From Dalí’s fantastical necklace to Monet’s serene brushstrokes, this collection defines timeless eccentric elegance.
As Sotheby’s opened its much-anticipated Schlumberger Collection auction — the art and jewellery world is a buzz with admiration for a sale that captures the essence of surrealism, heritage, and craftsmanship. This multi-city auction series, spanning Paris, Hong Kong, and New York through 2026, offers a rare glimpse into the refined world of Anne Schlumberger — the French-born architect, philanthropist, and arts patron whose life was steeped in creativity and culture.
At the heart of the collection lies Salvador Dalí’s Swirling Sea necklace, a surrealist masterpiece that blends imagination and precision. Crafted in 18k gold by New York jeweller Carlos Alemany in 1963 and conceived by Dalí in 1954, the piece glimmers with sapphires, emeralds, pearls, and diamonds — evoking the rhythmic motion of waves and the shimmer of light across water. The necklace, originally created for São Schlumberger (Pierre Schlumberger’s second wife), previously achieved €736,600 at auction and continues to embody Dalí’s vision of wearable surrealism.
The Schlumberger family’s story is one of art, intellect, and indulgence. São and Pierre were icons of post-war sophistication — among the first to own a private jet and renowned for their extraordinary art collection, which included works by Picasso, Matisse, and Monet. Anne, Pierre’s daughter from his first marriage, carried forward this legacy, commissioning and collecting pieces that blended fantasy with function.
Among the other highlights of the auction is François-Xavier Lalanne’s Hippopotame Bar, a whimsical copper bar cart designed in 1976 for Anne Schlumberger and valued at over $7 million. Also featured is Claude Monet’s Vue de Rouen, painted at the inception of his famed Rouen Cathedral series — a masterpiece that bridges the Impressionist era with modern sensibility.
Sotheby’s describes the Schlumberger Collection as “an eclectic, multi-century assemblage” that mirrors both the family’s dynastic heritage and Anne’s singular artistic vision. Expected to exceed $85 million in total sales, the collection marks a defining moment for collectors seeking not just luxury, but a narrative of imagination and legacy.