Wednesday, October 05, 2022

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. ❤️💋☕️🥐


30 comments:

  1. Anonymous6:00 AM

    Merci beaucoup, chère Carol.
    Sophie

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  2. Bonnie L7:42 AM

    Amazing that all of those French antiques were amassed over 15 years! Shows the power of the Sheik’s unlimited oil revenue. ⛽️

    It would be fabulous if the French government could buy those jewels that belonged to historical figures. They would make a wonderful addition to the jewelry collection at the Louvre.

    It must have been tantalizing to walk amongst these treasures, Carol. Thanks for bringing it all to us.

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    Replies
    1. Anonymous11:38 AM

      Hmmm…I cant say I longed to own anything in particular…except a madeleine afterwards. A girl of simple tastes :))

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    2. Anonymous2:19 AM

      What was Very nice was to be there before the crowd descended…I more or less had it to myself, but I don’t think I could live among those things…too messy ;((

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  3. Wow -- that's a museum visit in itself. Totally overwhelming. Your cup is lovely!

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  4. Anonymous10:55 AM

    Where Chopin is playing, I see the “help” peering from the balcony, and most are black. So interesting.

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    1. Anonymous11:46 AM

      Very sharp eyes! They are musicians are they not with horns? A jazz band…?

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  5. Jeannie10:58 AM

    Fabulous! Wouldn’t you love a tour of the hôtel particular itself?

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    1. Anonymous11:36 AM

      I would have loved to attend the party hat balł the Rothschilds gave. Audrey and Dali were there among others

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  6. Anonymous11:08 AM

    Thank you Carol for taking us on this tour of such historical antiquities. It would be nice if some of these items ended up in the Louve due to their historical significance. It was fascinating to see everything. -Suzanne P.

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    1. Anonymous11:35 AM

      Someone could buy some stuff and donate it to the Louvre as long as they dont make op——-s etc.

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  7. Anonymous11:33 AM

    Always loved that Paulo Conte song! LOLOL. It’s been in a ton of movies. Love your teacup you painted! Suzanne

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  8. Anonymous12:10 PM

    The prices are jaw dropping as were the pre-auction price estimates! 🤯 it causes your imagination to run wild at what is inside some of those hotel particulars! My my!

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    1. Anonymous12:10 PM

      Hmmm…and I thought they were lowish.

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  9. Anonymous12:11 PM

    Absolutely…Always👍🏻 How do you do so many posts?? You are amazing! J

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    1. Anonymous12:12 PM

      Its easier when you do them right away. If I wait I lose momentum…and excitement cg

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  10. Anonymous12:13 PM

    What a grand blog just for my birthday! The Empress feels right at home. I'll choose un petit cadeau from the handsomely-presented displays. Eugenia

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  11. Anonymous1:50 PM

    I know! That’s why I needed a sugar transfusion

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  12. Anonymous9:38 PM

    My twin and I would have loved to have been there. We firmly believe we lived in Europe several Centuries ago… Lynn

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  13. Anonymous9:39 PM

    The exhibit is spectacular and so special. Thank you so much.

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  14. Anonymous10:15 PM

    Thank you for all of this! Especially the song! It was in the movie "French Kiss". Have a great weekend!

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    Replies
    1. Anonymous2:02 AM

      Isn’t it Wonderful! I heard it first in Mostly Martha…an adorable German chef movie My new theme song :))

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    2. Anonymous2:16 AM

      Mostly Martha (2/8) Movie CLIP - Two Chefs In the Kitchen (2001)
      https://youtu.be/V2E341Ilexw

      Delete
    3. Anonymous2:17 AM

      It's wonderful
      It's wonderful
      It's wonderful
      Good luck my baby
      It's wonderful
      It's wonderful
      It's wonderful
      I dream of you
      Chips, chips
      Doo doo doo doo doo (ci-boom, ci-boom, boom)
      Doo doo doo doo doo (ci-boom, ci-boom, boom)
      Doo doo doo doo doo

      Delete
  15. Anonymous2:00 AM

    Hi Carol. Couldn't resist purchasing some of your artwork after this post. Merci beaucoup for all your hard work. It is greatly appreciated, living so far from Paris. from DownUnder

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    1. Anonymous2:02 AM

      So kind of you dear Aussie xxx❤️❤️💋💋

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    2. Our first full day in Paris! Your post was timely. We went and wow, so that’s what’s behind the walls and windows here! I stopped after at Hermes and talked my way into some nice perfume samples .

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    3. Anonymous1:14 AM

      👏👏👏Excellent Cindy on both accounts. Was it crowded at Sotheby’s?

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  16. Anonymous1:13 AM

    Mme. C, i have friends that have an apt, around the corner from the hotel lambert. They specialize in17-18th Century and so they introduced me to the hotel particular. It is a wonder....though too over the top for my personal taste...I have a number of books on it....the parties ! oh la la.
    Thanks for the reminder. Merci, Jacquelyn

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  17. Anonymous5:38 AM

    Merci beaucoup for the private tour of this magnificent collection. And now for a rich and luxuriant chocolat chaud at Angelina's. Perth, Australia

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