“The art objects are, in themselves, ambassadors of an era: they embody its customs, its taste. Paying homage to them is the least we can do, and it is one of the essential aspects of our profession.”
— Grégoire de Thoury
The department defines itself as a transmitter of these items that often belong to the history of our families. Too many masterpieces remain forgotten or undervalued, both in terms of preservation and appreciation. The solicitation of our expertise services almost always leads to the discovery of previously unsuspected treasures, overlooked due to everyday negligence. Parting with a cultural asset for practical, economic, or familial reasons must be handled with the discretion and seriousness demanded by the significant history and sensitivity attached to it.
Family heritage is, in our view, completely inseparable from this process of identification. Our interests are perfectly aligned with those of our selling clients, and we consistently strive to promote the assets entrusted to us by highlighting their significance and provenance to a wide audience of bidders worldwide, as was the case with the sale of the furnishings from Montpatey Castle and the auction of Mr. B.’s Hache furniture collection. Does the proverb not teach us that “It is not possessions that bring happiness, but the good use one makes of them”?
The on-the-ground work of our specialists, the Inventories & Collections department, and our network of representative offices allow us to examine a vast number of items. We appraise and intelligently categorize them to organize specialty auctions each year, closely followed by our international collector clients.
Our in-house expertise and passion for the history of objects—whether ceramics or sculptures—enable us to cover the full history of French, European, and international decorative arts, from archaeology and the Gothic period to the late 19th century. Haute Époque, Renaissance furniture, and pieces from the reigns of Louis XIII, Louis XIV, and the Age of Enlightenment (Régence, Louis XV, Louis XVI) form the core of our sales. The Consulate, Directoire, and Empire periods are also approached with dynamism, particularly since the launch of auctions dedicated exclusively to the Empire era. Additionally, we specialize in Restauration, Charles X, and Second Empire furniture.
Each year, Aguttes Auction House handles numerous private collections.
The Furniture, Sculpture & Art Objects department recorded over €3 million in auction sales last year for these collection-based auctions. Aguttes is committed to showcasing objects, artworks, and their sellers by providing tailored communication designed with collectors in mind. The support for these collection sales is fully personalized. The department head and their team develop the most effective sales strategy, which may include various auction formats—whether live or online. However, depending on the significance of a collection, it is often featured in a dedicated or standalone catalog with a carefully crafted visual identity. The geographical location of the sale is determined based on relevance. Auctions may take place at Aguttes’ salesroom in Neuilly-sur-Seine or at other locations in France and abroad.
Pre-sale public exhibitions provide an opportunity to meet buyers and offer them expert advice.
Our auctions feature pieces sought after for their exceptional craftsmanship, including works by renowned cabinetmakers, clockmakers, sculptors, goldsmiths, engravers, and ornamentalists from the 15th to the 19th century.
Good to know: Our Furniture and Art Objects department organizes 4 to 6 auctions annually in Paris.
Aguttes Auction House possesses a unique communication strength and offers sellers modern, targeted tools for effective international outreach. We place great importance on the production of auction catalogs, whether in print or fully digital, ensuring high-quality content and design.
During our campaigns, we engage buyers from our extensive client portfolio across all specialties, as well as identified potential buyers. We communicate with them through multiple channels, including online and offline advertisements, social media, email marketing, media partnerships, influencers, and auction platforms. Our promotional materials—images, texts, and videos—are designed to be both high-quality and impactful.
Our specialists are available to appraise your valuables, providing professional expertise and personalized advice for selling or investing. The team also assists with searching for, selling, or acquiring unique pieces through private sales, ensuring complete confidentiality.
Graceful and confidential
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More than 14 specialized departments
Large and agile organization for the management of "top lots" and particular collections
More than 60% of buyers are foreign
More than 150 lots sold at more than 100 000€ in 2022
4 annual auctions by specialty