.jpg?w=1)
Lot Essay
Charles de Beistegui (d. 1970), the legendary bon vivant, bought the 18th century Palazzo Labia in Venice in the 1940s. The palazzo became the setting for one of Beistegui's most lavish social parties, the 'Bal du Labia', which was held in September 1951, one of the last great private parties in Venice. The palazzo was sold by Beistegui in 1964 at which point the offered model was probably sold.
Alexander Serebriakoff (d. 1994), born in Russia into a family of artists, settled in Paris and met Beistegui in 1941, when he was asked to paint rooms in the château de Groussay. Serebriakoff was not only a chronicler for Beistegui by painting interiors, he also helped realize concepts for parties and projects in the park at Groussay. Serebriakoff designed numerous architectural buildings for him, some of which were realized by Emilio Terry and Michel de Bross as full-scale buildings in the park.
Alexander Serebriakoff (d. 1994), born in Russia into a family of artists, settled in Paris and met Beistegui in 1941, when he was asked to paint rooms in the château de Groussay. Serebriakoff was not only a chronicler for Beistegui by painting interiors, he also helped realize concepts for parties and projects in the park at Groussay. Serebriakoff designed numerous architectural buildings for him, some of which were realized by Emilio Terry and Michel de Bross as full-scale buildings in the park.