London's summer sales season opened with subdued results, totaling just $134.2 million across Christie's, Sotheby's, and Phillips—a 78% drop from the equivalent sales in 2015. A standout lot was Jenny Saville's painting *Mirror* (2011–12), which sold for £2.1 million at Sotheby's on June 24. Meanwhile, a group of art-world power players have launched a new advisory firm called New Perspectives Art Partners, and France has announced a $316 million international architectural competition to expand the Louvre and address chronic overcrowding.
These developments signal significant shifts in the art market and institutional landscape. The dramatic decline in London auction sales reflects broader economic pressures, including a cooling luxury property market and tax changes driving wealth away from the city, raising questions about London's long-term status as a global art hub. The formation of New Perspectives Art Partners highlights a trend toward specialized advisory services, while the Louvre expansion competition underscores ongoing efforts to modernize major museums and improve visitor experience.