Saint Laurent art goes to auction (Update)

Source: BBC

The biggest ever sale of privately owned art will begin later, when Yves Saint Laurent's collection and that of his former partner go under the hammer.

Over three days in Paris, the work the late fashion designer and Pierre Berge amassed over half a century is expected to fetch up to 300m euros (£260m).

Meanwhile, a ruling is expected on China's legal bid to stop the sale of two 18th Century bronze statues.

(snip)

Mr Berge has said China would have to greatly improve its attitude towards human rights before he would consider handing them over.

Read more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7905364.stm

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Hmmm, a gay man protesting China's human rights record by holding on to stolen artifacts. Which side is a good liberal to choose?

I have to say I'm somewhat torn. I think that artifacts belong in their home country, whenever possible. But I really hate the Chinese government and don't want to take their side, even if they are in the right. YMMV

Let the haggling begin.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iqinPVFsgcMUyoadAe-2d1rt4GxQD96H9G580

PARIS (AP) — A French judge is considering whether Chinese bronzes can be sold as part of an auction of the estate of designer Yves Saint Laurent.

The judge heard arguments in Paris on Monday from a group representing the Chinese government, which is seeking to suspend the sale of the bronzes. The bronzes were looted from China in the 19th century.

The judge was to expected rule at midday but postponed the decision until Monday evening.

The auction is to open Monday afternoon at Christie's and last three days. It includes a massive collection of artworks the late designer collected over decades.

Source: Reuters

BEIJING (Reuters) - The Chinese government formally demanded cancellation of the auction in Paris of two historic bronze sculptures claimed by China, after a previous effort by a cultural group was rejected by a French court.

The sculptures, of a rat and a rabbit head, are part of an art collection from the estate of French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, which went on sale at a Christie's auction that started in Paris on Monday.

China claims ownership of the heads that were taken from Beijing's Summer Palace when it was razed by invading French and British forces in 1860 during the Second Opium War.

"The State Administration of Cultural Heritage has formally informed the auctioneer of our strong opposition to the auction, and clearly demanded its cancellation," Ma Zhaoxu, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, told a news conference.



Read more: http://uk.reuters.com/article/stageNews/idUKTRE51N1YF20090224

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Story updated because as of yesterday, the French court's ruling had not been handed down.

Il n'y a pas de tickee, pas de ouashee. :rofl: