The Conseil explained that its decision was based on an “equivalence” clause in France’s new auction law that enables anyone with EU nationality and at least three years’ recognised experience as an auctioneer to apply to stage sales.
Curiel has directed sales for Christie’s around the world since 1972. He was “delighted” at the prospect of doing so in Paris: “Holding the gavel is an integral part of my job. I have greatly missed not being able to do so in Paris in my mother tongue!”
His first outing on home soil is set for Christie’s jewellery sale in Paris on December 10.
Curiel picks up the gavel to record an auction first
François Curiel, head of Christie’s France, has set a precedent by winning permission to direct sales in France. It is the first time that the Conseil des Ventes, France’s auction watchdog, has authorised anyone who has not passed the traditional commissaire-priseur’s exams to hold the gavel.
