The most expensive lots sold at auction around the world this past February were mostly—and this is not surprising, given the sales calendar—Old Masters. Seven of the ten top fall into that category; the remaining three were contemporary works notable for their star provenance, or at least their association with celebrities. These include the only known painting created by the Beatles (which was included in Christie’s “Exceptional Sale”) and a rare Banksy stencil sold from the collection of Elton John.
February auctions are not usually about blockbuster prices—we’re still a few months out from the major May auctions—and the top performer clocked in at just $3.4 million, with the tenth lot coming in at $1.1 million. Still, there were intriguing works on offer.
1. Gustav Bauernfeind, The Western Wall
Gustav Bauernfeind, The Western Wall, circa 1890. Image courtesy Sotheby’s.
Estimate: $2 million to $3 million
Final Price: $3.4 million
Where & When: Sotheby’s, New York, Feb 1, 2024
2. Sir Anthony van Dyck, Self-Portrait with Upturned Mustache and Raised Left
Sir Anthony van Dyck, Self-Portrait with Upturned Mustache and Raised Left Hand. Image courtesy Sotheby’s.
Estimate: $2 million to $3 million
Final Price: $2.4 million
Where & When: Sotheby’s, New York, February 1, 2024
3. Sir Anthony Van Dyck, Portrait of Willem Hondius
Sir Anthony Van Dyck, Portrait of Willem Hondius. Image courtesy Christie’s.
Estimate: $800,000 to $1.2 million
Final Price: $2.1 million
Where & When: Christie’s, New York, February 1, 2024
4. Luis Melendez, Still-Life with artichokes and tomatoes
Luis Melendez, Still life with artichokes and tomatoes in a landscape. Image courtesy Sotheby’s.
Estimate: $2 milllion to $3 million
Final Price: $2.056 million
Where & When: Sotheby’s, New York, February 1, 2024
5. Salomon van Ruysdael, Ships on the Boven-Merwede with Gorinchem in the Distance (1659)
Salomon Van Ruysdael, Ships on the Boven-Merwede with Gorinchem in the Distance (1659). Image courtesy Sotheby’s.
Estimate: $2 million to $3 million
Final Price: $1.9 million
Where & When: Sotheby’s, New York, February 1, 2024
6. Banksy, Flower Thrower Triptych (2017)
Banksy, Flower Thrower Triptych (2017). Image courtesy Christie’s.
Estimate: $1 million to $1.5 million
Final Price: $1.925 million
Where & When: Christie’s, New York, February 21
7. The Beatles, 1966 Images of a Woman (1966)
The Beatles, 1966, Images of a Woman (1966). Image courtesy Christie’s.
Estimate: $400,000 to $600,000
Final Price: $1.7 million
Where & When: Christie’s, New York, February 1, 2024
8. Carlo Crivelli, Apostle Holding a Book
Carlo Crivelli, Apostle Holding a Book. Image courtesy Sotheby’s.
Estimate: $800,000 to $1.2 million
Final Price: $1.5 million
Where & When: Sotheby’s, New York, February 1, 2024
9. Takako Yamaguchi, Sofie and Muffin (1995)
Estimate: $500,000 to $700,000
Final Price: $1.19 million
Where & When: Loic Gouzer’s Fair Warning Auction, February 1, 2024
10.
Master of the Agilolphus Altar, Saint Agricius of Trier and Saint Anno of Cologne. Image courtesy Sotheby’s.
Estimate: $300,000 to $500,000
Final Price: $1.14 million
Where & When: Sotheby’s, New York, February 1, 2024