The Belgian-born Maurice Tempelsman (1929–2025) lived a remarkable life that encompassed intellectualism, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and travel, as well as a refined aesthetic. When he was a child, he and his Jewish family fled Nazi-occupied Europe. Settling in America, Tempelsman went on to become chief executive of the country’s largest diamond company.
Multilingual and a lover of literature and music, he acquired a varied collection of fine and decorative art as well as rare books that is being auctioned at Sotheby’s New York on June 24, 2026. The exhibition is on view through June 23.
