This collection features one of the world’s finest groups of Fabergé, together with an extraordinary trove of jewelry that has remained unseen for more than a century. The sales also include exceptional examples of European furniture, silver, porcelain, glass, antiquities, and paintings. For generations, the Gray Stream family has been defined by entrepreneurial achievement, cultural stewardship, and an unwavering commitment to the arts, a legacy shaped most profoundly by two extraordinary Louisiana women, Matilda Geddings Gray and her niece Matilda Gray Stream, whose discerning eyes and intergenerational collecting created one of the most significant American collections of their time.
At the heart of this legacy is Matilda Geddings Gray, a pioneering businesswoman and visionary collector. After assuming leadership of her family’s enterprises in 1921, she became known for her independence, business acumen, and deep appreciation of the arts. In 1933, she began acquiring Fabergé at a moment when the artist’s name was still little known in the United States, ultimately assembling one of the world’s greatest collections over nearly four decades. Her acquisitions included four Imperial eggs, as well as the celebrated Lilies of the Valley Basket, widely regarded as Fabergé’s floral masterpiece. Part of her collection of Fabergé later resided at the New Orleans Museum of Art before entering long term loan at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Her legacy was carried forward by her niece, Matilda Gray Stream, whom she mentored from childhood. Sharing her aunt’s sharp mind, exceptional taste, and generosity, she later oversaw the Gray Estate and family foundations, continuing the family’s longstanding tradition of stewardship, philanthropy, and cultural preservation. A devoted custodian of Louisiana’s heritage, she restored major historic properties, supported leading arts institutions, including the New Orleans Museum of Art, the Louisiana Museum Foundation, the Fabergé Arts Foundation, and the New York City Ballet, and championed conservation efforts throughout the state.
Marc Porter, Chairman, Christie’s Americas says: “This extraordinary collection, assembled over many decades, represents a rare union of connoisseurship and technical brilliance. At Christie’s, our greatest privilege is presenting the world’s most distinguished collections, from Elizabeth Taylor to Yves Saint Laurent, Ann and Gordon Getty, and the Rothschild family. It is an honor to bring the Stream Family Collection to market and to recognize this remarkable family among the great collectors and cultural stewards.”
Capera Ryan, Deputy Chairman, Christie’s Americas comments: “A true tale of two Matildas whose shared commitment to beauty, craftsmanship, and cultural preservation shaped one of the most significant American collections of its kind. The Fabergé they amassed ranks among the finest in the world, built slowly and deliberately, each object chosen with exceptional care. The jewelry is a remarkable time capsule, composed of pieces acquired not for fashion, but for their enduring quality and artistry.”
The museum-quality Fabergé offered in the sale is led by An Extremely Rare and Impressive Gem-set Silver Rhinoceros Automaton, Fabergé, circa 1900 (estimate: $300,000–500,000), and a selection of five hardstone and enamel flower studies by Fabergé (estimates range: $60,000–220,000). Another highlight includes A Highly Important and Impressive Russian Three-color Gold Cup, Cover and Stand Presented to Count Saltykov in 1790 and once in the collection of Emperor Nicholas II (estimate: $300,000-500,000).
The jewelry in the collection spans Antique through mid-century, with a strong emphasis on Art Deco. Cartier pieces from the 1930s and works by Tiffany & Co. feature prominently, alongside rare examples incorporating Indian-inspired and antique Indian elements. The collection is anchored by an Important Diamond Ring of 49.91 carats (estimate: $500,000–700,000), a Tiffany & Co. Art Deco Emerald and Diamond Bracelet (estimate: $300,000–500,000) and a Cartier Coral, Diamond and Gold Bracelet (estimate $50,000-70,000).
Additional highlights include Diego Rivera’s Niña con Gallito (estimate: $300,000–500,000) a Edgar Degas’s Femme assise dans un fauteuil, s’essuyant la hanche gauche (estimate: $200,000–300,000) and a William Adolphe Bouguereau L'Oeillet (estimate: $200,000-300,000).