This Auction to be the largest and most exceptional in the history
New York: On Thursday, Christie's announced plans to auction off the art collection of late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, which it estimated to be worth more than $1 billion.
Christie said in a statement, that the November auction of more than 150 pieces spanning 500 years of art history will be "the largest and most exceptional art auction in history."
The works will include "La montagne Sainte-Victoire" by French painter Paul Cezanne, valued at more than $100 million, the auction house confirmed.
It is holding the auction with the late billionaire's estate. Christie said all proceeds will directly go to charitable causes, as per the wishes of Allen, who was an avid art collector, innovator and philanthropist.
"To Paul, art was both analytical and emotional. He believed that art expressed a unique view of reality -- combining the artist's inner state and inner eye -- in a way that can inspire us all," said Jody Allen, the executor of the estate.
"His collection reflects the diversity of his interests, with their own mystique and immense beauty."
Christie's CEO Guillaume Cerutti said the auction will be like no other till now.
"The inspirational figure of Paul Allen, the extraordinary quality of works, and the dedication of all proceeds to philanthropy, create a rare and unique combination that will make the sale of the Paul G. Allen Collection an event of unprecedented magnitude," Cerutti said.
Allen, who died in 2018, co-founded Microsoft with Bill Gates in 1975.
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