Christies have announced Visionary: The Paul G. Allen Collection auction on from 9–10 November at Rockefeller Center in New York.
The collection of philanthropist Paul G. Allen, co-founder of Microsoft, includes more than 150 masterpieces spanning 500 years of art history. Reflecting the depth and breadth of Paul G. Allen’s collection, the auctions connect this visionary innovator to a range of ground-breaking artists, joining Paul Cezanne with David Hockney and Georges Seurat with Jasper Johns. Valued in excess of $1 billion, The Paul G. Allen Collection is poised to be the largest and most exceptional art auction in history. Pursuant to his wishes, the estate will dedicate all the proceeds to philanthropy.
Christie’s auction house said proceeds of the November sale would be given to charity, as Mr Allen wished.
The collection includes masterpieces by Botticelli, Renoir, David Hockney and Roy Lichtenstein.
Mr Allen, who co-founded Microsoft in 1975 with his childhood friend Bill Gates, died in 2018 aged 65.
The auction will sell 150 works of art spanning 500 years.
Pieces will include La Montagne Sainte-Victoire by French painter Paul Cezanne, valued at more than $100m (£85m).
Beginning 29 October, The Paul G. Allen Collection can be viewed at Christies Rockefeller Center galleries.
More information: https://www.christies.com/events/visionary-the-paul-g-allen-collection/overview