Sunday 10 and Monday 11 November 2024, Me Bailleul, auctioneer from Bayeux (Calvados), dispersed part of the collection of art and objects of the Foy-Gérard family. The first day, dedicated to jewelry and display items, was marked by the sale of a diamond, gold and silver brooch, estimated at €40,000, for the sum of €118,000.
On Monday, the experts were waiting for a good auction around a painting, The slave near Patroclus' deathbedfragment of a monumental painting by Baron Gérard, priced at €15,000. Sold for €32,000, it did not reach the heights hoped for.
“One of the best sales of my career”
We had to wait for auction 221 (out of 264 lots in two days) to see the counters panic. It was a lady's secretary with an ogee, stamped René Dubois (1737-1799), cabinetmaker to Queen Marie-Antoinette, which caused the sensation of the day.
Priced at €2,000, and despite significant damage, this Louis XV period piece of furniture was the subject of a fierce battle lasting more than a quarter of an hour between two buyers by telephone. The hammer finally fell at €141,000 (+ 22% selling costs), for an estimate established between €4,000 and €5,000.
“It’s one of the best sales of my career”emphasized the auctioneer as he delivered the decisive blow.
