Sotheby’s released some details this week from the Russian sales that suggest the category is experiencing a rotation amid the collector base. According to the firm,

• 20% of buyers in the London Russian sales were new to Sotheby’s
• Top lots by Fechin and Goncharova were won by first-time buyers at Sotheby’s

Moreover, Sotheby’s points out that among those new buyers in the £17m sale were a number who were not from  Russia or the CIS. Perhaps that accounts for the 40% of the lots sold on the opening night exceeding high estimate. Sotheby’s leaves us with this one final thought. Buyers of Russian art have eclectic tastes beyond the category

The sales also emphasised the importance of established buyers from Russia and the CIS, almost 70% of whom, in addition to their activity this week, are currently also making their mark in other collecting categories at Sotheby’s today.