Christie’s London Evening Sales

Christie’s London Evening Sales: Exceptional Results and Intense Bidding

On March 5, 2025, Christie’s presented two highly anticipated auctions: the 20th/21st Century: London Evening Sale and The Art of the Surreal Evening Sale. Together, these sales delivered a night of remarkable outcomes, with spirited bidding and an exceptional lineup of artworks from across modern and contemporary movements.

Market Strength and Standout Performances

The auctions achieved a combined total of £130.25 million ($166.59 million / €156.30 million), with a remarkable 94% of lots sold by number and 97% by value. Notably, nearly half of the lots surpassed their high estimates, signaling a continued confidence and strength in the global art market.

Highlights of the Evening

René Magritte’s La reconnaissance infinie led the evening’s sales, reaching £10.3 million, solidifying the persistent allure of Surrealism.

Francis Bacon’s Portrait of Man with Glasses III (1963) made an impactful auction debut, selling for £6.63 million, reflecting the lasting demand for Bacon’s intense and introspective works.

Tamara de Lempicka’s Portrait du Docteur Boucard (1928), offered for the first time in 40 years, also reached £6.63 million, proving the timeless allure of her sleek Art Deco portraits.

Michael Andrews’s School IV: Barracuda under Skipjack Tuna (1978) sparked an intense six-minute bidding battle, ultimately selling for £6.06 million – a new auction record for the artist.

The auction showcased an impressive array of works, spanning Impressionism, Modernism, Post-War, and Contemporary art. Collectors vied for pieces by Claude Monet, Jenny Saville, and Jean-Michel Basquiat, reflecting both the historical depth and evolving tastes in art collecting.

The evening witnessed participation from collectors across the globe, with 53% of buyers from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, 34% from the Americas, and 13% from Asia. The widespread interest highlighted the global nature of the art market and the continued enthusiasm for top-tier works.

With exceptional sales, record-setting results, and dynamic bidding, Christie’s reaffirmed its position as a powerhouse in the art world. The auction was a powerful reminder of both the enduring value of iconic works and the ever-growing demand for exciting contemporary pieces. As collectors and enthusiasts look ahead, this sale has set a high standard for the 2025 art market.