The tastemaker: Alexandre Benjamin Navet

Trained in industrial design, the Paris-based artist Alexandre Benjamin Navet says he has a ‘profound passion for objects, forms, and distinctive craftsmanship.’ His love of the decorative arts comes through in his vibrant oil stick and pastel paintings, which frequently feature furniture and art objects arranged in theatrical settings.

‘I’m obsessed with vases, pots, plinths. They’re like characters in my drawings and interiors,’ says Navet. The artist and art director has collaborated with brands like Hermès and Cartier on whimsical works displayed in major cities around the world — his monumental flower sculptures for Van Cleef & Arpels graced Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue in 2022.

Navet recently curated his favourite objects from the more than 700 works of fine and decorative art that will come to auction at Christie's this April as part of The Collector, a series of three online auctions of decorative arts selling concurrently in London, New York and Paris. For connoisseurs and new collectors alike, the sales showcase an array of important European, English, and 19th-century furniture and objects, works of art dating from the 16th to the 20th centuries, and Chinese export objects dating to the 19th century.

‘It was such a treasure hunt,’ says Navet, ‘to pick up my favourites amongst all these extraordinary pieces.’ The artist created three drawings for Christie’s in which he envisions the objects in playful arrangements that offer inspiration for would-be collectors looking to create layered interiors that effortlessly bridge the past and present.

London

The London sale features objects with exceptional provenance, including works that once resided in the esteemed collections of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, the family of Louis XVI, the Bayreuth collection of silver, and the Earls Fitzwilliam at Wentworth Woodhouse.

Navet alighted on a Louis XVI bed attributed to Jacques-Antoine Courbin. ‘I’m always fascinated by this type of object. This one is particularly architectural,’ says Navet. This elegant canopy bed frame reflects the 18th-century taste for steel furniture. The French monarchy’s Garde-Meuble Royal often commissioned Courbin, a locksmith to the King, to create steel furniture for the royal court. The dimensions of this bed might refer to that of the one executed for the Dauphin by Courbin, as mentioned in a 1792 inventory.

Other highlights from London include an 18th century Edo period Japanese six-panel paper screen, decorated with delicate Japanese motifs such as blossom trees, clouds and figures. Also showcased is a George II hardstone necessaire originally used to store daily essentials, featuring panels painted to simulate red striated agate; the exquisite necessaire once belonged to the collection of philanthropist Lady Clare Keswick.

In his drawing, Navet intermingles these objects with illustrations of a 19th-century Chinese lantern and a French Neo-Renaissance oak table. ‘I believe decor plays an important role in connecting different pieces with very different inspirations,’ says Navet. The juxtaposition highlights the contrast between Eastern and Western aesthetics, prompting viewers to contemplate the harmonious coexistence of different styles.

New York

The New York sale features property ranging from 18th century Regency furniture to Italian marbles of the 20th century. These highlights come from several notable private collections, in addition to esteemed American institutions like the Museum of the City of New York.

Navet admires a Chinese export enamel hanging lantern: ‘With its incredibly detailed ornaments, it’s a nomadic object that can be moved from one room to another.’ Constructed in pagoda form, the lantern is embellished with intricate foliage and roof tiles.

He was also taken by a north Italian leather-bound black and gilt-decorated hardstone and mother-of-pearl inlaid travelling cabinet, a champlevé enamel trompe l’oeil desk set from St. Petersburg and a pair of north Italian grey-painted console tables.

In his drawing, these items are contrasted with bold red and blue illustrations of a marble top and a pair of decorative vases, showcasing how objects from various regions and eras can be layered to stimulate intriguing connections. When it comes to styling interiors, Navet is all about being experimental. ‘Don’t hesitate to create surprise and unexpected connections. Select pieces that take you away from reality!’ he advises.

Paris

Amongst the treasures from the Paris sale is a miniature silver table service in a wood casket most likely from Holland in the mid-18th century. ‘I love the unexpected scale and sophistication of this cutlery set,’ says Navet. Comprising a dozen forks, spoons and knives, the complete set is fitted within an ebony case with ornamented hinges and handles.

Other objects with exquisite craftsmanship include a pair of Pompeian-style scagliola panels covered in whimsical designs and a 19th-century Italian tazza constructed from marble and onyx. Navet imagines these objects alongside illustrations of a Regency blue john vase from the London sale, and a porcelain flower vase from the New York sale. The presentation underscores the evolution and diversity of artistic styles prevalent from the 18th to 20th centuries.

For Navet, the hunt for cherished objects is a vital aspect of his artmaking. ‘I believe decor plays an important role in connecting different pieces and inspiration for my work,’ he says. Navet’s keen eye for detail and artistry aligns seamlessly with the offerings of The Collector sales, providing enthusiasts with an opportunity to acquire unique decorative treasures that are truly timeless works of art.