American Muse: The Collection of Nina Griscom

Christie’s announces American Muse: The Collection of Nina Griscom from the late New York style icon will encompass fine and decorative art to be offered in an online sale December 2-17, as well as jewelry offered in a live sale Magnificent Jewels on December 8 and Jewels Online from November 18 – December 1.

The online sale of interiors from her New York home will include 34 lots with fine art ranging from Old Master drawings to 20^th Century sculptures, as well as modern furnishings and decorative objects. Ms. Griscom’s extensive jewelry collection features Art Deco jewels and classic designs and will include 35 lots across the live and online sales. The group is highlighted by a diamond ring of 15.02 carats (estimate: $120,000-180,000).

Born Nina Renshaw in 1954, Nina Griscom, as she was known, was a model, an entrepreneur, a muse and a friend to many. The daughter of Elizabeth F. Rohatyn and Charles Renshaw she grew up on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Following a traditional education at Miss Porter’s and then Barnard she broke out to become a model working for Eileen Ford while still in college. ‘I wasn’t discovered I walked right in demanding work!’ She moved on to a position as a television presenter, working from 1990-1993 on Entertainment news on HBO and followed up as the presenter with Alan Richman Of Dining Around, which ran from 1993 to 1998. Later she ran home décor stores in Southampton and Manhattan. A patron of the Ballet, Ms. Griscom was a familiar face around Manhattan. In her later years, as she fought the debilitating effects of ALS, she battled with grace and courage until the last.

Christie’s, the world’s leading art business, had auction sales in 2019 that totalled £4.5 billion / $5.8 billion. Christie’s is a name and place that speaks of extraordinary art, unparalleled service and international expertise. Christie’s offers around 350 auctions annually in over 80 categories, including all areas of fine and decorative arts, jewellery, photographs, collectibles, wine, and more. Prices range from $200 to over $100 million. Christie’s also has a long and successful history conducting private sales for its clients in all categories, with emphasis on Post-War & Contemporary, Impressionist & Modern, Old Masters and Jewellery.

Alongside regular sales online, Christie’s has a global presence in 46 countries, with 10 salerooms around the world including in London, New York, Paris, Geneva, Milan, Amsterdam, Dubai, Zürich, Hong Kong, and Shanghai.

*Please note when quoting estimates above that other fees will apply in addition to the hammer price - see Section D of the Conditions of Sale at the back of the sale catalogue.

*Estimates do not include buyer’s premium. Sales totals are hammer price plus buyer’s premium and are reported net of applicable fees.