Christies, New York, Head of Department, Old Master Paintings , François de Poortere and G. Max Bernehimer, International Head of Department, Antiquities hosted a cocktail reception in honor of The Friends of the Uffizi Gallery in conjunction with Christies combined auction of Old Masters and Antiquities. Expert on the Valois tapestries, Elizabeth Cleland, Associate Curator at The Metropolitan Museum of Art presented a lecture, Celebrating the Valois Tapestries to the 147 attendees.
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Ms. Cleland talked about the importance of the tapestries not only to the study of Renaissances but for today. Eight tapestries comprise the series, which were made in 1576 and depict important festivals and events in Catherine de Medici’s reign as Queen of France. They have never been reproduced as have other tapestries, making them truly unique. All eight have remained intact staying in the de Medici family since they were made.
