Press Release | PARIS | 9 septembre 2013

MASTERPIECES FROM THE ORLOFF SILVER DINNER SERVICE

COMMISSIONED BY EMPRESS CATHERINE THE GREAT OF RUSSIA
Le Got Franais - 8 November 2013, Paris

Silver tureen Jacques-Nicolas Rettiers Paris, 1770-1771 Estimate : 1,500,000 2,000,000

Paris Christies is honored to present for sale magnificent silver with a Russian imperial provenance. These pieces include a superb soup-tureen on stand and a set of four massive candlesticks from the Orloff service which represents a crucial milestone in the history of French silver. They will be the highlight of the Le Got Franais sale to be held on 8 November 2013. Commissioned in 1770 by Empress Catherine II of Russia from the finest Parisian silversmith of the time, Jacques Rettiers (17071784) and his son Jacques-Nicolas Rettiers (1736-1788), the service comprised more than 3,000 pieces. It is one of the earliest expressions of the Neo-classical style in silver. Items from this this legendary service have occasionally appeared at auction, however, it has been more than 20 years since such a significant group has been presented to the international market. Marine de Cenival, Senior Specialist, Silver department: Christies is pleased to unveil the previously unpublished collection featuring the finest French silversmiths of the late 18th century. This is the first time that we have presented such a prestigious group of silver in Paris, a group which displays the talents of the silversmiths Rottiers, Auguste, Delanois, Mongenot and Charles Spriman. This sale promises to be a major event for those who appreciate and admire the finest French silver.

Four silver candlesticks Jacques-Nicolas Rettiers Paris, 1770-1771 Estimate : 500,000 800,000

The service was originally commissioned by Empress Catherine the Great for her personal use, however, she later offered it as a gift to her lover Count Orloff (1734-1783). Orloff had played a pivotal role in the plot to depose Catherines husband Emperor Peter III in 1762. On the death of the Count some twenty years later she repurchased the service from the Counts heirs and it remained in the imperial collection until the sales held by the Soviet government in 1930s. Much of the service was acquired by the leading dealers of the day, including Jacques Helft, with many pieces finding their way into the greatest collections of the time, such as those formed by the Rothschild, Camondo and Ortiz-Patino families. Pieces from the Orloff service can also be found in the collections of theMetropolitan Museum, New York, The Hermitage in St. Petersburg and the Louvre in Paris.

The silversmith Jacques Rettiers received the commission through the renowned sculptor and art advisor Etienne-Maurice Falconet and completed the work in an extraordinarily short period of only 18 months. It is regarded as one of the earliest and greatest expressions in silver of the Neo-classical style which flourished in France during the reign of King Louis XVI. The Neo-classical works of the Parisian silversmiths were revered throughout Europe. The royal courts of Great Britain, Sweden and Russia all acquired services in this new style. Only a fraction of the service now survives. This sale will include a magnificent soup tureen, cover and stand (estimate 1,500,000-2,000,000) and a set of four candlesticks from the service (estimate 500,000-800,000). The Francophile taste of Catherine the Great is further demonstrated by the pair of wine coolers from her Kazan service commissioned from Robert Auguste (estimate 400,000-600,000) and a pair of dish covers and with assorted German dishes from the Nijni Novgorod service (estimate 60,000-80,000) which will also be offered for sale.

Pair of wine coolers Robert-Joseph Auguste Paris, 1778-1779 Estimate: 400,000 600,000

Le Got Franais
Le Got Franais is a sale held twice a year as a showcase for the finest European Decorative Arts from the 13th to 19th centuries. Christies specialists will present masterpieces from the field of porcelain, silver, furniture, sculpture and works of art. The next sale on the 8th November will include exceptional Louis XVI silver, medieval statuary, important furniture from the 18th century and sought-after porcelain with a Royal provenance. Sale: Friday 8 November 2013 Public exhibition: From Monday 4th to Thursday 7 November 2013, from 10 am to 6 pm Christies Paris : 9 avenue Matignon, 75008 Paris

CONTACTS : Beverly Bueninck | 01 40 76 84 08 | bbueninck@christies.com

About Christies Christies, the world's leading art business, had global auction and private sales in the first half of 2013 that totaled 2.4 billion/ $3.68 billion. In 2012, Christies had global auction and private sales that totaled 3.92 billion/$6.27 billion making it the highest annual total in Christies history. 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, Christie's 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. Christie's 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 465.2 million ($711.8 million) in the first half of 2013, an increase of 13% on the previous year, and for the third successive year represents the highest total for the period in both company and art market history. 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 in growth markets such as Rus sia, China, India and the Middle East, with successful sales, exhibitions and initiatives in Moscow, Baku, Beijing, Mumbai, Delhi, Jeddah, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Dubai. *Estimates do not include buyers premium. Sales totals are hammer price plus buyers pr emium and do not reflect costs, financing fees or application of buyers or sellers credits. ### Visit Christies Website at www.christies.com Complete catalogue available online at www.christies.com or via the Christies iPhone app
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