Eagle-eyed observer, Colin Gleadell noticed there were some very well executed flips at Phillips last night. The difference between the lackluster results for the Doig and Warhol works returning to market earlier in the week? Two zeroes at the end of the estimates and selling prices:
- Sean Scully’s large Grey Red (2012), which had been sold at Phillips 18 months ago for £665,000 ($917,000), almost doubled that by selling for £1.15 million ($1.6 million).
- Plugging the thriving George Condo market, a painting bought two years ago at Phillips by advisor Michaela de Pury for £386,500 ($533,000) came back with a guarantee and almost doubled estimates to sell for £1.3 million ($1.8 million).
- a 2002 painting by Albert Oehlen, Omegesachen-35, had been bought on the low estimate at Phillips just over two years ago when it was guaranteed for £302,500 ($417,200). Although it did not reach its estimate, it sold for a decent profit at £465,000 ($641,300).
Phillips Steps It Up With a Triumphant $135 Million Auction in London, the House’s Best Ever (artnet News)