Mica Ertegun, the late wife of Atlantic Records co-founder Ahmet Ertegun, was a true New York icon. Her name was synonymous with impeccable taste, a quality that permeated every aspect of her life, from her fashion choices to the meticulously curated interiors of her numerous homes. Now, a piece of that legacy is up for grabs at Christie’s, where the “Mica: The Collection of Mica Ertegun” auction is set to captivate art and design enthusiasts alike.
The auction, which begins on November 19th with her art collection and continues with jewelry, design, and decorative arts on December 10th in New York and December 13th in Paris, offers a unique glimpse into the world of a woman whose discerning eye and impeccable taste transformed her homes into sanctuaries of art and design. The collection boasts an impressive array of masterpieces, including René Magritte’s “L’empire des lumières,” a 1960 work that Christie’s anticipates will fetch a record-breaking price for the artist.
Also included are notable works like David Hockney’s “Still Life on a Glass Table” (1971), Patrick Henry Bruce’s “Peinture/Nature Morte” (1928), and Jack Youngerman’s “August White” (1967). The latter, prominently displayed in the living room of her Manhattan townhouse, was captured in a striking photograph by Horst P. Horst for Vogue’s August 1969 feature that introduced the Erteguns to the world. This was just one of many homes that would grace the pages of Vogue, a testament to Mica’s influence and the exquisite taste she possessed.
Ertegun’s influence extended beyond her home decor. She was a founding partner of MAC II, a design firm she established with fellow Manhattan socialite Chessy Rayner in 1967. Bill Blass, renowned fashion designer, even enlisted the firm to design his Manhattan home, praising their ability to effortlessly blend elegance and functionality. Her fashion sense was equally celebrated, earning her a regular spot on the International Best-Dressed List and even prompting the Metropolitan Museum of Art to acquire a collection of her gowns.
But Ertegun’s passion for art was truly remarkable. She started collecting pieces out of necessity, to fill the blank walls of her homes, but soon developed a fervent appreciation for the power of art. She saw beauty in abundance, embracing both the traditional and modern, often combining antiques with contemporary pieces to create a harmonious balance. Her interiors, as captured in iconic photographs by Horst, served as a masterclass in how to live with art, understanding the power of negative space and the beauty of understated elegance.
The auction is a rare opportunity to own a piece of Mica Ertegun’s legacy, a legacy that embodies the essence of New York style and the enduring power of exquisite taste. Whether you’re a seasoned art collector or a novice home decorator, Ertegun’s approach to living with art offers valuable lessons that can inspire your own journey into the world of design and beauty.
