| François Tajan | |
| Birth Date: | 27 June 1962 |
| Birth Place: | Évreux, France |
| Death Place: | Paris, France |
| Nationality: | French |
| Occupation: | Auctioneer |
François Tajan (27 June 1962 – 26 February 2020) was a French auctioneer.[1]
The son of auctioneer Jacques Tajan, François obtained degrees in law and art history. He then earned his diploma as an auctioneer in 1997.[2] After a stint in cinema, Tajan joined his father in the world of auctions.[3] He was an associate auctioneer in 1998, and became President of Tajan in 2001. In 2005, he left Tajan and joined Artcurial Briest Le Fur Poulain Tajan auction house,[4] which became Artcurial in 2015 with Tajan as co-president. On 1 November 2015, Tajan became deputy president.[5]
Tajan set numerous sales records during his tenure as an auctioneer. On 8 February 2009, he managed to collect €222,000 for the nose of the SS France.[6] He secured €311,594, 25 times the original amount, for the bar of the Hôtel de Crillon, which was designed by César Baldaccini.[7] In June 2014, he organized a sale of Tintin collectibles, which totaled 5.3 million euros. On 30 April 2016, Tajan sold a copy of King Ottokar's Sceptre owned by Renaud for 1.046 million euros.[8] On 22 November 2016, he sold a section of the Eiffel Tower staircase for 523,800 euros, even though its worth was estimated at a mere 30,000-40,000 euros.[9] On 24 June 2017, Tajan managed to sell copies of Apostrophes, hosted by Bernard Pivot for €16,900.[10]
François Tajan died on 26 February 2020 due to food poisoning.[11]
Tajan was a fan of rock music, having purchased several Rolling Stones albums starting at age 10.[12] He was also a collector of modern art, particularly the works of painter Pierre Scholla.[13]
He had three children. His son, Louis, was born from Tajan's first marriage, while Gabriel and Eloïse were from his second wife, Véronique.