Sotheby's has secured a $70 million Alberto Giacometti sculpture, *Grande tête mince (Grande tête de Diego)* (1955), for its evening sale of Modern art on May 13 in New York. The bronze bust of the artist's brother Diego is the highest-priced lot known to be offered in the upcoming high-stakes auctions. Consigned anonymously from the collection of late real estate tycoon Sheldon Solow, the work is being sold by the Soloviev Foundation to raise funds for philanthropic activities, including support for the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The sculpture, one of six casts, is described as the only 'richly painted' version and was included in Giacometti's 1956 Venice Biennale presentation.
This sale comes at a critical moment for the art market, which has seen auction totals decline for two years amid global economic uncertainty, exacerbated by recent tariff concerns and stock market volatility. The Giacometti's $70 million estimate—higher than previous versions—will test whether top-tier works can still command premium prices in a cautious climate. The consignment also highlights the strategic approach of the Solow estate, known for aggressive pricing and refusal of guarantees, as the market watches for signs of resilience or further softening.