A 18 Karat gold, colored diamond, coral and ruby lion brooch, Van Cleef & Arpels, Nerw York, 1968
A 18 Karat gold, colored diamond, coral and ruby lion brooch, Van Cleef & Arpels, Nerw York, 1968. Photo Sotheby"s
designed as a lion atop a coral branch, set with numerous round diamonds of yellow hue weighing approximately 8.00 carats, further enhanced by 2 round ruby eyes and a black enamel nose, with the tail and two of the legs articulated, signed V.C.A., numbered N.Y. 39419, one diamond missing. Estimation: 20,000 - 30,000 USD
NOTE DE CATALOGUE: The diamond and ruby lion brings to mind Patience and Fortitude, the 'Library Lions,' which proudly flank the entrance of the 42nd Street branch of the New York Public Library, an institution of which Mrs. Astor was a dedicated supporter.
A gift to the library in 1911, the lions were initially dubbed Leo Astor and Leo Lenox after library founders John Jacob Astor and James Lenox. Since 1987 the New York Public Library has presented the annual Brooke Russell Astor Award to individuals who devote themselves to enhancing the lives of those in New York City.
Sotheby's. Property from the Estate of Brooke Astor, New York | 24 sept. 2012 wwwSothebys.com