Selections from the Library of Mr. & Mrs. John H. Gutfreund from 834 Fifth Avenue celebrates the beauty of the book arts, featuring many fine French, Russian, and English bindings; notable presentation copies; and noble associations. The collection is dominated by festival books documenting the luxury of Versailles; herbals and botanicals whose fine engravings and lithographs capture the riches of the natural world; and copious curiosities of ornament, architecture, art, and design. Highlights include the monumental Description du Sacre et du Couronnement de leurs Majestes Imperiales l'Empereur Alexandre II et l'Imperatrice Marie Alexandrovna, depicting the sumptuous coronation of Czar Alexander II; Fontana's Templum Vaticanum in a green morocco presentation binding for Czar Paul I; and a host of other treasures.

Viewings are by appointment only, starting 20 January. To make an appointment or for more information, contact Nathalie Ferneau, NFerneau@christies.com

©2020, Photograph by Visko Hatfield