I’ve stood on pont Sully and wondered what was going on inside.

Yesterday I looked inside this 61-room hôtel particular or grand private mansion, built in the early 1640s on the Île Saint Louis thanks to Sotheby’s. 

By the great architect, Louis le Vau of Versailles and Louvre fame. 

Now Sotheby’s is auctioning off the contents of Hôtel Lambert after the sale to foundation owner, Xavier Niel 

Pieces carefully acquired for years by his highness, Sheik Hamad bin Abdullah Al Thani, since his purchase of the historic landmark in 2007. 

Returning it to its former glory. Remember I showed you inside of Hôtel de Lauzan, exactly next door, also built by Le Vau and open to the public by reservation only.

When Hôtel Lambert was owned by the Rothschild family

And further back when Voltaire lived there and Chopin played there.

’There have been many chapters in the almost four-hundred-year history of the Hôtel Lambert. Each one has been splendid and fascinating.’’  James Reginato

Now over the next 6 days the public can get a vicarious thrill inside  at Sotheby’s through 11 October

Before the 5-day international auction begins 

And the gavel hits the block for some 1,300 items. 

I went yesterday morning to the preview, trying to take in as much as possible before being blinded by so much d’or.

It’s only at these auctions, like the recent Givenchy and Paris Ritz Hotel four years ago you can examine rare items up close. Experts are on hand to discuss their provenance and shine a flashlight 🔦 on the details.

There are pieces that once belonged to Marie Antoinette, Madame de Pompadour, Madame du Barry and other illuminaries.

It is possibly one of the biggest sales of antiques ever offered. The 5 live sales and 1 online offering made a total of €76.6mn (with fees), comfortably ahead of their combined €63.5mn high estimate 

Both in terms of quantity and superior quality. 

I couldn’t resist trying to paint a Hôtel Lambert porcelain cup or two.

Outside, after so much ‘luxe, calm and volupté’, I needed a little luxury snack. Laduree and Angelina to the rescue. Thank goodness for little boxes. If you’re in Paris this week don’t miss visiting Sotheby’s at 76, rue du Faubourg-Saint Honoré, 75008 or watch the auction online live.

Looking out my window this morning, I should be able to spot Hôtel Lambert (it’s a 2-minute walk from here) but it’s a sea of misty roofs. Maybe later.Thanks for reading Parisbreakfast! If you like this post please support it by buying my Paris letters and watercolors. Or pass on to some one who might enjoy it.. Here’s a song to start youfrom Paulo Conte. ❤️💋☕️🥐