Explore the exquisite world of decorative arts with the upcoming auction at Christie’s London on 8 February 2024.
The distinguished collection of the late Philip Hewat-Jaboor, an esteemed art advisor and Chairman of the Masterpiece Art Fair, takes centre stage, offering approximately 200 lots spanning from Antiquity to the contemporary.
(Estimate £70,000-100,000)
Unveil the beauty of hardstones and prestigious provenances as we delve into this erudite assembly celebrating art’s timeless allure.
Imperial Elegance in Porphyry: A Collector’s Passion
The collection showcases Hewat-Jaboor’s profound admiration for Imperial porphyry and precious marbles. His fascination led him to two pilgrimages to the Mons Porphyrites in Egypt, resulting in a wondrous kunstkammer of marbles within his Jersey home.
A pair of Neoclassical porphyry vases (Estimate: £100,000-150,000) exemplifies the depth of his passion, echoing the esteemed collection of Sir Alexander Hope at Luffness House.
(Estimate £70,000-100,000)
Beyond porphyry, the collection boasts a magnificent Italian porphyry tazza (Estimate: £40,000-60,000) and a 16th-century Roman specimen marble table top (Estimate: £50,000-80,000), both reflecting Hewat-Jaboor‘s discerning taste in hardstones. These pieces stood at the heart of his library, showcasing the intrinsic connection between art and architecture.
In the Footsteps of Beckford and Hope: A Curatorial Affinity
Hewat-Jaboor’s collection echoes the spirit of legendary British patrons like William Beckford. Notable highlights include George III gilt-bronze candlesticks commissioned by Beckford for Fonthill (Estimate: £70,000-100,000) and a silver-gilt, coral, and chalcedony tazza designed by Gregorio Franchi and William Beckford (Estimate: £30,000-50,000), immortalized in paintings by Willes Maddox.
Thomas Hope, another source of admiration, is reflected in pieces like a Regency Coadestone figure of a lioness (Estimate: £15,000-25,000) and a mahogany cabinet designed by Hope for Duchess Street (Estimate: £25,000-40,000). Hewat-Jaboor‘s support for the study of Hope culminated in the 2008 exhibition at the V&A.
(Estimate £7,000-9,000)
Philip Hewat-Jaboor’s prized Antiquities formed the focal point of his inner sanctum, the Library. Notable pieces include a large Roman floor mosaic (Estimate: £20,000-30,000), a Roman marble bust of Bacchus (Estimate: £70,000-100,000), and a Roman marble cinerarium (Estimate: £7,000-9,000), showcasing his profound connection to ancient artefacts.
Conclusion
As Christie’s prepares to unveil the Philip Hewat-Jaboor Collection, the anticipation for this erudite assembly celebrating hardstones, provenances, and a curator’s passion grows. Immerse yourself in a journey through time and art, appreciating the meticulous eye and connoisseurship of a true luminary in the decorative arts.
