Christie’s, the well-known auction house, has announced the cancellation of the second auction of jewelry belonging to Austrian billionaire, Heidi Horten, after facing intense scrutiny. The collection was owned by Horten, whose husband amassed his wealth under the Nazis. Despite controversy surrounding the first auction held in May, it set new sales records for Christie’s. However, the second auction, originally scheduled for November, has now been called off.
The decision to cancel the sale came after the New York Times published a report on the jewelry collection, which garnered significant attention and criticism. Christie’s acknowledged that the sale had provoked intense scrutiny and expressed their reflection on the matter. This decision has deeply affected the auction house and those involved.
Hopes were high for the second auction to achieve similar results as the first before its cancellation. The initial sale surpassed $100 million, breaking previous records set by Christie’s in the sales of Elizabeth Taylor’s properties in 2011 and the “Maharajas and Mughal Magnificence” collection in 2019. However, amidst growing concerns and demands from various Jewish groups, Christie’s ultimately decided to halt future sales of the Heidi Horten collection.
Jewish groups had criticized the collection, labeling it as “indecent,” and demanded that Christie’s investigate the origins of the jewelry to determine if any of it belonged to victims of the Nazis. The controversy revolves around Heidi Horten’s husband, Helmut Horten, who was a member of the Nazi party before being expelled. He profited from taking over businesses owned by Jewish individuals who had fled during the Nazi regime.
In May, Christie’s had defended their decision to proceed with the sale, emphasizing that all proceeds would go towards charitable causes. Rahul Kadakia, Christie’s international head of jewelry, stated that the auction house would also make a significant donation towards Holocaust research and education. However, the public outcry and concerns raised by the Jewish community led to a reassessment of the auction.
Heidi Horten passed away last year at the age of 81, leaving behind a fortune of $2.9 billion and a collection of over 700 jewels. The collection has drawn both fascination and controversy due to its links to the Nazi era. The cancellation of the second auction highlights the growing sensitivity surrounding historical artifacts associated with Nazi looting and persecution.
By canceling the auction, Christie’s acknowledges the gravity of the situation and the need for further reflection. It also underscores the responsibility auction houses have in ensuring the ethical sourcing of items they put up for sale. The cancellation of the Heidi Horten jewelry sale serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to preserve historical memory and address painful legacies of the past.
Useful links:
– International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance
– Jewish Virtual Library
