Sotheby's Stories

The Collection Hidden in Plain Sight | Florent Jeanniard Shares His Sotheby's Story

Paris

A small detail in a photograph led to one of the most extraordinary discoveries of Florent Jeanniard’s career. In this episode of Sotheby’s Stories, Florent — Head of the Design Department in Paris — recalls how a client reached out with a simple question about a painting, unaware of the hidden treasures that surrounded it. What began with a single image gradually revealed a remarkable collection by one of the most celebrated designers of the 20th century. Piece by piece, the story unfolded — transforming what seemed like an ordinary request into a once-in-a-lifetime find.

The collection went on to achieve a record-breaking result at auction, with more than €3.5 million realized. Join us as Florent shares how a tiny clue opened the door to an unforgettable chapter in the history of design.

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