Sotheby’s Sales of Old Master & British Pictures Bring a Total of $94.5 Million

LONDON.- Sotheby’s summer sales series of Old Master & British pictures (paintings and drawings) concluded yesterday, having realised a total of £62,473,325 / $94,514,064 / €75,094,059 – a figure that is above pre-sale expectations (overall estimate was £42,134,000-61,512,000) and one that represents a 39% increase on the equivalent sales at Sotheby’s last July. The individual sales brought the following totals: • Old Master & British Paintings Evening Sale – £53,585,250 / $80,862,989 / €64,293,316 (estimated was £33,765,000-49,565,000) • Old Master [...]

Old Master Paintings Sales Soar Despite Global Woes

NEW YORK, NY.- Sotheby’s hopes that the fervent mood at an auction this week in London of important Old Master paintings will travel overseas when several rare art works will be auctioned next month. The fragile state of the world economy didn’t influence the few deep-pocketed art collectors who vied for rare 17th century masterpieces in the British capital on Wednesday. Sotheby’s sale of Old Master & British Paintings in London saw a new auction record set for Anthony van [...]

Sir Thomas Lighton Appointed New Chief Executive at Agnew’s

LONDON.- Agnew’s, one of London’s leading international art dealers, has appointed Sir Thomas Lighton as its new Chief Executive and is moving to a gallery in Mayfair in the heart of the capital’s art world. These important changes herald the beginning of a new era for the prestigious, long-established gallery which will see a gradual move towards greater involvement in 20th century and contemporary art, whilst continuing with its more traditional dealing in Old Master and British paintings, drawings and [...]

Exceptional Self Portrait by Sir Anthony van Dyck Sells for a Record US$13,521,704

LONDON.- Tonight’s sale of Old Master & British Paintings at Sotheby’s in London saw a new auction record established for Sir Anthony van Dyck – one of the most important artists to have worked in England – when his last Self Portrait soared above expectations and sold for £8,329,250/ €9,207,960/US$13,521,704. The portrait was the top-selling lot in a sale which realised £15,098,250/ €16,691,068/ US$24,510,499, within the pre-sale expectations of £12,340,000-18,410,000. Strong prices were also seen for works by the Dutch [...]