New York – Christie’s is offering The Collection of A. Jerrold Perenchio in a two-part landmark online sale from 1‑16/17 September. A titan of the media industry and philanthropist, Mr. Perenchio assembled one of the most preeminent collections of Impressionist Art in America. Chairman and CEO of Univision and one of the most important benefactors of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, where he bequeathed the majority of his collection, Mr. Perenchio created the extraordinary mis-en-scène of Chartwell mansion in collaboration with the renowned French designer Henri Samuel. All net proceeds will benefit the Perenchio Foundation, whose principal mission is to support visual and performing arts programs and institutions located in Los Angeles County.

The sales feature European furniture and ceramics, prints, old master drawings, sculpture, Chinese ceramics and works of art, silver, carpets, and memorabilia, which are curated across two themed online sales entitled: Chartwell: An Henri Samuel Commission (1-16 September) and A California Life (1-17 September). Over 400 lots will be offered with estimates ranging from $500 to $100,000.

French Heritage Society, in collaboration with Christie’s Education, will offer the first of a four-part series of complimentary online conversations on the decorative arts. HAUTE HOMES: Reimagining the French Chateau, The Collection of A. Jerrold Perenchio will take place on September 8.

CHARTWELL

The exquisite and refined contents of Chartwell were the culmination of a five-year collaboration between Jerry Perenchio and Henri Samuel. Begun when the designer was already an octogenarian, it was one of Samuel’s last projects and the apotheosis of his illustrious career, which saw him work for some of the greatest names in 20^th century collecting: the French branch of the Rothschild family at Château de Ferrières, Jayne Wrightsman in her Palm Beach, London and New York residences, Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan in Paris, Mr. & Mrs. John and Susan Gutfreund at 834 Park Avenue and fashion designer Valentino’s 17^th century Château de Wideville.

Inspired by the 1930’s French style Chateau by celebrated Californian architect Sumner Spaulding, the interiors of Chartwell were built around Perenchio’s existing Impressionist and modern art collection. Important Regence, Louis XV and Louis XVI French furniture, lighting, objects of virtue and magnificent Chinese and European carpets were purchased from the most notable antiquaires in Paris and designed to enhance the world-class quality fine art later bequeathed to LACMA. 

AUCTION HIGHLIGHTS

Alongside Parisian acquisitions, sale highlights include exquisitely maintained signature Henri Samuel soft furnishings with stylish modern commissions such as tables by Marco de Gueltzl. The spirit of 18^th century collecting is embodied in the important ormolu-mounted Chinese porcelain and a rare pair of early 19^th century Chinese cloisonné enamel censers.

Fine art includes prints by Henri Toulouse-Lautrec as well as photographs by Man Ray. More personal works reference aspects of his career including the George Bellows lithograph A Stag at Sharkey's, and an oversized Taschen book by Jeff Koons, “G.O.A.T. - Greatest of all Time: Tribute to Muhammad Ali,” which is signed by the artist and boxer. A small but notable group of Winston Churchill memorabilia represents Perenchio’s admiration for the wartime British Prime Minister.

ABOUT A. JERROLD PERENCHIO (1930-2017)

Mr. Perenchio was the former owner and Chairman of Univision Communications Inc., the American-based Spanish-language media conglomerate. In his previous work for Tandem Productions/Embassy Television he was involved in creating popular shows such as "Maude," "All in the Family" and "Diff'rent Strokes." In 1971, as an event promoter, he put together the "Fight of the Century" between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, and in 1973 he set up the famous tennis match between Bille Jean King and Bobby Riggs.

Mr. Perenchio made headlines in 2014 when, in a rare press announcement, he pledged nearly fifty European masterworks to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. “I never put my name on anything,” the collector said at the time. “In this case, I’ve decided that it’s worth a temporary step into the spotlight to encourage other collectors to give to LACMA and support the fundraising.” The bequest, which included some of the most significant works from Mr. Perenchio’s collection, will anchor LACMA’s new permanent building, slated for completion in 2023. “Los Angeles helped make my career possible.” Perenchio said, “My family and I are proud to be able to give something back.” In 2011, Mr. Perenchio received an honorary doctorate from the California State University at Fresno. In his acceptance speech, Mr. Perenchio encouraged graduates to dream big, and promised that success would come with “lots of hard work, perseverance, mentoring, faith, ambition, and a good dose of luck.” It was a winning combination that served as the bedrock of Mr. Perenchio’s tremendous personal success. Whether in business or philanthropy, he possessed a true dedication to bold thinking and challenging conventions. His spirit will continue to resonate through the auction of his private collection of fine and decorative art.