The Royalist - Buyers Sold On Royalty

Buyers Sold On Royalty

Written by Joanne Leyland

Wednesday, 02 April 2008

The royal family of Liechtenstein were certainly no April Fools this year as they witnessed a spectacular bonanza of riches with the auction of items from their estate.

The mammoth ten-hour sale resulted in the cash tills ringing as Christie’s auction house brought down the hammer on more than 460 lots, including the most valuable art object ever sold at a Dutch auction.

A European dealer set a new local record by bidding €793,850 for a pair of Beau Globes, one of the star attractions from the collection of the Princes of Liechtenstein. The Globes by Willen Janzoon Blaeu were originally expected to sell for €200,000-300,000.

Revealing his delight at the success of what is the latest in an increasing number of auctions by royal figures across the globe - including items from the estates of Princess Margaret and Prince and Princess Michael of Kent - the reigning Prince of Liechtenstein, Hans-Adam II said: "My family and I are pleased with the results of today's sale."

"Through Christie’s, these works of art collected by my family over the last four hundred years have found new homes."

Explaining his reasoning behind the decision to auction so many historic items from the royal estate, the prince continued: "The proceeds will benefit the existing Liechtenstein collection, focusing mainly on European Art from the 15th century to the mid 19th century."

"We are currently restoring the Liechtenstein City Palace in Vienna, and we are looking forward to exhibit there also pieces which have been acquired recently or will be acquired in the near future."

By the end of proceedings, 95% of the Liechtenstein Collection was successfully sold, resulting in a grand total of €5,375,773 (approximately $8.3m US or £4.2m UK).