In 2006 we reported that attempts to accurately measure the market are being thwarted by auction guarantees and private sales between tight-lipped collectors
Christie’s and the Stair Galleries both cancelled sales as a result
World War II restitution is now a multi-million dollar enterprise in which lawyers, auction houses and possibly even venture capitalists all have a stake
An unnamed East European collector bought several works at both Sotheby’s and Christie’s
Austria and Los Angeles had both hoped to keep the works
The Dark Rigi has become embroiled in murky legal waters
Clients will be able to follow live auctions at home
Sales in Dubai almost doubled expectations, and the majority of buyers were new (just don’t mention the Tel Aviv saleroom)
Oil-rich private collectors are dominating the salerooms and pushing aside dealers and investment funds
Dealers race to sell stock at auction as buying tastes change
Most auctioneers reported increased sales in 2005
New buyer beat established collectors at Sotheby’s impressionist and modern art sales in New York
Collectors shunned many 18th- and 19th-century works
Christie’s is owed $14 million and there are over 100 other creditors
Why Napoleon became a Muslim
Auction report; 3rd November 2005
While Chinese sustain the middle market for rare but flashy cinnabar, rhinoceros horn and cloisonné
Following recent purchase of Palazzo Grassi
One buyer pays against the odds for Sean Scully, while new records are set for Chilida, Hockney and Baselitz, among others
American buyers have returned and Asian collectors were also active
Iran argues that the artefact was acquired through criminal means, although their failure to speak out when the fragment went to auction previously may undermine their case
A week of new records will leave dealers wondering how to set their prices
The Art Newspaper requested full information
The finest piece of 18th-century Florentine craftsmanship will go on public show in his Vienna museum this year
Collector sheikh stalemates art export process
Christie’s follows Sotheby’s and appoints a director of restitution
V&A thirsts for flask
Corbis already represents the archives of Christie’s, Reuters, Condé Nast, and the Ansel Adams Trust
Bacon and Auerbach triumphed as Sotheby’s and Christie’s racked up impressive totals
Some big collectors have stopped buying and bidders held back