PABLO PICASSO
Les femmes d’Alger (Version “O”) © 2015 Estate of Pablo Picasso / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York sold in May for a world record of $179.4 million.
Record half year sales of £2.9 billion, up 8% on the same period for 2014, were announced by Christie’s today. The auction house said that results were underpinned by strong results across numerous categories including Impressionist and Modern, Post-War and Contemporary Art and Asian Art. Curatorial innovation and a revised sales calendar have attracted collectors at all levels and Christie’s continues to invest in online platforms as well as traditional salerooms and private sales. New clients represented 24% of buyers. The number of middle market buyers grew by 14%.
Patricia Barbizet, Christie’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “During the first half of 2015 Christie’s clients spanned 99 countries, demonstrating how truly international sales activity is at all levels and reflecting the expanse of the art market. We are meeting new demands while continuing to show strength in core categories and maintaining market share. Buyer activity of lots between £100,000 and £1,000,000 continues to grow, with the number of buyers up 14%. Our early investment in online and E-commerce platforms continues to add value across the business. We look forward to more innovative collaboration across categories and regions during the second half and remain fluid as we challenge traditional models of auction for new models of selling art.”