Sotheby's New York Modern Sales realise $322m
November 19 2024
Picture: Sotheby's
Posted by Adam Busiakiewicz:
Results from the recent Modern Evening sales at Sotheby's New York appear to show that the high-end of the Modern and Impressionist market is in a rather good place at the moment. Sydell Miller's single-owner auction, which was a white-glove sale (meaning all lots sold), brought in a total of $215,953,000 (all figures inc. premiums). The top lot was Monet's Nymphéas (pictured), which achieved an impressive $65,500,000. Likewise, the Modern Evening Auction achieved a total of $106,184,000, with a bust by Alberto Giacometti making the top price of $13,250,000.
Whether or not you attribute these positive results to what the New York Times has described as the 'Trump Bump', the real test will perhaps be on Thursday when Maurizio Cattelan's highly anticipated Comedian [also known as the Banana duct taped to a wall] is offered for sale carrying a $1m - $1.5m estimate. The Modern and Contemporary market never fails to produce surprises, it seems.
The Christie's New York 20th / 21st Century Evening Sales are scheduled for this evening, so more news to come.
