A Constantin Brâncuși sculpture titled *Danaïde* (1913), formerly owned by media magnate and top art collector S.I. Newhouse, sold at Christie’s on Monday night for a hammer price of $93 million, totaling $107.6 million with fees. This set a new auction record for the modernist sculptor, surpassing the previous record of $71.2 million set by another Brâncuși work in 2018. The bronze head with gold leaf and black patina attracted half a dozen bids before selling to a client represented by Maria Los, deputy chairman of client advisory Americas. The work was one of six bronze casts, the only gilded example still in private hands, and had notable provenance, having been purchased by Eugene and Agnes Meyer at Brâncuși’s first solo exhibition in 1914.
The sale matters because it reaffirms the enduring strength of the high-end art market, particularly for blue-chip modern masters, even amid broader economic uncertainty. The record-breaking price underscores the premium placed on exceptional provenance, rarity, and condition—*Danaïde* was the only gilded cast in private hands and had a distinguished ownership history. Christie’s aggressive marketing, including a two-minute ad featuring actress Nicole Kidman, signals how auction houses are increasingly using celebrity and cinematic production to attract ultra-wealthy bidders. The result also highlights the continued dominance of Christie’s in the market for top-tier modern sculpture.