Christie's - Art Impressionniste & Moderne : OEuvres choisies

Executive Summary

The Christie's "Art Impressionniste & Moderne: Œuvres choisies - Paris" auction concluded with remarkable outcomes, signaling a healthy and buoyant art market for Impressionist and Modern works. With 22 out of 23 lots sold, the auction achieved a high sell-through rate of 95.65% and a total auction value of €12,377,800. The auction was characterized by strong performances from historically significant artists, with many lots exceeding their pre-sale estimates and achieving high value densities.

Key Insights

• Historical Significance Reigns: André Derain's "Matisse et Terrus" (Lot 12) led the auction, selling for €2,600,000 and obtaining the highest value per square centimeter, signaling the premium placed on historically pivotal works.
• Market Affirmation for Modernists: Henri Matisse's consistent performance, with four lots totaling €950,000, affirms his undiminished reputation in the market.
• Gilot's Surprising Triumph: Françoise Gilot's "Concert on the Green" (Lot 13) achieved a hammer price that was 420% of its median estimate, showcasing the potential for market reevaluation of an artist's work.
• Sisley's Steady Appeal: Alfred Sisley maintained a reliable presence with two lots sold, indicative of the solid collector interest in classic Impressionist landscapes.
• Chagall's Enduring Charm: Marc Chagall's works continued to enchant, with one piece significantly outperforming its estimate.
• Sculptural Works' Esteem: Auguste Rodin's sculpture fetched €550,000, demonstrating the high regard for sculptural art within the market.
• Selective Collector Appetite: Le Corbusier's unsold lot suggests a more selective appetite for his works, perhaps reflecting a dichotomy in collector interest between his architectural and painted oeuvres.