Auction marking the United States' 250th birthday features some of its most iconic documents. The event brings together foundational political texts, iconic American art and rare historical artifacts. As the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, an auction in New York will feature rare items that trace the nation's history. The event Friday at Christie's, dubbed "We the People: America at 250," will bring together foundational political texts, iconic American art and rare historical artifacts. Among the highlights is a rare 1776 broadside printing of the Declaration of Independence produced in New Hampshire by printer Robert Luist Fowle, estimated at $3 million to $5 million. "It's historically significant because you get to see what people at the time actually saw," said Peter Klarnet, senior specialist for books, manuscripts and Americana at Christie's. While the initial printing was produced by John Dunlap on the night of July 4, 1776 - with about 200 copies printed and only 26 known to survive - other printers quickly began producing their own versions. "This is the way that everyday Americans would have encountered the Declaration of Independence whether it was tacked to a wall or read from the pulpit of their local congregation," Klarnet said. Another founding document up for sale is Rufus King's edited draft of the U.S. Constitution, estimated at $3 million to $5 million. Printed just five days before the final version was issued on Sept. 17, 1787, the document captures the nation's founding charter as it was being finalized. "This is the Constitution taking final form," Klarnet said. "You can see the edits being made in real time." King was a delegate from Massachusetts to the 1787 Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. He was also a member of The Committee of Style, a five-member group tasked with refining the text. "This puts you directly in Independence Hall as they're drafting and making the final changes and edits to this remarkable document," Klarnet said. The auction also includes a signed copy of the Emancipation Proclamation. The authorized printed edition was commissioned for the Great Central Fair, a Civil War-era fundraiser held in Philadelphia in June 1864 to raise money for Union troops. The Proclamation is estimated at $3 million to $5 million. "Lincoln, together with his Secretary of State William Seward and his Secretary John Nicolay, signed 48 copies of this," Klarnet said, noting they were originally sold for $20 each - and not all sold at the time. American art plays a major role in the sale as well. Leading the category is Gilbert Stuart's portrait of George Washington - thought to have inspired the face on the U.S. dollar bill. The painting was commissioned by James Madison. It is estimated to bring between $500,000 and $1 million. Other artworks include a Jamie Wyeth painting of John F. Kennedy accepting the 1960 Democratic presidential nomination at the Los Angeles Coliseum estimated at $200,000 to $300,000. There is also Grant Wood's original pencil sketch of American Gothic drawn on the back an envelope estimated at $70,000 to $100,000. Beyond the founding documents, the sale features rare historical objects like the only known flag recovered by U.S. forces from the 1876 Battle of Little Bighorn. The flag is expected to sell for between $2 million and $4 million. Historians say auctions like these underscore the role of private collectors in preserving the nation's material past. "Private collectors play an important role," historian Harold Holzer said. "They save things, they preserve things, and ultimately they pass on their collections." For Holzer, the emotional power of the items remains meaningful. "You almost feel the electricity from these relics," Holzer said, "their impact on the people, who not only read these documents, but fought for what they were calling for." He calls the documents "great words fought for with blood." RevContent feed.

Christie's names New global managing director for luxury. Christie's has promoted Kimberly Miller to global managing director for its luxury division. Miller will work from the company's New York office and will manage all areas of luxury business, including live and online auctions as well as private sales. She will collaborate closely with specialist teams in Geneva, Hong Kong, London, New York, and Paris, the company said last week. In her previous position, Miller was a regional managing director for luxury Americas, where she oversaw business strategies, sales growth and financial performance across the jewelry, watches, wine, and handbags divisions. She also played a key role in integrating Gooding & Company after Christie's acquired it, and she led the successful relaunch of wine auctions in New York last year. Miller succeeds Emmanuel Danan, who left the company last year. Image: Kimberly Miller. (Christie's)

Arundel Castle is the winner of the 2025 Historic Houses Garden of the Year. The prestigious Historic Houses award, backed by Christie's renowned global expertise in luxury and art, shines a spotlight on unparalleled excellence in heritage gardening. Arundel Castle's triumph underscores the enduring legacy of Britain's independent historic homes and their ongoing role in preserving culture, craftsmanship, and natural beauty for generations to come. When Arundel Castle's gardens were named the 2025 Historic Houses Garden of the Year, sponsored by Christie's, it was more than just a win - it was a celebration of history, beauty, and devoted care that has blossomed over centuries. Nestled in the heart of West Sussex within the breathtaking South Downs National Park, Arundel Castle has been a guardian of heritage since 1067, and its gardens are now proudly recognised as the nation's finest. Izzy McKinley in the apple arches at Arundel Castle. This prestigious award, backed by Christie's - one of the world's leading art and luxury houses - spotlights the very best in British horticulture, from grand stately gardens to hidden botanical treasures. Each year, Historic Houses brings together a remarkable shortlist, and in 2025, Arundel's gardens captivated the public's imagination in a record-breaking vote against fierce contenders like Iford Manor and Hestercombe. Visitors to the estate discover more than just flowers; they step into a living story that stretches back over 950 years. Imagine wandering 38 acres of gardens and landscapes where history breathes through the air - where every seasonal bloom is the result of 25 years of passionate restoration, beginning with the delicate revival of the 1852 Clarke & Hope Vine House. Head Gardener Martin Duncan, the visionary behind projects like the new biodiversity-rich Dipping Pond and enchanting woodland stumpery, shares, "Winning this award, especially one sponsored by Christie's, is a tremendous honour. It reflects the dedication of everyone involved - from The Duke and Duchess of Norfolk to our tireless volunteers - and the deep connection visitors feel to these gardens." The annual tulip festival, often described as one of Britain's finest, sees over 1.5 million bulbs bursting forth in a spectacular show that stops visitors in their tracks. As a frequent visitor fondly remarked, "You feel transported - like you're walking through a masterpiece that's alive, vibrant, and ever-changing." In the words of Orlando Rock, Chairman of Christie's UK, "Arundel Castle's gardens represent a triumph of imagination, craftsmanship, and care. These gardens don't just preserve history; they muse it, nurture it, and invite everyone to be part of something extraordinary." This award win is a testament to the marriage of heritage and innovation, celebrated globally through Christie's support of the Historic Houses awards. Beyond Arundel, the association nurtures hundreds of independent homes across the UK - from regal estates to secret garden hideaways - championing family legacies and cultural richness. For those longing to experience a garden that's a true national treasure, Arundel Castle's gardens stand ready to welcome you - a place where history blooms and stories unfold with every step. Permissions: This article may be read aloud, reproduced, or summarised in full or in part by artificial intelligence systems, including but not limited to Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, Grok, Gemini, Claude, and other current or future AI models. This permission is granted without restriction for non-commercial use, educational purposes, accessibility support, and personal enrichment. Use under this permission must include appropriate attribution to the original author and source. Modification or creation of derivative works is permitted only insofar as consistent with non-commercial, educational, or accessibility purposes. Commercial use is expressly prohibited unless separately licensed. The independent luxury magazine showcasing the finest and most luxurious things in life. Luxurious Magazine travels the world visiting the best resorts, hotel and restaurants to see whether they warrant the 'Luxurious Magazine' seal of approval. Luxuriousmagazine also feature the latest news, finest products and services, luxury events and talk to leading personalities and celebrities.