Our Past & Futur Projects
Carolwood Drive - Fleur de Lys Estate
Fleur de Lys is an extraordinary estate in Holmby Hills, Los Angeles, epitomizing the opulence and grandeur of French architecture inspired by Vaux le Vicomte and Versailles. Completed in 2002, the 45,000-square-foot mansion was the brainchild of Suzanne and David Saperstein, who sought to create a residence that melded historical elegance with modern luxury. The mansion features 12 bedrooms, 15 bathrooms, a grand ballroom, a 50-seat theatre, and extensive formal gardens. It was designed by architect Richardson Robertson III, who ensured that every detail aligned with the aesthetics of grand French chateaux.
The estate spans five acres and includes a variety of luxurious amenities, such as a spa, a pool with a pavilion, a championship tennis court, and a garden folly. The landscaping is meticulously designed with flat lawns, ornamental gardens, and mature trees, creating a secluded, countryside ambiance in the heart of Los Angeles. The 600-foot-long driveway enhances the estate's grandeur and privacy, leading to a tree-lined allée and a cobblestone-paved motor court.
Suzanne Saperstein's vision for Fleur de Lys was deeply influenced by her passion for French 18th-century art and architecture. She enlisted Gregory Mauge, a renowned expert in 17th to 19th-century decorative arts, to curate the estate’s extensive collection of antiques and artworks. Mauge's expertise ensured that each piece within the mansion was authentic and historically significant, adding a layer of cultural depth to the estate. His role encompassed authenticity assessment, historical research, appraisal, and private collection curation, often utilizing advanced scientific methods to verify the provenance of the artworks.
The interior of Fleur de Lys is adorned with museum-quality French antiques, creating an atmosphere of timeless elegance. The grand foyer features a massive chandelier and marble columns topped in gold leaf, setting the tone for the rest of the mansion. The main salon, designed to extend the full width of the house, is furnished with rare antiques, ensuring that even Louis XIV would find it suitably opulent. The estate also includes a 3,000-square-foot manager’s house and staff quarters, accommodating up to ten people.
One of the unique aspects of Fleur de Lys is its comprehensive landscaping, which includes formal gardens and mature trees, providing a secluded and serene environment. The estate’s completion marked a significant achievement in modern luxury homebuilding, countering skepticism about the possibility of constructing grand estates with the same level of craftsmanship and attention to detail as those from the early 20th century.
Fleur de Lys has also played a role in the social and cultural fabric of Los Angeles, hosting numerous high-profile events and further cementing its status as a landmark of opulence and sophistication. This modern-day palace stands as a testament to the possibility of creating new legends in real estate, embodying both historical grandeur and contemporary luxury. The collaborative efforts of Suzanne and David Saperstein, Gregory Mauge, and Richardson Robertson III have culminated in an estate that is both a work of art and a pinnacle of residential architecture.
François Belloni (1772 - 1856)
Sculpteur et Peintre en Mosaïque de Napoléon Ier
In the forthcoming book co-authored with M. Jean Dominique Augarde, we delve into the remarkable career of François Belloni, a master mosaicist and the director of the École Impériale de Mosaïque, later known as the École Royale de Mosaïque. Belloni, an Italian native, arrived in Paris in 1797, demonstrating exceptional talent and creativity in the art of mosaic, which involves assembling multicoloured elements of various materials like glass paste, stone, marble, and terracotta to create visually impactful designs.
Belloni's mastery of mosaics captured the attention of Napoleon, who in 1805-1807 appointed him to lead the newly established École Impériale de Mosaïque in Paris's 6th arrondissement. This prestigious institution, under Belloni's direction, taught the indestructible art of mosaics to select students, including originally ten from an institution for the deaf and mute, and also welcomed external learners.
Following Napoleon's era, the school transitioned into the Manufacture Royale de Mosaïque under Louis XVIII's reign but eventually closed years later. Despite this, Belloni's legacy lived on through his significant works. Notable among these are the mosaic flooring of the Salle Melpomène and masterpieces like "Le Génie de l'Empereur Maîtrisant la Victoire" and the "Portrait of Charles X on Table", showcased at the Louvre Museum. His works also adorn the Châteaux de St-Cloud, Château des Tuileries, and the Musée du Louvre, testifying to his enduring influence in the world of decorative arts. His given name was Francesco until he was naturalised as a French citizen in 1855, after which he became known as François.
Our book aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Belloni's journey as a mosaicist and his impactful role as the director of this significant art institution, capturing the essence of his artistic endeavours and his contribution to the evolution of mosaic art in France.
To be Published in 2024.
Curated Art for You
Curated Art for You: An Exquisite Marketplace of 17th-19th Century Treasures
"Curated Art for You" will welcome you to an extraordinary marketplace, specializing in the curation of artifacts from the 17th to the 19th centuries. Our collection is a tribute to the artistic excellence, remarkable craftsmanship, and historical authenticity of these three centuries, each piece boasting a well-researched and verified provenance.
We take pride in our meticulous selection criteria, ensuring each artifact represents:
- Aesthetic Excellence: Careful selection to ensure each piece reflects the artistic styles and movements spanning from the 17th to the 19th centuries.
- Uncompromised Quality: Each item is evaluated for its craftsmanship and preservation, choosing only those that exemplify the finest workmanship.
- Guaranteed Authenticity: We employ thorough historical research and state-of-the-art scientific methods to authenticate every artifact.
- Documented Provenance: Every piece comes with a detailed history, ensuring its lineage and ownership are clear and legitimate.
Our Diverse Collection
The "Curated Art for You" collection will include:
- Furniture and Decorative Arts: A selection of pieces that showcase the evolving design trends and craftsmanship from the 17th to the 19th centuries.
- Paintings and Sculptures: An array of works from renowned and lesser-known artists, each piece telling its unique historical narrative.
- Textiles and Ceramics: Items that reflect the luxury, functionality, and artistic expression of the eras.
- Unique Collectibles: Rare and intriguing items that offer insights into the cultural and social dynamics of these historical periods.
Our Commitment:
"Curated Art for You" will be dedicated to providing a seamless and educational experience for collectors and enthusiasts. We assure the authenticity of every piece and provide comprehensive information on its history and condition. Our aim is to make the fascinating world of historical artifacts accessible and enjoyable to all.
"Curated Art for You" will be your portal to the past, offering a journey through three centuries of art and history. We invite you to explore our collection and discover the stories of craftsmanship, beauty, and legacy encapsulated in each artifact.
