Exceptional Sale: Masterworks Across Cultures

Christie's is honoured to present The Exceptional Sale: Masterworks Across Cultures, taking place in London this June.

This auction brings together some of the most extraordinary expressions of human creativity, craftsmanship and taste, celebrating objects that have shaped — and continue to define — cultural heritage across the world. Carefully curated, the sale spans the prehistoric world to the early modern era, encompassing natural history, antiquities, sculpture, decorative arts, books, Russian works of art, as well as masterpieces from the Indian and Asian worlds. United by exceptional quality and cultural significance, these works transcend time. Many carry remarkable histories, enhanced by distinguished provenance and associations with notable collectors, historic figures and great collections.

Leading the auction is an important Egyptian Limestone Pair Statue of the Royal Acquaintances Nebefwy and Mes-sat, dating to the Old Kingdom, Mid to Late 5th Dynasty, circa 2400–2300 B.C. (estimate on request). The sculpture depicts Nebefwy and his wife Mes-sat standing closely together on an integral plinth, their forms united in one of the most elegant expressions of Old Kingdom private funerary sculpture. The hieroglyphic inscription identifies the couple and their son, Meh-er-nefer, who is recorded as the dedicant of the monument in honour of his parents.

The statue is recorded at Hovingham Hall in North Yorkshire since 1778 and carries an exceptional provenance extending from Sir James Porter, British Ambassador in Constantinople, to King George III, who subsequently gifted it to Thomas Worsley. Both rare and evocative, the Hovingham Hall pair statue stands as a powerful example of Old Kingdom elite portraiture and one of the most important early Egyptian sculptures to enter a British collection.

Explore our Classic Week auctions in London. .