La Tour d’Argent:
a French symbol at auction
After more than a year of renovation work, the legendary Tour d’Argent restaurant has reopened its doors, ushering in a new era while preserving the values that have forged its identity for decades: tradition, savoir-faire, elegance, and excellence. As part of the renovation, Artcurial has been entrusted with some of the Parisian institution’s objects and furniture.
From 12th to 19th January, Artcurial will hold an online auction entitled Les Arts de la Table de La Tour d’Argent, preceded by a public exhibition.
Organised in collaboration with the renowned restaurant on the Quai de la Tournelle, the sale will showcase the restaurant’s emblematic tableware. Whether in porcelain, crystal or silver-plated metal, the restaurant’s finest tables, which have contributed to the reputation of French gastronomy, will be on offer to collectors along with unique pieces of furniture and decorative objects. This sale is a unique opportunity to own a part of the history of the Tour d’Argent.
An ode to tableware
The sale will feature more than 320 lots testifying to the rich heritage of this legendary Parisian institution. For centuries, the Tour d’Argent has passed on and reinvented inimitable gastronomic savoir-faire, as evidenced by a set of menus dating from 1722, 1887, 1899, 1982 and 1983, estimated at €300 – 600.
The sale will feature the finest dinner services, such as a set of four 19th-century plates in white porcelain with hand-painted decoration, three of which bear the Sèvres hallmark (est. €200 – 300), and white Riedel crystal wine glasses, also bearing the Tour d’Argent hallmark (est. €180 – 250), alongside with suites of cutlery, including a suite of 12 large forks and 12 large, silver-plated knives (est. €200 – 300).
Suite of three ducks in moulded-pressed crystal
Estimate: €150 – 200
The duck, evoking the emblematic “Tour d’Argent duckling” recipe, will of course be represented. Whether in crystal, as in a suite of three Saint-Louis & Baccarat crystal ducks (est. €150 – 200), or in wood, as in a pair of signs in the shape of a duck wearing a chef’s hat (est. €200 – 300), the animal is a reminder of this emblematic dish that has delighted the most discerning gourmets.
A unique setting
In terms of decorative objects, the cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris is a recurring motif, appearing notably in the background of a “duck theatre” set, estimated at €150 – 200, then taking centre stage in a 20th century oil on canvas entitled “View of Notre-Dame de Paris” (est. €600 – 800). The sale will also feature furniture of eclectic provenance mixed with rocaille style furniture such as a 19th-century console and a 19th-century sedan chair that was displayed in the ground floor salon (est. €2 000 – 3 000).
Information
Exhibition
From Friday 5th to Wednesday 17th January
Online auction
From 12th to 19th January 2024
Contact
Juliette Leroy-Prost
Tél. +33 1 42 99 17 10