TREASURE TROVE - THE PIERRE BERGE' AUCTION

Hear, hear. Art connoisseurs and collectors can get ready to indulge with hundreds of personal items spanning from antiques to modern art that belonged to Pierre Bergé, the late partner of Yves Saint Laurent and a power figure in French culture and politics. The multitude of possessions that starting in the fall will go under the hammer at the auctions by Sotheby’s and Pierre Bergé & Associés belonged to Bergé’s homes in Paris, Normandy, Provence and Morocco. The auctions are a way to keep up the tradition of sharing a unique treasure trove gathered over the decades by the two avid and passionate collectors. After Saint Laurent’s death in 2009, Bergé sold off the priceless pieces collected by the couple, raising 374 million euros. Following Bergé’s death last September, his widower Madison Cox, did the same. The over 800 lots that will go on sale include paintings by Bernard Buffet, books, manuscripts, Art Deco furniture and ancient Chinese statues.