A remarkable collection of art, furniture, jewelry, ceramics, and silver that once belonged to the Rothschild family, famous bankers, was recently sold at Christie’s New York for over $62.6 million. These treasures, which came from the French branch of the Rothschild family and date back to the 19th century, were hidden from the public for many years. The collection included stunning artworks like a 17th-century painting called “A Young Woman Holding a Hare with a Boy at a Window,” which sold for more than $7 million. It even featured a Roman Sardonyx cameo portrait of the Roman emperor Claudius from the 1st century AD, which fetched nearly $116,000. The decision to sell these historic items in New York was made by members of the French Rothschild family, who wanted to share their heritage with the world, signifying a shift in their approach to their collection.

This special auction marked the first time the Rothschild family’s French branch shared their works in North America. The collection consisted of furniture, ceramics, silver, tapestries, and jewelry, reflecting the family’s unique and opulent taste. While the exact reasons for the sale are somewhat mysterious, they may be related to a desire to modernize their collection and a change in generations. The auction was a rare opportunity to acquire a piece of history, showcasing the lavish lifestyle and exquisite taste of the Rothschild family, known for their grandeur and cultural significance.