Christie’s Maintains Global Leadership Position

Christie’s, the world’s leading art business, announces 2015 sales of £4.8 billion ($7.4 billion), down 5% (by£) for the same period in 2014. The results are the second highest total in company history. Demand from global buyers remained consistent at both the highest end of the market as well as in a diverse range of collecting areas and price levels.

Notable successes included the record-making sale in New York in November of Amedeo Modigliani’s Nu couché for $170.4 million and the highest day-sale totals seen during our corresponding 20^th Century Sale week, reflecting continued strength in this core area of the art market. Christie’s continues to offer buyers broad choice from a wide range of price points, categories, geographies and online, as well as uniquely curated sales and important private collections worldwide.

“Last year saw continued strength in the art market and showed that there is breadth of demand across geographies, categories and price ranges. Amidst an increasingly challenging global financial environment we are in a strong position to adapt to the marketplace and well equipped to service the new, broader, geographically diverse audience for art. Our strong overall sold percentages demonstrated how we have achieved great results for our clients and we will remain focused on service, bringing the best art to collectors around the world», commented Patricia Barbizet, Christie’s Chief Executive Officer.

«It is also encouraging that new buyers represent 30% of our total buyer base, coming to us through our curated auctions, various categories as well as digital sales. As we begin our 250th year, Christie’s will continue to celebrate our heritage and, with innovation and expertise at the heart of our business, continue to lead the industry» said Patricia Barbizet, Christie’s Chief Executive Officer.