©Christie’s Images Limited 2023
Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever heard of an auction? What do you know about it?
- What kinds of items do you think can be sold at an auction?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- ceramics /suh-RAM-iks /
- astonishing /uh-STON-i-shing/
- cameo /KAM-ee-oh/
- feature /FEE-cher/
- desire /dih-ZAHYUHR/
[noun] – objects, such as pottery or porcelain, made of clay and baked at high temperatures, often used for decorative or functional purposes
She collected beautiful ceramics from different countries.
[adjective] – extremely surprising or impressive; causing amazement
The magician’s tricks were astonishing, leaving the audience in awe.
[noun] – a small, detailed carving or portrait in relief, often set against a contrasting background, commonly used in jewelry
She wore a beautiful cameo brooch that had been passed down through generations.
[verb] – to include or showcase as a prominent part of something
The magazine will feature a special article on travel tips.
[noun] – a strong feeling of wanting or wishing for something
His desire to become a famous musician led him to practice every day.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
A valuable assortment of art, furniture, jewelry, ceramics, and silver that once belonged to the famous Rothschild family, known for their banking success, recently sold at Christie’s New York for an astonishing $62.6 million. This remarkable collection, originating from the French branch of the Rothschild family and dating back to the 19th century, had been kept hidden from the public for a long time. It included remarkable artworks, such as a 17th-century painting called “A Young Woman Holding a Hare with a Boy at a Window,” which fetched over $7 million. There was also a Roman Sardonyx cameo portrait of the Roman emperor Claudius from the 1st century AD, which was sold for nearly $116,000. The decision to sell these historic items in New York was made by the members of the French Rothschild family, who aimed to share their rich heritage with the world, marking a change in their approach to their collection.
This rare auction featured the debut of the French Rothschild family’s artwork in North America. It included furniture, ceramics, silver, tapestries, and jewelry, showcasing their opulent taste. Though the reasons for the sale are somewhat mysterious, they may be linked to a desire for collection modernization and generational change. The auction offered a unique chance to own a piece of their storied history, providing insight into the family’s renowned opulence and cultural significance.
This rare auction featured the debut of the French Rothschild family’s artwork in North America. It included furniture, ceramics, silver, tapestries, and jewelry, showcasing their opulent taste. Though the reasons for the sale are somewhat mysterious, they may be linked to a desire for collection modernization and generational change. The auction offered a unique chance to own a piece of their storied history, providing insight into the family’s renowned opulence and cultural significance.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What types of items were included in the auction of the Rothschild family’s collection?
- What was the significance of the 17th-century painting, “A Young Woman Holding a Hare with a Boy at a Window,” in the auction?
- Why do you think the French Rothschild family decided to sell their collection in New York, according to the article?
- What does the word “opulent” imply about the Rothschild family’s taste and style?
- In what way did the auction offer insight into the family’s history and cultural significance, as mentioned in the article?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Can you recall a personal experience where you visited a museum or auction? If so, what did you find most fascinating about it? If not, would you like to attend one in the future? Why or why not?
- Have you ever inherited or seen items of historical or cultural significance within your family’s heritage? If yes, what are they, and what do they mean to you? If not, is there something specific you wish you could inherit or learn more about from your family’s history?
- Do you agree that preserving one’s cultural heritage is important for future generations?
- What do you think could be the implications of sharing a family’s heritage with the world through auctions and public sales, as opposed to keeping it private?
- In your opinion, how might the sale of cultural and historical items impact the way we understand and appreciate history and art in today’s society?