18th-century French decorative arts from Galerie Steinitz Paris

‘Dealing in antiques offers the most wonderful life,’ says Benjamin Steinitz, director of Galerie Steinitz in Paris. ‘It is suffused with learning, enquiry and beauty, and that fills me with energy every day.’

Established by Benjamin’s parents, Bernard and Simone Steinitz, in 1968, Galerie Steinitz is one of the world’s most respected dealers in French decorative arts. ‘Our role today is about more than just examining the works of art we offer,’ he says. ‘We are dedicated to tracing their histories — often lost over time — and to highlighting the artistic context in which they were created.’

On 19 June 2025, Christie’s in Paris will offer 130 pieces of furniture and decorative arts chosen by Benjamin, in Madame Simone Steinitz: The Legacy of Taste. The sale pays tribute to Simone’s decisive role in shaping the le goût Steinitz and her work and friendship with decorators such as François-Joseph Graf, Jacques Grange and Peter Marino. ‘These works perfectly illustrate her refined taste and natural elegance,’ says Benjamin.

Each piece has been chosen for its quality, beauty and historical resonance, with a special focus on the 18th century, echoing the words of Hubert de Givenchy: ‘Fashion changes, but 18th-century style will endure.’ Works of art with royal and aristocratic provenance include a trio of vases likely to have been made by Louis XV or a member his family, a collection of ormolu-mounted porcelain objects assembled by Philippe-François Julliot for Louis XVI, and a vase mounted by Antoine-Philippe Pajot from the fabled Rothschild collections.