Christie’s opened New York’s fall marquee auctions with a $690 million evening sale across 79 lots, surpassing the pre-sale low estimate of $534.7 million. The doubleheader included the Robert and Patricia Ross Weis collection and a 20th-century sale, with works by Picasso, Matisse, Mondrian, Rothko, and others. The sell-through rate was 97% by value and 96% by lot, marking a 41% increase from May’s auctions. Separately, Sperone Westwater, a New York gallery that championed artists like Bruce Nauman and Francesco Clemente, announced it will close after 50 years. Art Basel Hong Kong also revealed its 2026 edition will feature 240 galleries from 42 countries.
The strong Christie’s results signal a potential recovery in the art market after a period of uncertainty, offering cautious optimism for collectors and dealers. However, the closure of Sperone Westwater underscores the ongoing challenges faced by even established galleries in a shifting market landscape. The news also highlights the continued global reach of art fairs like Art Basel Hong Kong, which remains a key platform for international galleries.