+ Expand

Artist or Maker: FIRST HALF 18TH CENTURY

+ Expand

Notes: Property from a European Noble Family

Generations of this noble family have contributed to this eclectic collection of furniture, works of art and tapestries which decorated their magnificent palace. Their fascinating lineage includes a Grand Master of the Order of Malta in the 17th century, as well as a Viceroy in South America in the 18th century. During the third quarter of the 19th century, the most significant contribution to the collection was made, when one of the daughters of Queen María Cristina of Spain inherited some works of art, enriching the prestigious collection.

María Cristina, Princess de Bourbon-Siciles, (1806-1878) was born in Palermo, the daughter of King Francesco I and of Infanta Dona María Isabel of Spain. María Cristina married King Ferdinand VII of Spain on 11 December 1829 in Madrid. Ferdinand's fourth wife, María Cristina was his latest attempt to father an heir for his crown. The new Queen soon gave birth to two daughters, Isabella, future Queen and the Infanta Dona María Luisa Fernanda. When Ferdinand died in 1833, María Cristina became regent for Isabella, but this was disputed by her uncle, the Infante Don Carlos María Isidro Benito, Count de Molina, who claimed that Ferdinand had illegally changed succession laws in order to permit his daughter to rule.

Just three months after the death of Ferdinand VII, María Cristina secretly married an ex-sergeant from the Royal guard, Don Fernando Munoz y Sanchez (1808-1873). The couple failed to keep their marriage a secret, and María Cristina soon lost public support when the news of her marriage became known. María Cristina and Munoz, who was later bestowed with the title Duke of Riansares, had several children and the collection offered here belongs to one of their offspring. On the occasion of their marriage various mahogany pieces were commissioned, such as the superb lit en bateau, lot 34.

In 1840, María Cristina was replaced as Regent of Spain by the commander-in-chief of the Army. She had to flee Spain, and after an unsuccessful attempt to return to power, she finally retired permanently to exile in France in 1844. María Cristina died in Le Havre on the 22 August 1878.

The important and complete set of twelve Antwerp historical tapestries depicting the story of the Emperor Octavian Augustus (lots 92-103) was hung in the main drawing room and in the dining room of the palace. Even though archival evidence is lacking, nor any inventory is at hand, the set of tapestries is said to have joined the collection during the 3rd quarter of the 19th Century, when the furniture from María Cristina arrived in the house. It therefore highly likely that the Queen of Spain owned at once this important set which she could have acquired during one of her numerous travels.

Further items from her collection include the ormolu-mounted rosewood sofa (lot 78), the set of mahogany and parcel-gilt seat furniture (lot 82), the mahogany and parcel-gilt side table (lot 17), the lavabo (lot 35), the pair of ormolu-mounted pedestal cupboards (lot 33), the mahogany commode chair (lot 38).

PROPERTY FROM A EUROPEAN NOBLE FAMILY
(LOTS 1-103)

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium, which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.