Keira Knightley’s Iconic Green Atonement Dress Is Headed to Auction
The stunning emerald gown will be offered in the “Love & Lust: A Literary Guide” sale at Christie’s London in December
The iconic emerald green gown Keira Knightley’s Cecilia Tallis wore in Atonement is headed to auction next month, where it will star in the “Love & Lust: A Literary Guide” sale hosted by Christie’s London. The stunning gown, designed by Jacqueline Duran, is largely considered one of Hollywood’s most famous emerald dresses and is expected to sell for upwards of $130,000.
The sale is part of Christie’s Classic Week, and will take place on December 9. Additional highlights include artwork for 1927’s Metropolis, a release poster for 1931’s Dracula, Jilly Cooper’s Olivetti Lettera 32 typewriter, a farewell letter written by Horatio Nelson to his lover dated May 20, 1803, the day he departed Portsmouth aboard HMS Victory, and another written while he was on board. Also on offer is the original costume worn by Dame Margot Fonteyn in 1960 as Princess Aurora in Act II of Tchaikovsky’s The Sleeping Beauty, and more.
“Love and desire have inspired some of the most enduring stories in literature and art, and this sale brings together a wonderfully eclectic group of objects that capture their many facets — from the iconic emerald gown worn in Atonement to the artworks for Dracula and Metropolis,” said associate specialist Thais Hitchins and specialist Mark Wiltshire. “Jilly Cooper’s typewriter feels particularly timely, as her much-loved world finds a new audience on screen. Each object has its own story to tell, and we look forward to welcoming visitors to Christie’s to discover them first-hand at our exhibition, which is free and open to all.”
Ahead of the sale, items will be on view in special exhibitions taking place at Christie’s London and Christie’s Lates.