The Hôtel de Masseran near Les Invalides is named after the Prince and Princess of Masserano for whom it was built by Alexandre Brogniart in 1787-88.
It also formerly served as a home to the socialite Comte Etienne de Beaumont and to the late Baron Elie de Rothschild, but is now the official residence of the heads of state of the Republic of the Côte d'Ivoire.
The proceeds of the auction, which will be conducted in Fontainebleau by the French firm Osenat on June 29, will be used to restore the hôtel to its former splendour.
The 100-lot sale includes many signed pieces of French furniture, both seating and cabinet pieces, by top ébénistes including Riesener and Oeben, and a wealth of objets d'art in hardstone, ormolu and porcelain as well as pictures. Several pieces come with notable provenances.
