SALON: The history of Dorotheum goes back several centuries, right?

- Yes, the auction house has existed for more than 300 years. It was founded in 1707 by the highest decree of Emperor Joseph I. Dorotheum is located in a luxurious historic mansion in the center of Vienna. At the moment, it is the largest auction house in Central Europe and annually holds about 600 auctions. There are also four thematic weeks when the most valuable items are exhibited.

S: What was the most interesting thing there lately?

- We presented a number of high-class things, the cost of which reached international records. For example, the canvas of the seventeenth century Italian master Guido Reni and the work of German artists were proposed. From furniture - an excellent Empire style set, which, by the way, is related to Russia: six chairs and a bench upholstered in scarlet velvet. Among the sets were Swedish and native, Austrian, furniture XVII-XX centuries. In May, there were also auctions devoted to the Art Nouveau style and modern art. We, in particular, showed great things by well-known designers Ron Arad and Ettore Sottsass.

S: What are the Dorotheum plans for Russia?

- This year we are going for the first time to the Moscow International Fine Arts Salon (May 27 - June 2) at the Manezh Central Exhibition Hall. In the same place, in the Manezh, we plan to participate in INTERIOR SHOW, in the fall of 2008, we would also like to organize a display of our works in Moscow.