This article is part of the Artnet Intelligence Report Mid-Year Review 2024. Our analysis of the first half of the year’s market trends provides a data-driven overview of the current state of the art world, highlighting auction results and trends, and spotlights the artists and artworks shaping the dialogue.

The total (USD) spent on fine art at auction in the first half of 2024—down 29.5% from the equivalent period in 2023.

The number of women among the 100 top-selling fine artists at auction in the first six months of 2024. That’s up two from the same period last year; three women appear in the top 20, up one from last year.

The sum (USD) spent on fine art at auction in the United States in the first half of 2024—more than 2.5 times the amount spent in its nearest rival, the United Kingdom.

The sum of money (USD) spent at auction on ultra-contemporary work—by artists born after 1974—through June 30. That’s down 39% from the same period in 2023.

The dip so far in total sales generated by the big three auction houses—Sotheby’s , Christie’s and Phillips—compared to last year.

The drop in the total value of fine art lots that sold for $10 million or above from January 1 to June 30 this year, compared to the same period in 2023.

The average price (USD) of a fine artwork sold at auction in the first half of the year, down 26% from the same period last year.

The drop in the total number of lots that sold for $10 million or above in the first half of 2024, compared with the same period in 2023.