NATURAL HISTORY

NATURAL HISTORY AUCTIONS

Inspired by curiosity cabinets, the Natural History department at Millon Auctions offers specialist auctions.

Headed by Isabelle Boudot de la Motte, the department's auctions feature taxidermy objects and, more broadly, lots relating to animals, plants and minerals.

A Natural History sales department with a long tradition

Interest in taxidermy and natural history goes back a long way. Taxidermy is defined as "the art of preserving dead animals using various techniques, maintaining them in an appearance similar to that of their living counterparts". Natural history is "the investigation and description of everything visible in the natural world: animals, plants and minerals"

In ancient Egypt, cats and birds were mummified to accompany the future life of the deceased. In 1702, the Duchess of Richmond had her pet, the parrot she had cherished for 40 years, stuffed.

Large collections and the first sales began in the 18th century. In 1851, there were 26 taxidermists at the Universal Exhibition in London.

Two centuries after the Duchess, the famous taxidermist Roland Ward wrote "the animal can claim more recognition in death than a simple burial and the oblivion that follows".

Today, natural history museums and their naturalised animals are often children's first encounter with the plant, animal and mineral kingdoms; they are an important gateway to knowledge and therefore to respect for our natural heritage.

These days, naturalization is no longer a threat to wildlife.

References to taxidermy and natural history abound in interior design magazines, luxury brands and shop windows. Decorators and artists exhibit and celebrate natural history specimens that give a unique cachet to an interior and a work of art.

Our Natural History auctions are part of this historic tradition, offering a wide range of lots with different estimates.

Natural History department auction calendar

Auctions of birds, large mammals, insects and butterflies from around the world are held four times a year. These auctions celebrate the treasures the world has to offer; those that scientists, scholars and collectors have been preserving and studying since time immemorial.

Natural history auctions are catalogued and usually take place at the Hôtel Drouot.

Isabelle BOUDOT de la MOTTE, auctioneer and head of this department, is available to appraise your collections. All you have to do is send us photos. This process is free and confidential.