The Bernard De Leye Collection: The Quest for the Exceptional

Published on 29 June 2021, by Vanessa Schmitz-Grucker

Auction on 15 July 2021 - 12:00 (CEST) - Neumarkt 3 - 50667 Cologne

“Objects do not belong to you,” says Bernard De Leye. “They are just passing through.” The time has come for the Belgian antique dealer and former BRAFA president to pass his collection on to the next custodian. Over 250 pieces, including several of museum quality, are up for sale.

Jean-Baptiste François Chéret, Paris, 1770. Toiletry set for the Marquis and Marquise... The Bernard De Leye Collection: The Quest for the Exceptional

Jean-Baptiste François Chéret, Paris, 1770. Toiletry set for the Marquis and Marquise de Montmelas, silver with two-toned gold plating, h. of pitcher 29.5 cm/11.6 in, h. of basin 9 cm/3.5 in, l. 36.3 cm/14.3 in, d. 23.5 cm/9.3 in. Total weight 2,479 g/87.44 oz.
Estimate: €1/1.2 M

There is perhaps only one collection in the world bringing together Pope Sixtus V, Madame de Pompadour, the Comte d’Arnouville, Ferdinand I de' Medici and Louis XVI. To achieve this feat, it needed an adventurer with a passion for silver and goldware, particularly of the French variety (the catalog also includes rare paintings and furniture) and an interest in great historical figures. Enter Bernard De Leye: a hunter of legendary objects equally at home in the world of commerce and museums. From unexpected discoveries to major coups, the Belgian antique dealer collected treasures from all over Europe, some of museum quality. Paris, Regency period, c. 1720-1730. “Tombeau à pont” commode once owned by Maria Callas, kingwood veneer on softwood and walnut, gilt bronze mountings, 84 x 127 x 68.5 cm/33 x 50 x 27 in. Estimate: €50,000/60,000 In the Hands of Great Figures Mr. De Leye, who was also president of the La Chambre Belge des Experts…

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