23年高考英语外刊阅读理解训练——拿破仑的床被拍卖

23年高考英语外刊阅读理解训练——拿破仑的床被拍卖 ——改编自Napoleon's bed, anyone? French treasures go under the hammer French designer and art collector Jacques Garcia is known for his opulent style and lack of understatement. He has transformed numerous luxury hotels and palaces, including the Hotel Costes in Paris, Banyan Tree in Doha, and Hotel Mamounia in Marrakech. Now, 75 pieces from his exceptional collection will be sold by Sotheby's in Paris to raise funds to secure the future of his home, the historic Château du Champ de Bataille in Normandy. Most of the items being sold are of royal provenance, including two pairs of armchairs and a sofa thought to have been ordered for Marie-Antoinette's Turkish boudoir at Fontainebleau, as well as a fireguard and writing table used by the queen. The sale also features a day bed believed to have been made for the wedding of Napoleon Bonaparte to Empress Marie-Louise in 1810. Among the most valuable items are a pair of Sèvres vases valued at up to €1.2m, originally purchased by Alexander Hamilton in St Petersburg, where he was serving as British ambassador to Russia. Two cabinets that belonged to King William III and Queen Mary II of England will also go under the hammer. Garcia bought the Champ de Bataille, originally designed by Louis le Vau, the architect of Versailles in the 1600s, 30 years ago in a state of dilapidation. He has since transformed it into a stunning example of French grandeur, complete with meticulously manicured gardens and ornate interiors. By selling 75 pieces from his collection, Garcia hopes to ensure the future of the estate and pass it on to future generations. The auction is set to take place at Sotheby's in Paris and is expected to attract a lot of interest from collectors and fans of Garcia's lavish style. 【重点词汇】 1. French /frɛntʃ/ adj. 法国的 2. designer /dɪˈzaɪnər/ n. 设计师 3. art /ɑrt/ n. 艺术 4. collector /kəˈlɛktər/ n. 收藏家 5. opulent /ˈɑpjələnt/ adj. 奢华的 6. style /staɪl/ n. 风格 7. lack /læk/ v. 无，缺乏 8. understatement /