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Books, Manuscripts
& Antique Prints

Led by Frédéric Harnisch, experienced specialist in rare and valuable books as well as manuscripts, Artcurial’s Books, Manuscripts & Antique Prints Department, in collaboration with renowned experts, applies its extensive expertise to serving collectors and enthusiasts of written and illustrated heritage, ensuring meticulous and rigorous appraisals.

Its scope is vast, ranging from illuminated medieval manuscripts to contemporary literary and artistic works, including fine book-bindings from all periods and antique prints. The department covers a wide array of themes, including genealogy, heraldry, art history, and musical creation, as well as graphic works by writers and artists. With this breadth of expertise and a recognised reputation, the department, which organises between two and five sales per year, enjoys international acclaim.

Thanks to this expertise, Artcurial has been entrusted with major collections, successfully auctioned in landmark sales, including:
- The Maurice Houdayer Library, whose four sales totalled nearly €4M in 2021 and 2022.
- The Jean Bourdel Library, whose first part achieved €1.8M in 2024.
- In December 2024, Artcurial made history by orchestrating the sale of General de Gaulle’s personal writings and memorabilia. This event, a complete success with 100% of lots sold for €5.6M, attracted significant interest from French public institutions, which exercised 135 pre-emptions.

Our specialists are at your disposal for free and confidential valuations of your Books, Manuscripts, and Antique Prints.

Specialist

<p>Frédéric K. Harnisch</p>

Frédéric K. Harnisch

Director

+33 1 42 99 16 49

Contact

<p>Emeline Duprat</p>

Emeline Duprat

Administrator

+33 1 42 99 16 58

News
<h1>Jean Bourdel Library, Part Two: Gothic Prints, Poetry, and Literature</h1>

Jean Bourdel Library, Part Two: Gothic Prints, Poetry, and Literature

On Thursday, March 20th, Artcurial will auction the second part of the Jean Bourdel Library (1890-1971), in collaboration with experts Emmanuel Lhermitte and Philippine de Sailly. Preserved by the Bourdel family for nearly a century, this collection is one of the most remarkable 20th-century assemblages dedicated to Gothic prints in French, as well as to poets and writers of the 16th century. 

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<h1>Gérard Lévy Collection: A Journey into Symbolism</h1>

Gérard Lévy Collection: A Journey into Symbolism

On 11th February 2025, Artcurial will auction a collection of works reflecting a lesser-known aspect of Gérard Lévy’s personality, showcasing his visionary passion for Symbolism and Art Nouveau at a time when these movements were largely forgotten. This remarkable panorama highlights major figures such as Maxence, Khnopff, Schwabe, and Mucha, alongside rarer compositions by Numa Gillet, Marcius-Simons, and Georges Lorin.

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<h1>De Gaulle, Legacy for History</h1>

De Gaulle, Legacy for History

On December 16th 2024, Artcurial will hold an exceptional auction dedicated to the personal writings and memorabilia of General de Gaulle, from the estate of Admiral Philippe de Gaulle. Over 370 lots, including private documents and personal objects, will be presented in this historic sale. Part of the proceeds from the auction will be donated to the Fondation Anne de Gaulle.

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<h1>€1.8M for the first part of the Bibliothèque Jean Bourdel</h1>

€1.8M for the first part of the Bibliothèque Jean Bourdel

On Wednesday, June 19th, 2024, in collaboration with experts Emmanuel Lhermitte and Philippine de Sailly, Artcurial organized the first part of the auction of the collection of bibliophile Jean Bourdel (1890-1971), totaling €1,785,663 including fees, with 93% of lots sold. The collection is one of the most important libraries of the 20th century dedicated to Gothic prints in French and to poets and writers of the 16th century. After this first sale, two more auctions will offer the last part of the collection in 2025.

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Bibliothèque Jean Bourdel

Jean Bourdel Library:
Gothic Impressions, Poetry, and Literature

On June 19th, an exceptional sale will take place at Artcurial, in partnership with experts Emmanuel Lhermitte and Philippine de Sailly. This sale will showcase the remarkable collection of Jean Bourdel (1890-1971), a book enthusiast who, since the 1920s and for over fifty years, assembled one of the most notable libraries of the 20th century.

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