Hôtel Lambert, A Royal Collection

The Hôtel Lambert, considered as one of the most beautiful private mansions in Paris, was built and decorated in the early 1640s by geniuses at the initiative of the Palace of Versailles. Following a historic restoration, this jewel in the Parisian crown houses one of the finest private collections of decorative arts ever brought together. Some 1,300 lots from the Hôtel Lambert will be offered this fall at Sotheby's.

The first volume of the sale presents the most emblematic works of art. They have been carefully chosen and collected in the long tradition of the greatest patrons and collectors over the centuries. The selection includes Old Master paintings, Savonnerie rugs, Gobelins tapestries, incredible porcelain mounted on gilded bronze, silverware, masterpieces of majolica, cabinetmaking made by the most talented craftsmen. These timeless pieces have all marked the history of the decorative arts.

Volume II, Kunstkammer is dedicated to the princely spirit of Renaissance aristocracy and patrons, with a selection of rock crystals, enamels and impressive German vermeil objects. Exhibited at the Hôtel Lambert in the Salon des Emaux and in the Salon des Curiosités, these sumptuous objects reflect the tradition of the Kunstkammer, where certain precious materials and objects were associated with a philosophical reflection on Humanity and Earth. Limoges painted enamels dishes and plates made by the most famous artists of the 16th and 17th centuries – including Colin Nouailher, Léonard Limousin and Pierre Reymond and their workshops – will be presented alongside many unique and unexpected objects.

Volume III, A travers l'Hôtel Lambert, invites you to discover the magnificent interiors of the Hôtel Lambert, entering the beautifully decorated rooms restored to their full splendor by the famous decorator Alberto Pinto. Important works of art can be found in the Salon des Muses, a room adorned with paneling painted by Eustache le Sueur. Furniture and paintings from royal sources will rub shoulders with prestigious pieces such as a porcelain and gilt bronze clock by Jean-Baptiste Machaut d'Arnouville, a sofa that belonged to the Duke of Windsor, or a pair of Regency candlesticks that belonged to Hubert de Givenchy. One of the highlights of the sale is also the rare collection of paintings by famous artist Hubert Robert in the Grand Salon.

Volume IV, Les Arts de la table, will present an exceptional selection of mostly French and English silverware from the most famous goldsmiths (Paul de Lamerie, Robert-Joseph Auguste, Paul Crespin, Duguay, Imlin, etc.), porcelain and glass, reflections of this great French art of receiving and eating style.

Volume V presents a collection of miniature treasures, acquired over time by His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Abdullah Al Thani. Jewels dating from the Renaissance until the 16th century will be presented, as well as jewels from the 19th century until the first part of the 20th century. Among them, a fleur-de-lys brooch set with diamonds, enhanced with a large sapphire, which would have belonged to Marie-Louise de Bourbon-Parme.

The VI and final volume includes a selection of drawings, engravings and paintings from the 18th and 19th centuries, as well as furniture, art objects such as candlesticks, andirons and Limoges enamels. European and Chinese porcelain silverware and vases are also on display.