Art Market Monitor

Global Coverage ~ Unique Analysis

  • AMMpro
  • AMM Fantasy Collecting Game
  • Podcast
  • Contact Us

2008 in Auction Numbers

January 2, 2009 by Marion Maneker

Kelly Crows wrap-up of the 2008 auction market contains these figures on Christie’s and Sotheby’s sales:

Sotheby’s said it auctioned about $4.82 billion of fine and decorative art last year, down nearly 11% from 2007. The 2008 total, aided by strong sales in the first half of the year, included $1.4 billion in contemporary art, up 4.5% from 2007; $1.1 billion in Impressionist and modern art, same as the year before; and $219 million in jewelry, down 25%.

Christie’s International PLC said it auctioned more than $4 billion, down roughly 20% from 2007. Closely held Christie’s said it would release full sales figures this month.

Given the lopsided nature of 2008, where the first half exceeded 2007 levels dramatically and the second half of the year dropped substantially, numbers for 2009 are likely to be much lower for the full year.

Art Imitates Crunch, With Few Exceptions (Wall Street Journal)

More from Art Market Monitor

  • Taking Stock of Russian ArtTaking Stock of Russian Art
  • Honey, I Shrunk the BoteroHoney, I Shrunk the Botero
  • Distressed ModernsDistressed Moderns
  • Bacon, Picasso, Lichtenstein Top 2020 Global Modern & Contemporary Auctions: AnalysisBacon, Picasso, Lichtenstein Top 2020 Global Modern & Contemporary Auctions: Analysis
  • Van Rysselberghe, Klee, Magritte Lead June 2020 Paris Impressionist and Modern Sales: AnalysisVan Rysselberghe, Klee, Magritte Lead June 2020 Paris Impressionist and Modern Sales: Analysis
  • London Gives Some Second Thoughts About June SalesLondon Gives Some Second Thoughts About June Sales

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Christie's, Market Data, Sotheby's

About Marion Maneker

LiveArt

Want to get Art Market Monitor‘s posts sent to you in our email? Sign up below by clicking on the Subscribe button.

  • About Us/ Contact
  • Podcast
  • AMMpro
  • Newsletter
  • FAQ

twitterfacebooksoundcloud
Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
California Privacy Rights
Do Not Sell My Personal Information
Advertise on Art Market Monitor