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LEGENDARY LOTS CHRISTIE’S LONDON DECEMBER 8 Old masters are at the heart of Christie’s long history and this auction displays the house’s pedigree. A majestic scene of Venice by Francesco Guardi is up for grabs with an estimate of £1.5-2.5 million; those seeking something a little cuddlier may prefer Hans Hoffmann’s A Hare Among Flowers (£4 million). christies.com FINNISH FIRST SOTHEBY’S LONDON DECEMBER 10 Sotheby’s goes continental with its sale of 19th-century European paintings. Fans of Finland’s Helene Schjerfbeck will be pleased, with three works never before offered at auction on the block: Girl With Blond Hair (estimate £500,000-700,000), The Fencer (£50,000-70,000), and Flaxen-Haired Boy (£120,000-180,000). sothebys.com FEELING FRESH PHILLIPS LONDON DECEMBER 9 Take a punt on up-and-coming artists at the New Now sale. The lots include Sterling Ruby’s patriotically…