Christie’s auctioning collection of Robert de Balkany

The vast and varied collection of art and artifacts owned by Hungarian business tycoon and polo player Robert de Balkany goes to auction at Christie’s in London Wednesday and Thursday, March 22 and March 23.
De Balkany collected fine and decorative art and furniture to adorn his many houses.
This sale features pieces from his homes in Italy and on the French Riviera, and includes a silver-gilt centerpiece of Hercules slaying the Hydra worth an estimated  $498,160–$747,240.
The piece was commissioned for George III’s second son, the Duke of York, and is known as the Duke of York centerpiece.
Also on the block will be six paintings by Gaspare Diziani depicting the life of Alexander the Great, valued between $149,750 and $224,600.
(Reuters)