Andy Warhol’s Marilyn Monroe portrait has sold as the most expensive 20th century artwork recently. So, would you like to learn other expensive sales at auction houses? Here are some most expensive works sold nowadays.
According to a news published in late 2021, three big auction houses (Christie’s, Phillips, and Sotheby’s) hit a record $15 billion last year. The same news states that between 35 and 40 percent of buyer were first-time auctioneers, the percent varied by auction house. Another interesting data is that almost two-thirds of these new customers made their first purchase through online sales. As we are about to complete the first half of 2022, it can be said that there is two roughly signals for the past year: Firstly up, with the end of pandemic, sales in auctions are increasing and the market is reviving, and the second one is that online sales are now a significant part of market with young buyer and collectors. Besides, it is seen that online sales provide opportunity for art lovers to buy a work of art, albeit low-budget purchases. No doubt that increasing interest and accessibility in the art is good news for everyone, but we are still keeping our eyes on record-breaking sales in auction news firstly. Shot Sage Blue Marilyn, which broke a world record by selling for $195 million on May 10, is just one example of these sales.
“Shot Sage Blue Marilyn”, Andy Warhol (Christie’s)
Andy Warhol’s Shot Sage Blue Marilyn, which is one of the famous portraits of the world, sold for $195 million at Christie’s. Thus, the painting broke a record as the most expensive painting sold in the 20th century. Rumor has it that, the new owner of the painting is Larry Gagosian, who is the owner of the Gagosian Art Gallery, but there is not yet an official statement. The income from the sale will be donated to the Zurich-based Thomas and Doris Ammann Foundation. The foundation invests in health and education care for children around the world.
“Le Violon d’Ingres”, Man Ray (Christie’s)
Known as one of the most famous photographs of American photographer Man Ray’s “Le Violon d’Ingres” was sold for $12.4 million at a Christie’s auction. The photograph is now the most expensive photograph ever sold at an auction. This black and white image, taken in 1924, captures the naked body of a woman that looks like a violin. Christie’s estimated selling price for the photograph was around $5-6 million. The photograph fetch to $12.4 million and became one of the most expensive sales of recent times.
