“A Glimpse into Iconic Art Auctions: 10 Sales That Shaped Art History”
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the “10 Famous Art Auctions That Made Headlines“. We’ll learn about the world of art auctions, their different types, how to take part in one, and even how to figure out how much a coveted piece of art is worth. So, buckle up, because we’re about to go on an exciting trip through the world of art auctions.
What is an Art Auction?
A public sale where works of art are sold to the highest bidder is called an art auction. It’s a way to buy and sell art where people who want to buy it place bids on it and the person with the highest bid at the end of the auction gets it. Art auctions can happen in real-world auction houses, art galleries, or on the internet.
Types of Art Auctions
There are a lot of different kinds of art auctions, and each has its own rules and format. Here are some of the most common kinds of art auctions:
- English Auction: In the most common auction, bidders compete by raising their bids. The auctioneer starts low and raises the price until no one bids. The auction winner is the highest bidder.
- Dutch Auction: The auctioneer starts with a high price and lowers it until a bidder accepts. The first bidder to accept the price wins the auction.
- Sealed-bid Auction: Bids are submitted in writing to the auctioneer in a sealed-bid auction. The highest bidder wins after the auctioneer opens bids.
- Online auctions: Bidders can participate from home. Real-time or absentee bids are accepted.
- Charity Auction: Auctions raise money for charities. Charity auctions raise funds by charging bidders a premium.
How to participate in an art auction
Being a part of an art auction can be exciting, but it can also be scary, especially if you’re new to the art world. To participate in an art auction, you will need to:
- Choosing an auction house: Choose a reputable art auction house with a good track record from the many available worldwide.
- Research desired artworks: Research the artist, iconic artworks, and market value before bidding on any piece.
- Prepare a budget: Before bidding, set a budget. Use this to avoid overspending.
- Register for auction: Most auction houses require pre-registration. This usually requires identification and financial information.
- Attend the auction preview: The auction preview lets you see the artwork and ask questions of the auction hosts.
10 Famous Art Auctions Around the World
Art auctions have a unique way of getting people’s attention around the world. Record-breaking sales and famous pieces often make the news. Here are ten famous art auctions that changed the art world forever:
1. Leonardo da Vinci’s Salvator Mundi
This painting of Jesus Christ sold at Christie’s in New York City for an amazing $450.3 million at one of the most expensive famous art auctions ever.
Leonardo da Vinci’s Salvator Mundi: Auction Highlights
| Artist: | Leonardo da Vinci |
| Auction House: | Christie’s |
| Auction Date: | November 15, 2017 |
| Location: | New York City, USA |
| Auction Type: | Public Auction |
| Auction Format: | Live Auction |
| Sale Price: | $450.3 million USD |
2. Andy Warhol’s Silver Car Crash (Double Disaster)
This painting of a car crash sold at auction in New York City for $105.4 million. It was the most expensive painting ever sold at auction in the 20th century.
Andy Warhol’s Silver Car Crash (Double Disaster): Auction Highlights
| Artist: | Andy Warhol |
| Auction House: | Sotheby’s or Christie’s (leading art auction houses) |
| Auction Date: | November 13, 2013 |
| Location: | New York, USA |
| Auction Type: | Contemporary Art Auction |
| Auction Format: | Live Auction |
| Sale Price: | Approximately $105 million |
3. Pablo Picasso’s Les Femmes d’Alger (Version O)
At the time, this painting of five Algerian women sold at Christie’s in New York City for $179.4 million, making it one of the most expensive paintings ever sold at auction in the 20th century.
Pablo Picasso’s Les Femmes d’Alger (Version O): Auction Highlights
| Artist: | Pablo Picasso |
| Auction House: | Christie’s (prominent art auction house) |
| Auction Date: | May 11, 2015 |
| Location: | New York City, USA |
| Auction Type: | Evening Sale |
| Auction Format: | Live Auction |
| Sale Price: | approximately $179.4 million |
4. Francis Bacon’s Three Studies of Lucian Freud
This triptych of Lucian Freud’s most expensive paintings sold at Christie’s in New York City for $142.4 million. This makes it the most expensive triptych ever sold at auction.
Francis Bacon’s Three Studies of Lucian Freud : Auction Highlights
| Artist: | Francis Bacon |
| Auction House: | Christie’s |
| Auction Date: | November 12, 2013 |
| Location: | New York, USA |
| Auction Type: | Evening Auction |
| Auction Format: | The auction was conducted in person and also allowed for remote bidding through telephone and online platforms. |
| Sale Price: | Approximately $142.4 million |
5. Edvard Munch’s The Scream
This painting of a figure screaming sold at Sotheby’s in New York City for $119.9 million, making it the most expensive 19th-century painting ever sold at auction.
Edvard Munch’s The Scream: Auction Highlights
| Artist: | Edvard Munch |
| Auction House: | Sotheby’s |
| Auction Date: | May 2, 2012 |
| Location: | New York, United States |
| Auction Type: | Evening Sale |
| Auction Format: | Live Auction |
| Sale Price: | Approximately $119.9 million |
6. Amedeo Modigliani’s Nu couché
This painting of a naked woman lying down sold at Christie’s in New York City for $170,4 million. At the time, it was the most expensive painting ever sold at auction by a woman artist.
Amedeo Modigliani’s Nu couché: Auction Highlights
| Artist: | Amedeo Modigliani |
| Auction House: | Christie’s |
| Auction Date: | May 14, 2018 |
| Location: | New York, USA |
| Auction Type: | Fine Art Auction |
| Auction Format: | Live Auction |
| Sale Price: | Approximately $157.2 million |
7. Pablo Picasso’s Garçon à la pipe
At one of the famous art auctions, Sotheby’s in New York City, a painting of a young boy smoking a pipe sold for $104.2 million.
Pablo Picasso’s Garçon à la pipe: Auction Highlights
| Artist: | |
| Auction House: | Sotheby’s or Christie’s |
| Auction Date: | May 5, 2004 |
| Location: | New York City, USA |
| Auction Type: | Contemporary Art Auction |
| Auction Format: | Live Auction |
| Sale Price: | $104.2 million |
8. Qi Baishi’s Twelve Landscape Screens
At one of the most famous art auctions ever, Poly Auction in Beijing, this set of 12 landscape screens sold for $140.8 million. It was the most expensive Chinese painting ever sold at auction.
Qi Baishi’s Twelve Landscape Screens: Auction Highlights
| Artist: | Qi Baishi |
| Auction House: | Christie |
| Auction Date: | December 17, 2017 |
| Location: | Hong Kong |
| Auction Type: | Fine Art Auction |
| Auction Format: | Live Auction |
| Sale Price: | Approximately HKD 931 million (around USD 119 million) |
9. Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s Bal du moulin de la Galette
This is one of the most expensive paintings of a dance party at the Moulin de la Galette sold at Sotheby’s in New York City for $179.3 million, making it (at the time) the most expensive Impressionist painting ever sold at auction.
Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s Bal du moulin de la Galette: Auction Highlights
| Artist: | Pierre-Auguste Renoir |
| Auction House: | Christie |
| Auction Date: | May 17, 1990 |
| Location: | New York City, United States |
| Auction Type: | Evening Sale |
| Auction Format: | In-person, Live Bidding |
| Sale Price: | Approximately $78.1 million |
10. Vincent van Gogh’s Portrait of Dr. Gachet
This painting of Vincent van Gogh’s doctor sold at Christie’s in New York City for $163.4 million. This makes it one of the most expensive painting ever sold at auction.
Vincent van Gogh’s Portrait of Dr. Gachet: Auction Highlights
| Artist: | Vincent van Gogh |
| Auction House: | Christie |
| Auction Date: | May 15, 1990 |
| Location: | New York, USA |
| Auction Type: | Evening Sale |
| Auction Format: | Live Auction |
| Sale Price: | Approximately $82.5 million |
As we conclude our “Famous Art Auctions That Made Headlines,” we hope you’ve gained a better understanding of art auctions. Auctions celebrate human creativity, history, and passion, not just transactions. Art auctions offer a captivating tapestry of stories for collectors, art lovers, and those interested in art and commerce. So watch out for the next big art auction—you might see history!
