Artcurial will open its autumn season on September 24 with a sale of 500 lots from Origines, an extensive architectural antiques business at Richebourg just outside the capital. Some hefty items have been selected, not least a complete Italian Renaissance style grotto-cum-temple created by the architect John Shaw for Cowbridge House in Wiltshire. This monumental piece is estimated at €120,000-160,000 and is by no means the only stately home accessory in the catalogue. On a smaller scale there are statues, fountains and spectacular chimneypieces. Those wishing to view will need to head out along the N12 past Versailles to the Origines site. artcurial.com
A pair of mid-19th century sphinxes with putti and garlands, 4ft 10in (1.48m) high, to be sold by Artcurial on September 24. Attributed to the circle of Eugene Guillaume and fashioned from stone from the Saint Maximin quarries in the Oise, the pair are estimated at €120,000-160,000.