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Christie’s is set to auction The Collection of Baron Diego von Buch in London on June 5, 2025, featuring a rare and complete set of Claude Lalanne’s celebrated ‘Ginkgo’ dining suite in a distinctive green-painted finish. This marks the first time such a comprehensive suite in this color has been offered on the market, presenting a unique opportunity for collectors.
The ‘Ginkgo’ suite, created in 2000, includes a dining table (£200,000-300,000), a set of six chairs (£200,000-300,000), a set of four armchairs (£200,000-300,000), and a bench (£100,000-150,000). The suite exemplifies Lalanne’s signature blend of surrealism and organic motifs, drawing inspiration from the natural world. The ginkgo leaf, a recurring motif in her work, symbolizes peace, hope, and longevity in Asian art. In Lalanne’s hands, the oversized ginkgo leaves evoke the whimsy of Art Nouveau and the dreamlike quality of fairy tales, a testament to her ability to transform nature into functional art. This particular green-painted finish was used sparingly by Claude, making it a rare and distinctive variant in her oeuvre.
The collection spans over a millennium, from the 11th to the 21st centuries, reflecting Baron von Buch’s eclectic tastes. Approximately 100 lots from his residences in Cap Ferrat, Milan, St. Moritz, and London will be featured, including Modern and Contemporary art, design, prints, furniture, decorative arts, and silver. Estimates range from £300 to £800,000, offering a wide array of opportunities for collectors. The pre-sale exhibition will run from May 29 to June 4 in London, open to all.
Modern and Contemporary art is a highlight of the sale, led by Fernand Léger’s Composition au damier (Composition jaune et noir), 1929, a striking oil on canvas that served as a focal point in the Baron’s Milan home. The painting, estimated at £600,000-800,000, exemplifies Léger’s bold use of color and geometric forms. Other notable works include pieces by Anish Kapoor, Christo, and Max Ernst, showcasing the Baron’s discerning eye for avant-garde art.
Sculpture was another passion of Baron von Buch, and the sale features significant works by Fernando Botero, Jean-Michel Folon, and Barry Flanagan. Botero’s Reclining Woman with Fruit, with its signature voluptuous forms, is a standout piece. The collection also includes exquisite works by Les Lalanne, the artistic duo comprising Claude and her husband François-Xavier Lalanne, from the Baron’s Cap Ferrat residence. Modern design is further represented by works from Lino Tagliapietra, Ron Arad, and Marc Fish, underscoring the diversity of the collection.
Baron Diego von Buch (1941-2023) was a distinguished figure in global finance, with a background in engineering from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich and an MBA from Harvard. His collection reflects a lifetime of curiosity and passion for art and design, blending historical and contemporary pieces with a focus on craftsmanship and innovation. The sale at Christie’s not only celebrates his legacy but also offers collectors a chance to acquire exceptional works from across genres and periods.
From Lalanne’s enchanting ‘Ginkgo’ suite to Léger’s modernist masterpiece, The Collection of Baron Diego von Buch is a testament to the enduring power of art to inspire and captivate.
