Unveiling a Legacy: The De Gunzburg Collection Comes to Auction
A Storied Collection: From Personal Passion to Public Auction
Sotheby's is preparing to host a significant two-part auction series showcasing the esteemed collection of Jean and Terry de Gunzburg. This extensive collection, comprising approximately 135 pieces, is projected to achieve between $67 million and $99 million. The initial phase, scheduled for April 22 in New York, will spotlight a dedicated design sale, which the auction house has heralded as the most valuable single-owner design collection ever presented. Following this, a curated selection of modern and contemporary art will be featured in the May evening sales.
The De Gunzburg Residence: A Tapestry of Art and Elegance
The de Gunzburgs' residence on the Upper East Side has garnered widespread acclaim for its exquisite fusion of Parisian sophistication and museum-quality art and design. Its interior features elaborate moldings and classic parquet flooring, providing a stately backdrop for Art Deco furnishings complemented by masterworks from artists such as Rothko, Picasso, and Calder. The home serves as a testament to a lifestyle where art is not merely displayed but intimately integrated into daily living, creating an environment that is both thoughtfully arranged and deeply personal.
Highlights from the Contemporary Art Offerings
Among the standout pieces slated for the May auctions is Mark Rothko's Untitled (1969), with an estimated value of $10 million to $15 million. This painting, created in the final years of the artist's life, echoes the profound themes explored in his Rothko Chapel commission and was a central exhibit in a 1996–97 exhibition at the Menil Collection dedicated to that body of work. Additionally, Agnes Martin's Untitled #6 (1977), valued at $3 million to $4 million, and Robert Ryman's Versions III (1992), estimated at $2.5 million to $3.5 million, will also be featured. The art selection is further enriched by a 1955 portrait by Picasso and a 1932 piece by Paul Klee.
The Pioneering Design Sale: Featuring Claude Lalanne's Mirrors
The April design sale is prominently anchored by a series of 15 mirrors crafted by Claude Lalanne between 1974 and 1985. These mirrors were originally commissioned for the music room of Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé's Paris apartment and are expected to fetch between $10 million and $15 million. The initial two mirrors marked Lalanne's first forays into this unique form, later expanded by 13 additional pieces to complete the immersive installation. This collection represents a rare chance to acquire a cohesive interior design originally conceived as a single, unified artistic vision.
Further Masterpieces in Design
Other notable items in the design sale include an exquisite shagreen cabinet from approximately 1926 by André Groult, estimated at $600,000 to $800,000. Also featured are a pair of mahogany cabinets by Alexandre Noll, dating from around 1946, with an estimated value of $700,000 to $1 million, and Jean Royère’s iconic “Ours Polaire” sofa accompanied by matching armchairs from circa 1950, each estimated between $600,000 and $800,000. The sale will also include works by other celebrated designers such as Jean-Michel Frank, Paul Dupré-Lafon, and Jean Dunand.
A Journey of Instinct and Passion: The De Gunzburgs' Collecting Philosophy
In a statement released by Sotheby's, Jean and Terry de Gunzburg articulated their approach to collecting as an intuitive journey, driven by curiosity and the profound joy derived from living with art that resonated deeply with them. Terry, recognized as the founder of By Terry beauty brand and a former creative director for Yves Saint Laurent Beauté, characterized their relationship with collecting as "more amateurs than collectors," with each acquisition ignited by a moment of profound inspiration, or coup de foudre.
A New Chapter: Philanthropy and Future Endeavors
The decision to divest the collection at this time stems from Terry's desire, at 70, to empower her children to cultivate their own collections and to reconfigure their living spaces for greater family flexibility. The proceeds from these sales are earmarked to support various philanthropic initiatives, focusing on cultural, educational, and scientific causes, marking a transition towards new endeavors.
Sotheby's Momentum in the Design Market
This auction further solidifies Sotheby's growing influence in the design market, following its successful December 2025 Design Week in New York, which garnered nearly $60 million and established a new auction record for François-Xavier Lalanne’s Hippopotame Bar. The de Gunzburg collection arrives at a pivotal moment, underscoring the increasing recognition and positioning of premier 20th-century design alongside blue-chip fine art in the global market.