First ever Surreal sale to break $100 million

 Global participation from new + established buyers at every price level across all styles, periods and media

London – Christie’s auctions of Impressionist Modern & Surrealist Art in London between 4 and 6 February realised £170,861,551/$258,980,196/€225,916,067. The sales drew global participation from new and established buyers at every price level and across all styles, periods and media, highlighting the continued growth in demand, appreciation and accessibility of this established area of the market. The top price of the week was paid for Joan Miró’s Painting (Women, Moon, Birds), which sold for £15,538,500/ $23,540,828/ €20,510,820, setting a record price at auction for a Post-War work by the artist (estimate: £4-7 million). 26 years on from holding the inaugural standalone Dada and Surrealism sale and 15 years since Christie’s established its annual auction in the field, the international demand for this pioneering movement continues to go from strength to strength, with Christie’s Art of the Surreal Evening Sale becoming the first Surreal sale to break $100 million. In total, 36 works of art sold for over £1 million (47 for over $1 million).  This week builds on the strength of Christie’s 2014 results which saw a 14% increase for the department to £732.5 million ($1.2 billion up 19%).

 £                     $                      €   

Impressionist & Modern Evening Auction with                                           £147,031,000     $222,751,965     €194,080,920    

The Art of the Surreal Evening Auction                                        

Impressionist & Modern Works on Paper                                                 £8,017,038        $12,177,881       €10,710,763      

Impressionist & Modern Day Sale                                                          £13,344,825      $20,270,789       €17,828,686

Impressionist & Modern Art + Picasso Ceramics, South Kensington                £2,468,688        $3,779,561         €3,295,698

                                                                                                  TOTAL: £170,861,551  $258,980,196     €225,916,067