Sotheby’s is set to present the remarkable Tavitian Collection, featuring $14-21M of Old Master paintings, sculpture and furniture, set for auction this February.
The prestigious auction house Sotheby’s has announced a landmark series of sales featuring the extraordinary Tavitian Collection. Set to take place during Masters Week in New York this February, the Tavitian Collection auction series carries an estimated value between $14-21 million, encompassing an exceptional array of Old Master paintings, sculpture, English furniture, and decorative arts that represents decades of discerning collecting.
The Tavitian Collection stands as one of the most significant private assemblages to come to market in recent years, showcasing the refined taste and connoisseurship of its creator. Each piece within the collection reflects Tavitian’s commitment to acquiring works of outstanding quality, historical significance, and artistic merit.
The Visionary Behind the Tavitian Collection
The story of the Tavitian Collection is intrinsically linked to its creator’s remarkable journey from Cold War-era Bulgaria to becoming one of America’s most distinguished collectors. Aso O. Tavitian’s path began as an immigrant in New York, where he initially drove taxis to support himself while pursuing his dreams of higher education.
Tavitian obtained a Master’s degree in Nuclear Physics from Columbia University by demonstrating intellectual prowess and determination. This transformative opportunity, which was partially funded by his high school English teacher, would subsequently serve as the inspiration for the philanthropic principles that influenced the creation of the Tavitian Collection.
Evolution of the Tavitian Collection
Following success in software entrepreneurship, Tavitian established his foundation in 1995, marking the beginning of his systematic approach to collecting. The early 2000s saw him turn his focus to fine and decorative arts, carefully building what would become the Tavitian Collection through strategic acquisitions and expert consultation.
The Tavitian Collection expanded to include two distinct locations: a sophisticated Manhattan townhouse and a tranquil country estate in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. The collection was represented in a variety of ways by each property, ranging from formal portraiture and sculpture to intimate decorative pieces.
Masterworks from the Tavitian Collection
George Wachter, Sotheby’s Chairman and Co-Worldwide Head of Old Master Paintings, offered insight into the collection’s formation: “Aso Tavitian was an extraordinary collector, a man of clear vision and boundless curiosity. From our first meeting in 2004, it was evident that he had an innate understanding of art’s deeper cultural significance. His approach was both meticulous and passionate,he knew exactly what he wanted and pursued it with unwavering determination.”
The Tavitian Collection features several extraordinary masterpieces, including:
- The Portrait of Margaret of Austria by the Master of the Magdalene Legend (estimate $1.5-2 million), capturing the Habsburg ruler in her youth
- Daniele Crespi’s Madonna and Child (estimate $600,000-800,000), representing the artist’s early style
- A significant North Italian alabaster bust of Penelope (estimate in excess of $200,000)
- Thomas Chippendale-attributed Early George III carved mahogany armchairs (estimate $120,000-180,000)
- The evocative Four Ages of Man from the North Italian School (estimate $80,000-120,000)
Institutional Legacy of the Tavitian Collection
Before the auction announcement, a significant portion of the Tavitian Collection found a permanent home at the Clark Art Institute in Williamstown, Massachusetts. This transformative gift comprised 331 carefully selected works, including 132 paintings, 130 sculptures, 39 drawings, and 30 decorative arts objects, each chosen to enhance the museum’s existing collection.
The Tavitian Collection’s institutional influence reaches beyond the artworks themselves, as funding has been allocated for the construction of a new Aso O. Tavitian Wing, which is expected to be inaugurated in 2027 or 2028. This architectural addition will guarantee that future generations will have the opportunity to appreciate the scope and depth of Tavitian’s collecting vision.
The Tavitian Collection at Auction
The Tavitian Collection auction series encompasses four distinct sales:
Live Auctions (New York)
- 7 February: Vision of Aso O. Tavitian: Master Paintings and Sculpture
- 8 February: Vision of Aso O. Tavitian: The Townhouse
- 9 February: Vision of Aso O. Tavitian: The Country House
Online Auction
- 24 January–11 February: Vision of Aso O. Tavitian: Online
Art enthusiasts and collectors will have the opportunity to view highlights from the Tavitian Collection through pre-sale exhibitions in New York (1-7 February), Los Angeles (7-8 November), and London (29 November-3 December).
Homes Housing the Tavitian Collection
The Manhattan townhouse component of the Tavitian Collection, situated near Central Park, exemplifies the collector’s appreciation for formal English furniture. The space showcases masterworks by celebrated craftsmen including Benjamin Goodison and Thomas Chippendale, complemented by fine Chinese decorative arts.
The Berkshires estate, another significant repository of the Tavitian Collection, sits among historic Gilded Age properties like Naumkeag and Edith Wharton’s The Mount. This location houses distinctive spaces including the Art Reference Library and the Zodiac Room, creating contemplative environments that enhance the collection’s impact.
Cultural Impact of the Tavitian Collection
The Tavitian Collection represents more than a mere assemblage of fine art and furniture; it stands as a testament to the power of cultural preservation and philanthropic vision.
Through careful curation and strategic acquisition, the collection has become a significant marker of twentieth-century collecting practices and a bridge between historical artistic traditions and contemporary appreciation.
The forthcoming auction of the Tavitian Collection not only offers collectors the opportunity to acquire exceptional pieces but also celebrates the legacy of a remarkable collector whose vision and generosity continue to influence the art world.
Images: Sotheby’s
