Paint, pens and plumes: Valentine’s gifts for every love language
From heart-shaped handbags to flirty fine art, these unique offerings will make it a day to remember
The art of love
Tell the one you love how you really feel with this colourful woodcut by Harland Miller or joyful painting by Bibiana Domit. For those celebrating Galentine’s day instead, this painting by Chinese artist Xu Cao pays tribute to the important bonds between women.
Left: Harland Miller (B. 1964), LUV, 2023. Woodcut in colors, on Bread and Butter paper. Framed Sheet: 40½ x 27¾ in (1029 x 705 mm). Estimate: $12,000-16,000. Offered in Contemporary Edition from 12 – 26 February 2025 at Christie’s Online; Middle: Xu Cao (1899-1961), Ladies Reading Hanging scroll, 1935. Ink and colour on paper. 99 x 32 cm (39 x 12 ⅝ in). Estimate: HK$30,000-50,000. Offered in Dawn of Spring: Chinese Painting Online from 12 to 26 February at Christie’s Online. Right: Bibiana Domit (B. 1977), Joy up, 2024. Acrylic on canvas 59¾ x 59¾ in (151.8 x 151.8 cm). Estimate: $10,000-15,000. Offered in Latin American Art Online from 24 February to 6 March 2025 at Christie's Online
The red thread
If your love language is gifts, treat yourself with help straight from the wardrobe of fashion icon Iris Apfel. From a Dior ostrich coat in bright red to a magenta shawl by Gianfranco Ferre, there are endless ways — and reds — to up your festive ‘fit.
Left: A Christian Dior red satin and ostrich feather coat blouse, c. 1990. Estimate: $500–700; Middle: A Gianfranco Ferre red and magenta feather-trimmed knit shawl, late 20th/early 21st century. Estimate: $200–300; Right: A group of red fabric and fur separates by Chado Ralph Rucci, c. 2010. Estimate: $600–800. All offered in Unapologetically Iris: The Collection of Iris Apfel on 28 January – 13 February 2025 at Christie’s Online
Paint the town red with this bold Mini Kelly or pair of diamante-encrusted spectacles. The bag's bright red flaunts Hermès’ celebrated array of colours, while this eyewear — from the personal collection of Australian comedian Barry Humphries —captures the irreverent style of his beloved stage character Dame Edna Everage.
Left: A pair of diamante-encrusted pink-lacquered spectacles by David Cox, late 20th century. Estimate: £1,000 – 1,500. Offered in Barry Humphries: The Personal Collection on 13 February 2025 at Christie’s in London; Right: A custom Hermès shiny bougainvillier & orange poppy alligator Sellier Mini Kelly 20 II with palladium hardware, 2022. Price on request. Offered in Christie’s Private Sales
Wine and dine
This porcelain service by Cindy Sherman is named for Madame de Pompadour, the infamous chief mistress of King Louis XV. Rendered in a bright pink, this unique set brings romance to every bite. For the perfect festive feast, pair this serving ware with a vintage bottle of Dom Pérignon Rosé.
Left: Cindy Sherman (B. 1954), Madame de Pompadour (née Poisson), 1990. The complete 30-piece dinner service, 21-piece tea/breakfast service, and soup tureen and platter porcelain tea pieces in colors, with screenprint and hand-painting. Largest Overall: 14½ x 22 x 11¼ in (368 x 559 x 286 mm). Estimate: $8,000-12,000. Offered in Contemporary Edition from 12 – 26 February 2025 at Christie’s Online; Right: Dom Pérignon, Rosé Champagne, 2004. Estimate: $200-300. Offered in Fine and Rare Wines Online: LA Edition from 12 – 26 February 2025 at Christie’s Online
Words of affirmation
This extremely rare first edition of It is Thyself by Marc André Raffalovich includes several poems that concern and defend homosexuality, celebrating love in all its forms. Meanwhile, love letters take on new meaning with these text-based works by Ed Ruscha and Richard Prince.
Left: Ed Ruscha (B. 1937), Sea of Desire, 1973. Hot sauce on moiré. 20 x 24 in (50.8 x 61 cm). Price on request. Offered in Christie’s Private Sales; Middle: Marc André Raffalovich (1864-1934), It is thyself. London: Walter Scott, 1889. Estimate: £2,000 – 3,000. Offered in Barry Humphries: The Personal Collection on 13 February 2025 at Christie’s in London; Right: Richard Prince (B. 1949), I’m Not Linda, 1993. Silkscreen and acrylic on canvas. 56 ¼ x 47 ⅞ in (142.9 x 121.6 cm). Price on request. Offered in Christie’s Private Sales
Pink outside the box
Roses wilt, but luxury is forever. Dazzle in diamonds and rubies with this Van Cleef ‘Mystery Set’ brooch or wear your heart on your sleeve in Chanel.
Left: A Cadix clip mystert set brooch by Van Cleef & Arpels, 2005. Price on request. Offered in Christie’s Private Sales; Right: A rare, runway pink & black patent leather Chanel heart bag with gold hardware, 1995. Price on request. Offered in Christie’s Private Sales
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