In a resounding victory for art enthusiasts and collectors alike, Christie’s recent Picasso Ceramics auction astounded the art world, realizing a staggering total of £1,883,826.
With an impressive sell-through rate of 99% by lot and a remarkable 100% by value, this event was nothing short of spectacular.
Unexpected Triumphs: Exceeding Estimates with Style
The auction’s undisputed star, the Vase aztèque aux quatre visages (A.R. 402), illustrated above on the left, achieved an astounding sale price of £107,100. This remarkable result soared past its initial estimate of £55,000, demonstrating the enduring allure of Picasso’s ceramic masterpieces.
The auction witnessed numerous lots shattering their estimated values, further elevating the excitement in the room. Notable among these successes is the Footballeur (A.R. 538), depicted above in the centre, which commanded an astonishing £75,600, far surpassing its initial estimate range of £12,000-18,000.
Equally impressive was the Lampe femme (A.R. 298), portrayed above on the right, which soared to more than five times its low estimate, closing at an impressive £52,920. The Tête au masque (A.R. 362) achieved over three times its initial estimate, selling for an impressive £30,240, far exceeding the projected value of £10,000. Additionally, the Visage au nez noir (A.R. 609) closed at an impressive £69,300, well beyond the estimated range of £30,000-50,000.
Footballeur (A.R. 538) (Price Realised: £75,600);
And Lampe Femme (A.R. 298) (Price Realised: £52,920)
Intense Competition Across the Spectrum
The intense competition for these iconic pieces was evident across all price points. The Visage no. 72 (A.R. 474) surpassed all expectations, fetching £18,900, a remarkable achievement compared to the conservative estimate of £3,000. Further contributing to the auction’s success was the Oiseau no. 91 (A.R. 485), which achieved an impressive total of £11,340, considerably surpassing its estimated value range of £2,000-3,000. Another standout was the Tête de chèvre de profil (A.R. 146), which commanded an impressive £23,940, comfortably exceeding its estimated value of £8,000.
As 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of Pablo Picasso’s passing, Christie’s, as the foremost auction house for Picasso’s works, stands at the forefront of a global celebration of the artist and his enduring legacy. This remarkable auction not only achieved record-breaking sales but also paid tribute to Picasso’s enduring influence on the art world, proving that his artistic brilliance continues to captivate and inspire collectors worldwide.
Images: Christie’s
