Art Basel's VIP preview day saw robust seven-figure sales, with Hauser & Wirth leading at $35 million for Pablo Picasso's *Le peintre et son modèle dans un paysage* (1963). Other major sales included works by Cy Twombly, Louise Bourgeois, Pierre Soulages, Helen Frankenthaler, and Lynne Drexler, with galleries like Thaddaeus Ropac, White Cube, David Zwirner, and Pace reporting strong transactions. The fair's new Exclusive programme, featuring surprise works, also drove in-person attendance.
This strong opening signals continued demand for top-tier blue-chip art despite broader market uncertainty, reflecting confidence among galleries and collectors. The sales underscore Art Basel's role as a bellwether for the high-end art market, with major institutions and private collectors actively acquiring significant works. The event's performance suggests that while the market may be cautious, appetite for masterpieces and established contemporary artists remains resilient.