The week commencing 12th May 2025 promises a vibrant series of auctions in New York at Sotheby’s, Christie’s, and Phillips boasting blue-chip masterpieces as well as contemporary ‘paint-still-wet'(!) opportunities. Despite the dreadful fall in equity markets I do not think that the Paris sales (except for Renoir’s poor form) were remotely affected and that certainly bodes well for the forthcoming New York extravaganza.
At Christie’s Rockefeller Center, 20th and 21st Century Art week features six live auctions. The week opens with the Leonard & Louise Riggio: Collected Works sale, headlined by a rare 1922 Mondrian (illustrated), Magritte’s ‘Les droits de l’homme’, and Picasso’s stunning portrait of Lee Miller (not as vital as a Dora Maar but still utterly spellbinding). The 20th Century Evening Sale follows, led by Monet’s 30m USD ‘Peupliers au bord de l’Epte, crépuscule’. Subsequent sales include Impressionist and Modern Works on Paper, the Impressionist and Modern Art Day Sale, and the 21st Century Evening Sale, which spotlights a 1982 Basquiat triptych that should realise a very good number indeed.
Sotheby’s are offering a selection of works from the Barbara Gladstone Collection which includes a stunning Elizabeth Peyton and a couple of signature Richard Prince paintings. Also offered is a gorgeous late Musketeer by Picasso and one of the finest Alberto Giacometti sculptures ever to come under the hammer: a unique, painted, cast of 65 cm. depicting his brother, Diego. It is also fun to see a Koons sculpture up for sale and a large ‘Easter Egg’ is being offered at an enticing estimate of 2.5-3.5m USD.
Phillip’s have a good sale though, given the times, it is a little shallow at the top end (the Ruscha has been offered privately for a while).
Do take a look at the links below and if I can help please let me know. Always, always use an advisor when buying high value works of art as there are so many pitfalls to avoid in the auction process.
12th May 2025
Christie’s: Leonard & Louise Riggio: Collected Works Sale at 630pm EDT
Christie’s: 20th Century Evening Sale at 730pm EDT
13th May 2025
Christie’s: Impressionist & Modern Art Works on Paper Sale at 10am EDT
Christie’s: Impressionist & Modern Art Day Sale at 2pm EDT
Phillip’s: Modern & Contemporary Art Evening Auction at 5pm EDT
Sotheby’s: Modern Art Evening Auction at 7pm EDT
14th May 2025
Sotheby’s: Modern Art Day Auction at 10am EDT
Phillip’s: Modern & Contemporary Art Day Sale Morning at 10am EDT
Phillip’s: Modern & Contemporary Art Day Sale Afternoon at 2pm EDT
Christie’s: 21st Century Art Evening Sale at 7pm EDT
15th May 2025
Christie’s: Post-War & Contemporary Art Day Sale at 10am & 2pm EDT
Sotheby’s: Barbara Gladstone Collection Evening Auction at 630pm EDT
Sotheby’s: The NOW & 20th Century Evening Auction at 730pm EDT
16th May 2025
Sotheby’s: Contemporary Day Auction at 9am EDT