Christie's - The Collection of Sir Elton John: Elton’s Superstars

Executive Summary

• Comprehensive Market Appeal: The average lot price of $9,044.86 suggests a curated collection that caters to a broad spectrum of collectors, blending accessibility with exclusivity.
• Strategic Pricing and Esteem: The total buyer's premium collected evidences robust enthusiasm and trust in the auction, driven by the collection’s prestigious provenance and strategic estimate alignment.
• Iconic Photographers and Cultural Icons: Top lots, including works by Irving Penn and Herb Ritts, emphasize a collector preference for photographs capturing iconic moments and figures, particularly from the realms of rock music, high fashion, and historical artistry.
• Premium for Historical and Celebrity Portraits: Significant over-estimations on lots like Willy Rizzo’s Salvador Dalí portrait and Robert Doisneau’s "Les Pains de Picasso" indicate a strong market appetite for works intertwining celebrity and historical significance.
• Mid-Range Market Dominance: A majority of the collection's value concentrated in the $10,000 to $50,000 price range reflects a strategic focus on artworks that are perceived as valuable yet accessible, appealing to a diverse audience of collectors.