Lot 1

THE PROPERTY OF THE LATE MRS MARCELLA ROSSI (LOTS 1 - 79)Sold to benefit Cancer Research UK Ltd. and King Edward VII's Hospital Sister AgnesMarcella Rossi was an immensely stylish woman – one of the best dressed and most elegant of her generation and as her friends said ‘Once seen never forgotten’. That was indeed true and she maintained a rigorous discipline in everything she did, always immaculate. Even if she was going shopping in Chelsea Green she cut a striking figure.Born in Florence to an Italian mother and a German industrialist father, who established the first important textile company in Prato, she was always a true European speaking Italian, French and English fluently. At the end of the war she longed for wider horizons and came to London to study at London University in Bedford College. Her time here gave her a lifelong appreciation of London – and its people – which she never lost.After a short spell in modelling she opened an antique shop De Cleves in the circular building in Lowndes Street by the Jumeirah Carlton Tower Hotel. One of the first visitors was a tall, elegant American also living in London – Gifford Rossi. They married in 1965 and so began twenty-nine immensely happy – and stylish – years together. Both perfectly dressed, they created an impression wherever they went and they appreciated the qualities they exemplified in other people and places. I first met them in the early 1980s. Gifford had a passionate interest in Napoleon and when they moved from the first floor to the second floor in their building in Knightsbridge in 1987, he sold his collection of Napoleonic memorabilia at Christie’s. I came to appreciate greatly their friendship and loyalty – Gifford’s advice on hotels and restaurants was always that once you have found one you like, it is important to be loyal - and they extended that maxim to all aspects of their lives. Once she found St Laurent, Marcella remained steadfast in her support and admiration.Both inveterate travellers, Gifford and Marcella led a cosmopolitan life between London and their apartment in St. Moritz where they loved walking in the summer. They entertained perfectly and Marcella was a wonderful help to Gifford in all his extensive business dealings in the Middle East.She remained true to her very distinctive style of decorating – very spare and disciplined, uncluttered and pared down, with an Asian influence, using silks in muted tones of café au lait and umber with splashes of colour, the harmony balanced by unusual and distinctive strategically placed objects – the English Country House look and ‘shabby chic’ was not for her. Her rooms were imbued with warmth and serenity and were the setting for a shared life that enriched the lives of all their many friends.Marcella’s high standards never wavered and she remained a vital and remarkable personality, interested in everything and with a lively and realistic view of the world.Charles Cator, Deputy Chairman, Christie's International

A PAIR OF EMPIRE ORMOLU TWIN-LIGHT CANDELABRA

IN THE MANNER OF CLAUDE-FRANCOIS RABIAT, FIRST QUARTER 19TH CENTURY

Details

A PAIR OF EMPIRE ORMOLU TWIN-LIGHT CANDELABRA
IN THE MANNER OF CLAUDE-FRANCOIS RABIAT, FIRST QUARTER 19TH CENTURY
Each in the form of a winged putto drawing a bow cast with the motto 'Garde a Vous', astride a sphere and fluted cylindrical stem, on square plinths
16 ¾ in. (42.5 cm.) high, and slightly smaller

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Alasdair Young

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Lot Essay

The inscription 'garde a vous' appeared on one of the clocks listed in the inventory of Rabiat's stock in 1815 (see D. Ledoux-Lebard, 'Rabiat', L'Estampille, April, 1991, pp. 86-93) who is also known to have produced similar Cupid candelabra. The same inscription appears on a pair of candelabra of similar pattern which was sold at Christie's, London, 15 November 2001, lot 2 (£2,115, including premium).

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