Christie’s and Sotheby’s, the two most important auction houses in the world, really seem to want to ignore the great financial crisis that is hitting the global economy, to challenge each other with their masterpieces. Which of the two will sell the most, gaining the title of “queen of the autumn auctions”? All we can do is wait for the following dates: the 19th October at Christie’s London with the auction “Post War & Contemporary Art” and the sale at Sotheby’s New York, “Impressionist & Modern Art” organized for the 3rd November 2008.

If the auction prices for works of contemporary art have risen enormously, the sector of photography  has certainly not been left behind, given that lately we have been witnessing actual exploits of photograph sales. Many photographers now reach very high prices It is certainly a difficult market compared to the market of more “traditional” arts, but it is slowly emerging and attracting a great number of people who are passionate about  it.

Christie’s week at Rockefeller Plaza in New York dedicated to Oriental art ended successfully. From 15th to 18th September all types of precious works from the lands of the rising sun were auctioned, and they seem to have been very appreciated. The most consistent takings were achieved by the Chinese ceramics and works of art sector, with 246 lots totalling 13,195,000 dollars.

A few hours before the prominent auction organized by Damien Hirst,  “Beautiful Inside my Head Forever”, there were rumours about a possible failure of the sale, due to the worrying 8% loss of Sotheby’s title at the closing of Wall Street.   Besides Sotheby’s crash, we have seen the failure of Lehman Brothers, which has thrown the financial market into uncertainty. 

For lovers of contemporary art the appointment in September at the Meeting Art auction house can be particularly appealing.  The experienced auction house, which has been operating in the sector since 1979, after a summer break, is proposing to the public a truly inviting September exhibition, with a particularly rich agenda and catalogue.
Meeting Art has decided to focus its attention on modern and contemporary art with an attractive menu of about 1300 lots, which will be proposed in 10 sessions spaced out throughout the whole month, from Saturday 6th to Sunday 28th September.

The Italian art market is continuing to rouse enthusiasm and attract the attention of worldwide famous collectors. A sector that has recorded a constant development over the years. Just think of 2007 when Christie’s and Sotheby’s held the Italian Sales in London. The former auction house had totalled 21 billion euros, while Sotheby’s almost took 22 billion. Last year, both auction houses sold 87% of their catalogue works.  A noticeable result for Sotheby’s, whose highest sale estimate reached 16,740,000 euros, thus realizing a 76% spread, almost equalling the success achieved in 2006, when an 80% increase was recorded.  On the contrary, Christie’s achieved 8% less than the highest estimates.

In September Sotheby’s will gratify the curiosity of various art lovers, without forgetting to satisfy also those who can afford statues of exceptional value and especially of extra large dimensions.  From 9th September to 2nd November, the luxuriant gardens of Chatsworth will be animated by the presence of extraordinarily large statues.  “Beyond Limits” is at its third edition bringing pieces of mighty proportions into the charming vegetation of the magnificent residence of Chatsworth, English treasure built in the 16th century by the Duke of Devonshire, already venue of many cultural events and residence that inspired Jane Austen.