INDUSTRY FOCUS Antiques specialists V&A. I learnt so much from him both in terms of art history and curating, researching and examining objects. Luckily, the Islamic art world is very small and I am still in regular contact with him. I have also learnt so much from my colleague, William Robinson at Christie’s who is the international head of world art.
B E H N A Z AT I G H I M O G H A D DA M
Expert Profile
What piece would you still most like to find?
We go behind the scenes with Behnaz Atighi Moghaddam, Christie’s Islamic and Indian Art department’s head of sale Left A diamond-set and
enamelled Qajar Order of the Sun (NeshanE-Aftab), France, c. 1900, has an estimate of £5,000-£7,000 at this month’s sale
What was the first antique you ever acquired? A sweet, little enamelled 19th-century Qajar brooch in the shape of a bow. I was on a family holiday in Vienna when I was 16 and I came across it in a flea market – it was an inexpensive purchase. The piece was such a random find, and a happy surprise to see such a historic object so far away from its place of production.
What do you like most about the business? The discovery aspect, including the research of objects, which is the ‘Indiana Jones’ reality of our roles at Christie’s. I also love meeting people from all backgrounds who share my passion for such pieces. At Christie’s there is no typical day which makes working there so tremendously interesting. Also, travelling is part of my day-to-day job, whether it be in the UK or abroad. My days are full of surprises; I never know what sort of objects someone might bring in for evaluation. In broader terms, I love the fact technology has made it so much easier for people to both sell and buy antiques from the comfort of their own homes, and from the most remote places in the world, making the business truly accessible to everyone.
Do you attend fairs? If so which? Below Behnaz’s best find would be a Safavid period textile. This one depicts the princely pastime of falconry
Why, and when, did you start in the business? I come from a family of art collectors and conservators, so I grew up with antiques and have been surrounded by the arts for as long as I can remember. My first job in the arts world was as a gallery assistant in a gallery specialising in African art. I went on to join the Victoria & Albert Museum in London as an assistant curator and exhibition researcher. After five years, I joined Christie’s Islamic and Indian department. I was keen to develop further my understanding of the business of art, as well as the opportunity to engage in research
Who influenced you most when you started? Tim Stanley was a huge inspiration for me. He was, and still is, the head of the Middle Eastern department at the
‘I love the fact technology has made it so much easier for people to buy and sell antiques from the comfort of their own homes, and from the most remote places in the world’ 28 ANTIQUE COLLECTING
That is such a hard question as I have a very long wish list of objects, manuscripts and works of art have read about in historical accounts but which are yet to be found. My top three would be a Fatimid rock crystal jug, a Safavid figural velvet robe often depicted in royal paintings of the 17th century, or a gem-set Ottoman bookbinding.
I love art fairs, both those that relate to antiques and interiors. I try to attend Frieze and Frieze Masters, Masterpiece, The Affordable Art Fair, 1:54, LAPADA and the Chelsea Antiques and Fine Art Fair, on this month.
Do you have a favourite reference book? The David Khalili series of publications on Islamic arts, which is a fantastic and informative reference series, and past auction catalogues.
What is your favourite non-antiques activity? I love spending time in nature and going for long hikes and walks at the weekend when I have the opportunity. I also love travelling and exploring different parts of the world and learning about different cultures.
What would improve the quality of your life? Mindfulness and meditation. The auction world is such a fast-paced and demanding place. I have many deadlines to meet and it is important to try to pause and really enjoy what I am doing. The pleasure of working and looking at such a range of beautiful art works helps me to be present and really take in how lucky I am to be handling such remarkable pieces of history on a daily basis. Christie’s Art of the Islamic and Indian Worlds, including Rugs and Carpets sale takes place on March 31, for more details go to www.christies.com
