Home > Press Release > 2016 > RELEASE | The Private Collection of...
8 March 2016

Sara Fox

212 636 2680

sfox@christies.com

Lilian Bard

212 636 2680

lbard@christies.com

See all contacts

RELEASE | The Private Collection of Joan Rivers

Live Auction June 22 | Online Auction June 16-23
8 March 2016

New York – Christie’s is proud to announce an exquisite assortment of personal pieces from Joan Rivers’ remarkable Manhattan Penthouse will be auctioned, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting both God’s Love We Deliver and Guide Dogs For The Blind. The June 22 auction in New York will encompass the breadth of the late entertainer’s exceptional and eclectic taste, including decorative arts, paintings, fine French furniture and Fabergé. Unique costumes made by Bob Mackie, couture and personal jewelry spanning esteemed design houses as Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Harry Winston, will also be sold in a tandem online auction held June 16 – 23.

With more than 200 lots offered in the live sale on June 22 and approximately 80 lots in the online sale, estimates will range from $500 up to $200,000. Among the personal objects, which reflect Joan’s knowledgeable connoisseurship of fine and decorative arts and witty sense of humor, include a beautiful Edouard Vuillard painting, Dans L'Atelier, painted circa 1915 (estimate: $120,000-180,000), a jeweled nephrite study of a Lily of the Valley leaf by Fabergé (estimate: $200,000-300,000), and a silver Tiffany water bowl engraved “for Spike” (estimate: $500-800).

The sale at Christie's this June offers a ‘through the keyhole’ experience for fans across the globe to see and buy items from my mother's amazing Manhattan penthouse. The auction celebrates her elegance and collecting style.  There is something to suit every taste and budget - from the fun Tiffany silver water bowl for her beloved dog Spike, a series of spectacular Bob Mackie gowns from her Vegas headliner years to important paintings, furniture, jewelry and exquisite Fabergé. My mother's legacy as a much loved comedienne and philanthropist will be commemorated in this collaboration with Christie's and her generosity to charitable causes is something I will continue in her honor - part of the proceeds of the sale will go towards supporting God’s Love We Deliver and Guide Dogs For The Blind which are both close to my heart,” said Melissa Rivers

About Christie’s

Founded in 1766, Christie’s is a world-leading art and luxury business with a physical presence in 46 countries throughout the Americas, Europe, Middle East, and Asia Pacific, and flagship   international sales hubs  in New York, London, Hong Kong, Paris and Geneva. Renowned and trusted for our expert live and online-only auctions, as well as bespoke Private Sales, Christie’s unparalleled network of specialists offers our clients a full portfolio of  global services, including art appraisal, art financing, international real estate and education. Christie’s  auctions span more than  80 art and luxury categories, at price points ranging from $500 to over $100 million. Christie’s has sold 7 of the 10 most important single-owner collections in history, achieved the world record price for an artwork at auction, launched the first  fully on-chain auction platform dedicated to exceptional NFT art and manages an investment fund to support innovative startups in the art market. Christie’s is also committed to advancing  responsible culture  throughout its business and communities worldwide. To learn more, browse, bid, discover, and join us for the best of art and luxury at christies.com or by downloading Christie’s apps.


* Please note when quoting estimates above that other fees will apply in addition to the hammer price - see Section D of the Conditions of Sale at the back of the sale catalogue. *Estimates do not include buyer’s premium. Sales totals are hammer price plus buyer’s premium.