The Big Get Bigger

Sotheby’s Impressionist and Modern Sale is Going Strong

Severini went for 15,000,000 pounds, well over the pre-sale estimate. Giacometti and late Picasso round out the top lots supporting last night’s numbers at Christie’s and the continuing trend of strong prices for certain prized works. Giacometti and Picasso’s late works, especially the Mousquetaires, have been durable performers over the last two years. This Picasso went for 5 million pounds ($10 million) and the Giacometti sold for 9 million pounds ($18 million.) The only weak performer was the Monet beach scene which sold below the low estimate; though, sell it did.