“The Texan Who Conquered Russia” Van Cliburn, who caused a sensation when he won the first Tchaikovsky Piano Competition at the height of the Cold War in 1958, will put his personal art collection on sale, including some Russian objets d’art.
The rich selection of 150 works belonging to the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award winner ranges from Russian Art to English furniture, also featuring jewelry. Christie’s auction on May 17 is expected to fetch $3 million.
“Mr. Cliburn’s passionate pursuit of perfection in his music is reflected in the superb works of art he acquired for his personal collection, with historically important and rare examples of English furniture and silver, complemented by dazzling works of art from Russia, a country where he remains revered today,” Christie’s Head of Private Collections William Strafford stated.
The piano legend who has played for heads of states across the world as well as at home – Van Cliburn has reportedly performed for every American President since Harry Truman – was quoted as saying that at the beginning of his career he spent his earnings on souvenirs to remember all his concerts.
“I have always found throughout my life that beauty raises your consciousness and provides incalculable inspiration. I hope that some of the beauty that has inspired me for decades will find others who appreciate them as much as I always have,” he said.