Press Release | PARIS | July 2012

LA GALERIE DE GIRARDON
EVOCATION by HUBERT de GIVENCHY

Christie's Paris 9 Avenue Matignon 11 September 3 October 2012 Paris - Christies is honored to announce that a selection of works of art from the Collection of Hubert de Givenchy will be displayed in an exhibition in Paris from 11 September to 3 October 2012, during the Biennale des Antiquaires. The dcor of the exhibition will be inspired by the 1708 series of engravings representing the Galerie de Franois Girardon, the sculptor for Louis XIV. Among the works selected are ten bronze sculptures as well as various marble busts and gilt-bronze and marble vases. The wonderful idea for the exhibition came from Hubert de Givenchy himself. I believe that as time passes, we like to concentrate on realizing our dreams. I have always been inspired by the Galerie de Girardon and it is marvelous to have the opportunity to realize my dream by recreating it with Christies. declared Hubert de Givenchy
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Hubert de Givenchy One of the greatest living couturiers, Hubert de Givenchy is also known to be a passionate collector of sculpture, furniture and works of art. His brilliantly creative ability to combine and display different items has deeply influenced Parisian collectors as well as the wider art world. In 1993, Christies Monaco sold a selection of furniture, silver and works of art from M. de Givenchys Collection in a landmark sale, which set a record for a single owner auction of decorative arts, at the time. I have always been inspired by Hubert de Givenchy's taste and eye so when he explained to me his vision for evoking Girardon's celebrated Gallery I thought it was a brilliant idea which Christies would be immensely proud to work on with him. commented Charles Cator, Deputy Chairman, Christies International The exhibition Givenchys vision for the display of the exhibition was inspired by a set of engravings representing another celebrated collection, that of the sculptor Franois Girardon (1628-1715). Probably the most influential sculptor in France under Louis XIV, Girardon amassed an extraordinary personal collection which comprised more than 800 items at the time of his death. Around 1708, Girardon commissioned Ren Charpentier to draw a selection of highlights from his collection, which was then engraved in a series of detailed plates by Nicolas Chevallier and Franz Ertinger. Significantly, the works of art were placed in an imaginary architectural setting designed by architect and ornamentalist Gilles-Marie Oppenordt. Those engravings constitute an important record of both Girardons own oeuvre, as well as the collecting patterns of one of the most important figures in the arts during Louis XIV reign. A number of bronzes from the collection of M. de Givenchy are mirrored in the engravings such as those representing the Nile and the Tiber, after the antique, as well as an important bronze figure of Bacchus now attributed to Girardon himself. Thanks to Givenchys penchant for classical bronzes, the interiors of his htel particulier in Paris provide a wonderfully modern interpretation of Girardons aesthetic. With the Paris Biennale taking place in September and two other significant private collections being offered for sale at Christies in Paris at the same time, it was thought an ideal moment to mount a small exhibition celebrating the collection and legendary style of M. de Givenchy. Although separated by some three hundred years, the parallels between Givenchy and Girardon in terms of collecting, harmony of colours, shapes and display are both apparent and fascinating. added Christies International Head of Sculpture Donald Johnston and Director of European Sculpture Department Isabelle Degut. Notes to Editors: * If a collector, institution or dealer makes an offer on a specific item during the exhibition, Monsieur de Givenchy might consider it as a possible private sale. *A limited number of high quality catalogues will accompany the exhibition with interior shots of Givenchys own home as well as a foreword written by Givenchy himself.
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PRESS CONTACT: Carine Decroi Beverly Bueninck

+33 1 40 76 85 88 +33 1 40 76 84 08

cdecroi@christies.com bbueninck@christies.com

About Christies Christies, the worlds leading art business, had global auction and private sales in 2011 that totaled 3.6 billion/$5.7 billion. Christies is a name and place that speaks of extraordinary art, unparalleled service and expertise, as well as international glamour. Founded in 1766 by James Christie, Christies has since conducted the greatest and most celebrated auctions through the centuries providing a popular showcase for the unique and the beautiful. Christies offers over 450 auctions annually in over 80 categories, including all areas of fine and decorative arts, jewellery, photographs, collectibles, wine, and more. Prices range from $200 to over $100 million. Christies also has a long and successful history conducting private sales for its clients in all categories, with emphasis on Post-War and Contemporary, Impressionist and Modern, Old Masters and Jewellery. Private sales totaled 502 million / $808.6m in 2011, an increase of 44% on the previous year. Christies has a global presence with 53 offices in 32 countries and 10 salerooms around the world including in London, New York, Paris, Geneva, Milan, Amsterdam, Dubai, Zrich, and Hong Kong. More recently, Christies has led the market with expanded initiatives in emerging and new markets such as Russia, China, India and the United Arab Emirates, with successful sales and exhibitions in Beijing, Mumbai and Dubai. ### Images available on request Visit Christies Website at www.christieseducation.com for a complete prospectus.