Christie’s 241

Art stories to feed the mind and soul



Why did Patek supremo Charles Stern have this unique dial made with a special 3-minute marker?



‘A thrilling moment for Russian art’: the rediscovery of two life-size Evgenii Lanceray sculptures


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Dinner in a fabulous Palladian conservatory — with delicious lots from our Collector sales



Do you know your chrysoberyls from your alexandrites? Our guide to semi-precious gems



Boycott, Richards, Jayawardene, Afridi: bats, stumps, shirts and stories from legends of cricket



Deadly design: exquisite gold- and silver-inlaid chariot fittings that have survived two millennia


More stories

Editor’s picks





Giorgio de Chirico painted this mysterious portrait of his grandfather, a diplomat who died a decade before the artist’s birth, in 1936. Never before seen at auction, the painting has remained in the same private collection for 70 years

Estimate: €30,000-50,000
4-5 November, Milan






This rare bowl is decorated with two pheasants on one side and a pair of smaller birds in flight on the other, but just as important are the surrounding peony and magnolia branches, which represent the saying, ‘May you have wealth, honour and prosperity’

Estimate: £30,000-50,000
3 November, London






The playful yet elegant Bulgari diamond ‘Serpenti’ watch wraps itself around the wearer’s wrist like a pet snake. There are 319 circular-cut diamonds on the gold case and bracelet, and a further 33 smaller ones on the black dial

Estimate: CHF 55,000-75,000
until 11 November, Online






This 15th-century illuminated folio from the workshop of the important miniaturist Maître François depicts the coronation of the Virgin, with God the Father assisted by two angels, one playing a harp, the other flying in to place the crown on Mary’s head

Estimate: €700-1,000
3 November, Paris










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Bob Taylor of England (second right) catches Geoff Lawson of Australia off England bowler Bob Willis during Australia's second innings of the 3rd Cornhill Test between England and Australia at Headingley, Leeds, 21st July 1981. England won the match by 18 runs. Photo: Patrick Eagar/Popperfoto via Getty Images