Cisco cofounder Sandy Lerner, known for her entrepreneurial ventures and passion for feline-inspired art, is set to captivate the art world this autumn with the sale of nearly 1,000 curated pieces from her extraordinary collection. This remarkable assortment, amassed over four decades, will be presented across four distinct auctions by Bonhams in New York and Massachusetts.

Bonhams Presents Sandy Lerner's Unique Cat Art Collection This Fall

The collection, an unparalleled exploration of feline artistry, is divided into two primary categories. The first, titled “The Sandy Lerner Cat Collection (Parts I and II),” showcases a diverse range of cat-related artworks and collectibles. The second, “Ayrshire Farm: The Sandy Lerner Collection,” features furnishings and decorative arts from her distinguished Georgian Revival estate in Upperville, Virginia. The inaugural live auction, Cat Collection Part I, is scheduled for September 30 at Bonhams' flagship New York location at 111 W. 57th St. This event will feature 66 exquisite items, including artworks, decorative objects, precious jewels, and unique collectibles, representing a tapestry of centuries and artistic expressions.

Among the standout pieces in the September 30 sale are a captivating carved lavender jadeite cat and diamond chain necklace, estimated to fetch between $14,000 and $18,000. Another highlight is a sophisticated Tiffany & Co. pendant-brooch, ingeniously crafted as a textured gold cat mask, with an estimated value of $8,000 to $12,000. For those with a penchant for feline elegance, a pair of 18k white gold cat earrings adorned with cultured pearls and diamonds is also featured, estimated at $2,000 to $3,000.

The fine art segment of the auction boasts an impressive roster of celebrated artists. Included are intricate watercolor, brush, pen, and ink creations by the renowned Japanese-French artist Léonard Tsuguharu Foujita. A distinguished bronze sculpture by Diego Giacometti, a pencil sketch by the iconic Henri Matisse, and a rare book of lithographs titled 25 Cats Name[d] Sam and One Blue Pussy by the legendary Andy Warhol will also be up for bid. The extensive scope of artists represented underscores Lerner's profound dedication to the subject, a passion further documented in her 2017 book, Caticons: 4,000 Years of Art Imitating Cats. Lerner expressed her sentiments regarding the sale, stating, “These are objects I have personally chosen. They need to be rehomed, now, to others who will care for, cherish, and respect them as icons of human achievement.”

Following the New York event, the Ayrshire Farm live sale will take place on October 28 in Massachusetts. This auction will present an array of British and European furniture and decorative arts, spanning the illustrious reigns from Charles II to Elizabeth II. Notable items include works by Walter Hunt and an elegant pair of William IV sterling silver wine coolers by Edward Barnard & Sons, estimated between $10,000 and $20,000.

The forthcoming Bonhams auctions of Sandy Lerner's extraordinary cat art collection offer a rare glimpse into a deeply personal and meticulously curated world. This event is more than just a sale; it's a testament to the enduring allure of feline imagery in human culture and an opportunity to appreciate the dedication of a passionate collector. For enthusiasts of art, jewelry, and the whimsical charm of cats, these auctions provide a unique chance to acquire a piece of a truly remarkable legacy. It’s an inspiring reminder that art, in its many forms, can be found and celebrated in the most unexpected and delightful themes, creating a legacy that resonates across centuries.