Sandy Lerner's Expansive Art Collection Featuring 'Caticons' Heads to Bonhams Auction

Unleashing a Feline Legacy: A Glimpse into Sandy Lerner's Extraordinary Art Compendium

The Grand Unveiling: Bonhams to Host Sandy Lerner's Prized Possessions

Bonhams is set to host a landmark auction event this autumn, featuring an unparalleled selection from the private collection of Sandy Lerner. As a visionary behind Cisco Systems and the beauty brand Urban Decay, Lerner has curated one of the world's most extensive private collections dedicated to feline artistry and related artifacts. This comprehensive sale promises to be a significant event for art enthusiasts and collectors alike.

A Glimpse into the Collector's Vision: The Breadth of Lerner's Curated World

Sandy Lerner is preparing to part with a substantial portion of her holdings, encompassing close to a thousand distinct lots. These treasures, originating from her Ayrshire Farm in Virginia, span numerous centuries and artistic disciplines. While a significant portion of the collection celebrates her devotion to all things feline, the auction will also feature a diverse array of other art and decorative items, reflecting Lerner's broad and discerning taste.

Scheduled Events: A Multi-Part Auction Series Across Key Locations

The dispersal of the Sandy Lerner Collection will unfold over four distinct auction events this fall, strategically held in both New York and Massachusetts. Two of these sales will specifically spotlight Lerner's deep-seated passion for cat-themed objects, affectionately termed 'caticons,' a pursuit she has cultivated for over four decades. One such dedicated auction will be a live event at Bonhams New York on September 30, presenting 66 curated items, while a complementary online auction will run from September 22 through October 1, offering broader access to her unique collection.

Lerner's Affectionate Narrative: The Genesis and Evolution of Her 'Caticons'

Lerner has eloquently documented her profound fascination with cats in her publication, 'Caticons: 4,000 Years of Art Imitating Cats,' published in 2017. She traces the origins of her collection to a period when she was compelled to live without cats due to her former spouse's allergies, sparking an artistic compensatory journey. Lerner expressed that each piece was personally selected and is now ready to find new custodians who will cherish them as testaments to human ingenuity and the deep affection inspired by felines.

Iconic Artworks: Masterpieces Gracing the Auction Block

The auction will showcase several highly anticipated works, including Léonard Tsuguharu Foujita's 1934 creation, 'Chat et Chaton,' projected to fetch between $30,000 and $50,000. Henri Matisse's 'Visages et grenades,' from around 1952, carries an estimate of $10,000 to $15,000, while Diego Giacometti's 'Tête de Chat,' circa 1970, is expected to command $20,000 to $30,000. The collection further boasts pieces from luminaries such as Rembrandt Bugatti, Edouard Manet, and Fernando Botero, among others.

Beyond the Canvas: Exquisite Jewelry and Antique Asian Art

In addition to fine art, the September live auction will feature an array of exquisite jewelry fashioned with feline motifs, including notable pieces from esteemed houses like Tiffany & Co. and Boucheron. The sale will also present a selection of significant Asian art and decorative objects, with some dating back to China's Qing Dynasty (1730-1850), adding another layer of historical and cultural depth to Lerner's diverse collection.

A Broader Spectrum: Non-Feline Treasures and Wildlife Depictions

For those whose tastes extend beyond the feline theme, the remaining two auctions, held live in Massachusetts and online in October, will offer a wide range of furniture, paintings, and decorative arts. These items, spanning centuries of European and British design, originate from Lerner's Georgian Revival estate in Upperville, Virginia. Many pieces continue to reflect her overarching love for animals, featuring captivating depictions of wildlife, such as Walter Hunt's 'Feeding Time' (1890), estimated at $25,000-$35,000, and a pair of silver-gilt swan jardinieres by C.J. Vander, valued between $10,000 and $20,00