Press Articles
Discover a selection of articles and publications dedicated to Stéphane Cauchies, retracing his career and expertise in the field of art.
Paris Match Belgium – September 29, 2024
“Hidden Treasures: When Serenity Expertises
meets the legacy”
A renowned expert, Stéphane Cauchies is knowned for his ability to reveal the hidden value of family heirlooms. A trained auctioneer with over 35 years of international experience (Paris, Montreal, Palm Beach), he managed Millon Belgique and hosted the show Brol en or on RTL. Today, he puts his expertise to work for Sérénité Expertises, where he combines his skills with those of Charlotte André.
His role is to evaluate and support the transmission of objects that tell a story: paintings, furniture, jewelry, archives, or family memorabilia. Among his notable discoveries is a 1760 bill of sale between Native Americans and the British Crown, preserved by a descendant of Sir William Johnson and acquired for a million dollars by the Canadian archives. Stéphane Cauchies points out that in Belgium, too, heritage is abundant, and urges people not to throw anything away: "everyone has something of value at home."
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Pollen Mag – 2023
“Art expert at the service of your heritage”
In this article, Pollen Mag profiles Stéphane Cauchies, an art consultant and asset manager. After fifteen years in Canada as an auctioneer and expert at the Hôtel des Encans, he took over as head of Millon Brussels before founding his own firm in 2018. The article highlights his expertise in the conservation, evaluation, and sale of artworks, as well as his work as a gallery owner at the Sablon, where he also supports contemporary artists.
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QMI Agency – April 26, 2018
“The National Gallery of Canada refuses to sell a Chagall”
The National Gallery of Canada (NGC) has finally decided to withdraw Marc Chagall's painting The Eiffel Tower, scheduled to be sold at Christie's in New York, following Quebec's decision to classify Jacques-Louis David's painting Saint Jerome Hearing the Trumpet from the Last Judgment. This decision highlighted the delicate issues involved in the sale of major works of national heritage.
Art expert and consultant Stéphane Cauchies, who works between Montreal and Brussels, was consulted for his opinion on the financial consequences of this withdrawal. According to him, the fees payable at the auction venue are generally only symbolic, "trifles" compared to the impact on Canada's reputation for protecting works of art. He points to the special attention that major auction houses reserve for recognized institutions like the NGC, thus minimizing any significant cancellation costs.
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Paris Match – September 29, 2017
Gold in my house: Stéphane Cauchies in search of hidden treasures
The Belgian show De l'Or dans ma maison, adapted from the famous Antiques Roadshow, sets out to discover treasures hidden in people's attics, wardrobes, and garages. It helps owners identify objects of heritage or financial value and, where appropriate, monetize them.
Among the handpicked experts is Stéphane Cauchies, a specialist in modern art. With his international experience in auctions and the appraisal of rare objects, he brings a keen eye to collectible pieces and works of art that individuals sometimes don't realize are valuable. Alongside Laure (jewelry), Vincent (antiques), and other specialized experts, he participates in the evaluation and promotion of these objects, combining expertise and education for the general public.
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RTL-TVi – August 27, 2016
“Your junk may be treasures.”
The show Brol en or, a Belgian adaptation of the concept A treasure in your home, travels through Wallonia and Brussels to help individuals discover the value of their objects and jewelry.
Stéphane Cauchies, auctioneer for Millon in Brussels, is one of the show's leading experts. A general specialist with a focus on modern, contemporary, and Asian art, he brings his expertise to identifying and appraising objects that are sometimes forgotten or overlooked by their owners. Alongside Laure Dorchy (jewelry), Arnaud de Partz (comics), and Vincent Duesberg (antiques), he helps accurately appraise and showcase the items, combining passion and education for the general public.
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Le Figaro – April 19, 2012
“Brussels-Paris: the crossover of auction houses”
The opening of Millon Belgium, in the heart of Brussels' Sablon district, marks a significant milestone in Stéphane Cauchies' career. After a formative career in Quebec, where he founded his own brokerage agency specializing in modern, contemporary art, and design, he returned to Europe to contribute to Millon's international expansion.
In Brussels, he takes a central role within the trio of experts responsible for developing this new branch, with the mission of bringing his international perspective and experience of North American markets. His involvement in programming and sales helps position Millon as a major player on the Belgian and European auction scene.
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Antiques Trade Gazette – 18 février 2012
“Millon spread their wings”
In 2012, Stéphane Cauchies took over as director of the Brussels branch of the Millon auction house, in the heart of the Sablon district, a new space called Le Forum. Alongside his team, he organizes sales covering a variety of disciplines, from design to tribal art, including original thematic sales such as L'Univers de l'homme or Dans le boudoir de Madame.
At the same time, Stéphane Cauchies is present at the BRAFA 2012 fair, one of the most important in Europe, where he accompanies and advises collectors and institutions. The article highlights his expertise in the selection and promotion of works, confirming his central role in the European art market and his influence in promoting prestigious sales.
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Le Figaro – January 31, 2012
“Millon opens an auction house in Brussels”
In 2012, Stéphane Cauchies took over as head of the new Brussels branch of the Millon auction house, located at Place du Grand Sablon. Drawing on his years of experience at the Hôtel des Encans in Canada and his consulting agency specializing in modern, contemporary, and Asian art, he is responsible for overseeing all sales and ensuring their success with an international clientele.
The article highlights his in-depth knowledge of the North American market and his expertise in contemporary Native American art, developed as president of Art Kanata. Under his leadership, Millon Brussels offers original and varied thematic sales, such as Univers de l'Homme or Dans le boudoir de Madame, combining art, design, fashion, jewelry, and contemporary creations, while remaining accessible to all types of collectors.
Thanks to his leadership and strategic vision, Stéphane Cauchies helps position Millon Brussels as a major player in the Belgian and European art market, combining prestige, expertise and innovation in the promotion of collections.
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La Presse, Montreal – March 26, 2009
“Glenna Matoush exhibits at Ritchies”
In 2009, Stéphane Cauchies collaborated with the Ritchies auction house in Montreal to organize the exhibition "Nish Layers/Couches anishinaabes" by Indigenous artist Glenna Matoush. A former assistant to auctioneer Iégor de Saint-Hyppolite and an art expert, he partnered with Pierre-Henri Aho to promote contemporary Indigenous art and make it more visible in the Montreal scene.
The article highlights the importance of his role in setting up the exhibition, from the choice of works to their presentation, demonstrating his commitment to promoting artists and his ability to integrate market expertise in the service of cultural visibility.
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Le Devoir – May 25, 2004
“A Native American collection up for auction”
In 2004, Stéphane Cauchies, spokesperson for the Hôtel des Encans de Montréal, oversaw the sale of a rare collection of Native American and historical objects, presented at the Ritz-Carlton. He explained the origins and significance of the pieces, ranging from a banner of the Marquis de Beauharnois to letters signed by Wilfrid Laurier and Jean-Joseph Casot, to Quebec and Native American recipes compiled by Jane Gray Smith.
The article highlights Stéphane Cauchies' expertise in selecting and promoting these historic lots, highlighting his key role in guiding collectors and ensuring the quality and rigor of the sale. His in-depth knowledge of art and heritage objects allows him to highlight unique pieces while telling their story.
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Le Devoir – April 2, 2004
“Fragments of the Statue of Liberty
are on sale in Montreal”
In 2004, Stéphane Cauchies, spokesperson for the Hôtel des Encans de Montréal, oversaw the auction of an exceptional collection of objects and works by Auguste Bartholdi, creator of the Statue of Liberty. He explained the origin and rarity of the lots, which came from the Bartholdi estate and survived at the expense of archives destroyed during the First World War.
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Under his direction, the sale features historical fragments of the statue, signed and dated canvases, and autograph documents, testifying to Bartholdi's artistic career and monumental projects. The article highlights Stéphane Cauchies's role in showcasing these unique pieces and in coordinating with American institutions, demonstrating his expertise in promoting historical collections and his ability to attract the attention of specialized collectors.
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Le Devoir – July 23, 2003
Five paintings by Anne Hébert up for sale: Stéphane Cauchies comments on the collection
The estate of writer Anne Hébert is offering five works from her private collection for sale, including the famous painting Kamouraska by Jean-Paul Lemieux. These pieces will be presented in the chapel of the Musée de l'Amérique française in Quebec City.
Stéphane Cauchies, an expert at the Hôtel des encans de Montréal, comments on the collection: he highlights in particular the importance of the Kamouraska, dated December 1971 and exhibited in several international museums, as well as the Edmund Alleyn engraving dedicated to Hébert. Cauchies also recalls the links between the writer and the artists in the collection, including Jeanne Rhéaume and Jean-Paul Lemieux, and highlights the historical and artistic value of these works.
The sale will be preceded by an exhibition, allowing the public and collectors to appreciate these pieces before they are put up for auction.
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La Presse, Montreal – April 17, 2001
“The Vintage Market in Montreal” –
Expert: Stéphane Cauchies
According to Stéphane Cauchies, an appraiser at the Hôtel des Encans de Montréal, auctions represent an excellent opportunity to acquire vintage clothing and accessories at attractive prices. With his expertise, he guides collectors and enthusiasts in the purchase and appraisal of signature pieces, ranging from Courrèges dresses to Pierre Cardin suits, Vuitton bags, and Hermès scarves.
The article highlights Stéphane Cauchies' role in developing and structuring the vintage market in Montreal, particularly by raising public awareness and promoting creations from the 1960s. His expertise not only ensures fair sales, but also transmits a culture of fashion and collecting, helping to create a more mature and dynamic market for lovers of quality objects and unique pieces.
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Le Devoir – May 1, 1999
Auction of a manuscript of
Nelligan in Montreal
Stéphane Cauchies of the Hôtel des Encans de Montréal is overseeing the sale of a precious notebook of poems by Émile Nelligan, found in the attic of a Montreal historian. Responsible for coordinating and evaluating the manuscript, Stéphane describes the context of its discovery and oversees its presentation at public auction, guaranteeing both the authenticity and the promotion of this historical document.
The notebook, entitled Tristesse, contains poems copied by Nelligan, texts by authors he loved, and previously unpublished personal notes. Thanks to Stéphane Cauchies' expertise, collectors and institutions were able to access a detailed description and a professional appraisal of the manuscript, while respecting its heritage and literary significance. This sale demonstrates Stéphane's ability to manage rare objects, at the intersection of history, art, and literature, and to support the transfer of these pieces to institutions or private collectors.
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Le Devoir – July 18, 1997
“The National Archives of Canada acquires historic Native American manuscripts”
At the auction organized by Iégor in Montreal, Stéphane Cauchies, head of the book and manuscript collections, oversaw the presentation and evaluation of 140 precious historical documents from the 18th century, mainly relating to the management of Indian Affairs between 1750 and 1830. Thanks to his expertise, the auction attracted the attention of Canadian and American public institutions as well as representatives of Native American communities, ensuring the preservation of and public access to these unique archives.
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Stéphane Cauchies highlights the exceptional value of this collection, which includes letters, reports, and official documents signed by historical figures such as Joseph Brandt, John Butler, and Lord Dorchester, and recounts the human and political importance of these documents. Among them, a 1796 letter from the Indians of Sault-Saint-Louis, denouncing fishing and hunting restrictions imposed by Governor Prescott, illustrates the relevance and significance of these manuscripts.
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His role was crucial in ensuring the documents were contextualized, providing accurate descriptions to buyers, and ensuring that these archives, a reflection of Indigenous and colonial history, found a home in public institutions such as the National Archives of Canada. This sale exemplifies Stéphane Cauchies's ability to manage rare collections and support the transfer of historical heritage into responsible hands.
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La Presse, Montreal – March 20, 1997
“Record sale for a vintage Barbie
in Montreal”
At the auction held by Iégor, a Barbie Evening Splendor dating from 1958-1960 sold for $1,380, well above its usual value of $200 to $300. Stéphane Cauchies, a collectibles expert for the Hôtel des encans, followed the sale and commented on the event:
"I don't know what's going on, toy collectors are a little crazy right now, and people need to know what their dolls are worth. Yesterday's sellers were ready to throw theirs in the trash," he explains.
With his expertise, Stéphane Cauchies puts soaring prices into context and helps collectors identify the true value of vintage items, going far beyond simple children's toys. His role underscores the importance of a professional eye in transforming a passion into an investment opportunity, while preserving the history and rarity of these pieces.
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La Presse, Montreal – July 6, 1996
The antique book market: the expertise of
Stéphane Cauchies makes the difference
While many second-hand booksellers see their books gather dust and disappear due to lack of sales, the Hôtel des encans de Montréal, under the expert eye of Stéphane Cauchies, is holding its own.
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"Most of our buyers are foreign," explains Mr. Cauchies, a specialist in antiquarian books. At the sale of the Saidyc Bronfman collection, comprising some 450 works, including first editions of Charles Dickens and Lewis Carroll, New York customers snapped up the volumes, willing to pay a high price.
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According to Stéphane Cauchies, the market for antiquarian books is experiencing surprising strength: "In three years, we have multiplied our turnover by 40." His expertise allows him to promote rare works, advise collectors and transform what could be a declining market for local booksellers into an international opportunity.
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Thanks to its role, the Hôtel des encans positions itself as a key player for passionate collectors, while traditional booksellers struggle to compete with the attraction of a specialized and well-informed clientele.
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