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.

Over the course of several decades, the couple acquired jewels that Mrs Lévy enjoyed wearing regularly, from a gala in New York to a wedding in Italy. Mrs Lévy's collection showcases the best Maisons around the world, from David Webb and Harry Winston in New York to mystery-set jewels by Van Cleef & Arpels, as well as avant-garde pieces by René Boivin or Marina B. The jewels offered in the Magnificent Jewels auction demonstrate the strong taste and colourful character of this couple. Further jewels from the collection will be offered in the New York Magnificent Jewels auction on 8th December 2020.

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.