Introduction
Despite superstitions surrounding Friday the 13th, Christie’s London hosted successful evening auctions on October 13th, 2023, with substantial earnings of £96.5 million, including fees. Bidding exhibited a more controlled atmosphere compared to previous years, and the results were well within the auction house’s estimates.
Salvo’s Painting Steals the Show
One of the standout moments of the evening was Italian painter Salvo’s “Il giorno fu pieno di lampi la sera verranno le stelle” (1991). With 22 clients bidding by telephone, the painting achieved an astonishing £693,000, far surpassing its estimate range of £80,000 to £120,000. This sale set a new auction record for the artist.
Noteworthy Sales and Auction Records
- A 1986 self-portrait by Lucian Freud, previously undisclosed to the public, sold for £693,000 against an estimate of £300,000 to £500,000.
- Andy Warhol’s “Golden Nude” (1957) fetched £308,700, significantly exceeding its high estimate of £150,000.
- Paula Rego’s “Dancing Ostriches from Walt Disney’s ‘Fantasia'” (1995) marked an auction record for the late artist with a sale of £3 million.
- Ewa Juszkiewicz’s “Pukle (Locks)” (2012) sold for £352,800 against an estimate of £180,000 to £250,000.
- Louis Fratino’s “Hannah’s bathroom” (2018) soared to £277,200, nearly five times its high estimate.
Mixed Results for Well-Known Artists
While the evening was successful, bidding remained relatively conservative. Some prominent works, like Jean-Michel Basquiat’s “Future Sciences Versus the Man,” fell just short of their estimates. El Anatsui’s “Warrior” failed to meet expectations, and several pieces by renowned artists, such as Yayoi Kusama and Andy Warhol, did not sell.
Sam Josefowitz Collection Shines
The second auction of the night, featuring the collection of Sam Josefowitz, a mail-order businessman, outperformed expectations. The collection collectively earned £51.8 million, exceeding Christie’s estimate by nearly £3 million.
Outstanding Performances in the Josefowitz Collection
- Aristide Maillol’s “Portrait de Mademoiselle Jeanne Faraill” (1888-89) sold for nearly £2.4 million, setting a record for the artist.
- A Rembrandt self-portrait etching realised £277,000, surpassing its estimate.
- Félix Vallotton‘s “Cinq Heures” (1898) sold for £3.6 million, including fees.
Diverse Collection from Josefowitz
Sam Josefowitz’s collection included an array of items, from modern art and design to antiquities from Asia and the Middle East. Notable sales included a Thai bronze of Buddha and an Assyrian relief. However, a Hindu deity Ganesha sculpture failed to sell.
The Crown Jewel of the Evening
Dutch-French artist Kees Van Dongen’s “La Quiétude” (1918) stole the spotlight with a final price of £10.8 million. The intense bidding resulted in applause, making it the most valuable lot of the evening.
Christie’s London Sales Thrive Despite Friday the 13th Superstitions
Unexpected Setbacks
While the evening was largely successful, there were some surprises, including the unsold Paul Gauguin portrait “Clovis endormi” and Van Dongen’s “La Porte Dauphine (1923).
Strong Overall Performance
Christie’s London’s evening auctions showcased the resilience of the art market. The £96.5 million in total earnings, with an 85% sell-through rate, indicates a robust appetite among collectors, even on the traditionally ominous date of Friday the 13th.
Comparison with Sotheby’s
In comparison, Sotheby’s recent Frieze Week evening auctions on October 12th brought in a total of £45.6 million with fees, underscoring Christie’s impressive performance.
These successful auctions provide a glimpse into the ever-evolving art market and the enduring appeal of fine art and collectibles.
Feature Image: Bidders compete for what proved to be the evening’s top lot,La Quiétude (1918) by Kees van Dongen from the collection of Sam Josefowitz, at Christie’s London on 13 October 2023: Courtesy Christie’s Images Ltd
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