January-March Auctions
The year has just started, and several significant art auctions, hosted by renowned auction houses such as Christie's, Sotheby's, and Phillips, have already been scheduled for 2025. Here are some notable events for an art connoisseur to look forward to.
Sotheby's Modern and Contemporary ArtSingapore18 January 2025
Sotheby's is set to host a significant Modern and Contemporary Art auction in Singapore on January 18, 2025, coinciding with Singapore Art Week. A highlight of the auction is going to be Marc Chagall's "La danse autour de la corbeille," a painting from the artist's later years, created on his wedding anniversary as an ode to his second wife and muse, Vava.
Additionally, two rare paintings by 19th-century Indonesian nationalist artist Raden Saleh will be presented to the public for the first time, having resided in a European private collection for the past century. This auction reflects Sotheby's commitment to maintaining an active presence in Southeast Asia, catering to the growing collector base in the region.
Sotheby's
“Origins”: Inaugural Auction in Saudi Arabia
Diriyah (Riyadh), Saudi Arabia
8 February 2025
Sotheby's is set to inaugurate its new office and auction space in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in February 2025. This expansion into the Middle East signifies the growing importance of the region in the global art market. It is anticipated to feature a diverse selection of artworks and luxury items.
The news followed Christie’s announcement in September that it has been granted a licence to operate in Saudi Arabia, though the auction house has not yet confirmed when sales will begin. Sotheby’s, which held its first exhibition in Saudi Arabia in 2013, is aiming to tap into the country’s growing wealthy youth population.
Christie’s
20th/21st Century Art Evening Sale
London, UK
5 March 2025
Looking ahead to the spring of 2025, Christie’s is poised to continue the record of last year’s excellence, and one of the most successful and anticipated 20th/21st Century Evening Sale live auctions is already scheduled for the 5th of March in the UK's capital city.
It was namely Christie’s 20th/21st Century Art auctions in London and Paris that dominated the European market in 2024. Their latest sales series totalled £187.2m, with seven of the top ten artworks sold in Europe. Beginning the autumn season last year, the 20th/21st Century: Evening Sale in London totalled £81,980,050, up 83% year-on-year.
Phillips
Modern and Contemporary Art
London, UK
6-7 March 2025
Phillips Auction House is scheduled to hold its Modern and Contemporary Art auctions on March 6 and 7, 2025, in UK’s capital city. These sales are anticipated to feature a curated selection of works by prominent artists from the 20th and 21st centuries, encompassing a diverse range of artworks.
While specific details about the March 2025 auctions have not been publicly disclosed yet by the auction house, collectors and art connoisseurs can anticipate a selection of high-calibre artworks. Phillips is known for its focus on modern and contemporary art, design, photographs, and editions, and its auctions often feature works by both established and emerging artists.