Boosting Qatar’s recognition as an international centre for culture and learning, Sotheby’s, one of the oldest auction houses in the world, will open its doors to the Middle East today.
Established more than 250 years ago, Sotheby’s is undeniably the world’s pre-eminent fine art auctioneer. The auction house’s activities in Qatar will begin with an exhibition of exquisite collection of arts and artifacts.
Many of Sotheby’s auctions have been record-breaking. The eye of the whole art world is now on the Sotheby’s debut auction in Qatar which will bring more records as most of the exhibits are the rarest of the rare and priceless. Sotheby’s two-day international auction series will include sales of orientalist art, watches, Arab, Iranian and international contemporary art.
The auctions will be held under the themes of Contemporary Art, Orientalist Art, Arts of the Islamic World and Important Watches on March 18 and 19 and will be available for a pre-sale view at the Ritz Carlton Hotel from today.
The most attractive item on auction is the Pearl Carpet of Baroda, a masterpiece of pearls and jewels from 19th century India. The bidding on this will start at around $5m but is expected to rise considerably due to its splendour and worth.
Andy Warhol’s Round Jackie, one of the foremost paintings of the Pop Art movement, (estimated $2.5-3.5m), three rare works by the Austrian artist Rudolf Ernst, a brilliant calligraphic work by Iranian artist Mohammad Ehsai, and a white gold and diamond set Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watch, which has a total diamond weight of approximately 40 karats are some of the highlights.
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