FEATURES ARCHIVE

How did you become interested in Russian Art?
By mistake actually. I am a pure product of the White Russian emmigration of the 1920s. While growing up in Paris, I was surrounded by Russian art books owned by my grandfather. He was a Russian art enthusiast and viewed it as a hobby. We discussed the artwork all the time, which gave me a taste for Russian art without realizing it.

What is unique about Russian Art?
It’s been undervalued for many years and can be found all over the world, not just in Russia. Russian artists traveled non-stop for centuries; before, during, and after the Revolution—you can see this influence in their work. Almost 10–15 years ago, the sales were very much under the radar. I had time to travel and educate myself, so that I am now prepared for what is happening now in the field.

Where in the world has being the International Head of Department taken you?
Since Russian art is so international, I’ve traveled to most of Europe and the United States, Russia of course, and as far as Japan. That is the fun and the difficulty of being a specialist; it is nonstop traveling, and you never know where you’ll be next week.

Does a particular trip or appraisal stand out?
The Kazan Collection of Fabergé, in the mid-1990s, was the first proper collection of Fabergé pieces we sold in New York. It was a team effort to organize this sale and everyone got involved. It was great excitement for our departments internationally as the pieces were all designed by Carl Fabergé himself. Without a doubt, this particular sale increased our team spirit and helped our team morale.