Auction introduction: Christie’s Milan is delighted to present this private collection, which celebrates Italian works of art through the centuries: from Old Masters to 20th and 21st Century paintings, alongside Italian 18th century sculpture, Maiolica, Italian and French furniture, and curiously a group of Chinese and South East Asian bronzes. The result radiates a palpable joy, and reveals the labours of a curious mind. Two themes drive this collection. One is the love of still life: how through the work of an artist, even the humblest objects - some nuts, a shell, a jug - are elevated from everyday life, suddenly meaningful, significant, universal. Still lifes, especially in the Baroque era, are certainly proof of an artist's ability, but are also made for contemplation, for silence, facilitating focus. The second recurrent theme is landscape, the act of bearing witness to our world's magnificent beauty. Views of grandiose Rome and worldly Venice, show what mankind can achieve, whilst French countryside and woodland panoramas remind us how beautiful this world is when spared from human intervention. The combination of these two themes in paintings together with the decorative arts and Chinese sculptures is a testimony to the inquisitive and adventurous taste of a collector who never stopped searching, whether near nor far. We look forward to welcoming you at Palazzo Clerici to view highlights from the collection from 24 – 27 May.