The Collection of Mireille and James Lévy is a celebration of graceful and poetic forms. Their art collection spans the work of many of the twentieth century’s best known artists, from the Dada-inspired forms of Jean (Hans) Arp to the Modernist renderings of the human body by Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore. While much of the collection consists of three-dimensional works, the Lévys embraced all forms of artistic expression, and substantial canvases by Adolph Gottlieb and Morris Louis embraced the fluid two-dimensional forms of the Color Field painters. The couple also embraced contemporary art and collected works by major Pop Art artists such as Andy Warhol and Tom Wesselmann, who had abandoned the prevailing forms of abstraction to develop a groundbreaking form of figurative painting. Masterpieces of their collection will be offered for sale in New York in early December.

The sophistication and keen eye for design reflected in the Lévys’ art collection was also apparent in Mrs. Levy’s taste in jewelry. The couple refined their preference and palate for jewels through a combination of extensive travels, exposure to art and architecture and distinguished instinct drawn from their Egyptian roots and affinity for French culture. Over the course of several decades, the couple acquired jewels that Mrs. Lévy enjoyed wearing regularly – from galas in New York, to weddings in Italy and alluring events in Monaco.

Mrs. Lévy's collection showcases the best Maisons around the world, from David Webb and Harry Winston in New York, to Van Cleef & Arpels in Paris, as well as avant-garde pieces from Marina B. Mrs. Lévy's jewels demonstrate the strong taste and colorful character of this couple. In addition to the ever-iconic ‘Mystery-set’ jewelry by Van Cleef & Arpels, offered from Mrs. Lévy’s collection in November at Christie’s, Geneva, Mrs. Lévy also acquired a showstopping diamond and onyx panther suite by Cartier that she proudly wore – including a necklace, brooch, bracelet, pair of earrings and a ring (Lots 377 – 381).

While building their remarkable collection, the couple also had a desire to share their love of art with a wider audience. They donated works from their art collection both to major international museum collections and lesser known European institutions; from The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, to the Musée cantonal des Beaux-Arts, Lausanne, the Lévys’ generosity was transformational to these institutions’ collections. Now, their largesse continues, as the proceeds from the sale of these works will continue their legacy of extraordinary philanthropy.