2009's Top 10 Art Auction Sales

by Tom Johansmeyer (RSS feed)
Dec 29th 2009 at 3:01PM

The art market was already in decline when the global financial system was sent into mayhem in September 2008, but the financial nightmare accelerated the drop. This past year has been pretty miserable for artists, galleries, dealers and collectors (who have seen their buying power dry up), but that doesn't mean there hasn't been anything to celebrate.

Several prominent pieces hit fantastic heights at auction this year. Some of the names will look familiar, including Andy Warhol, Henri Matisse and Alberto Giacometti. Old Masters and Asia are represented as well, as they have generally done best in resisting the forces of the art market recession.

Below, take a look at the top 10 pieces at auction in 2009.

1. Raphael, chalk drawing "Head of Muse": $47.6 million

2. Henri Matisse, "Les coucous, tapis bleu et rose": $45.6 million

3. Andy Warhol, silkscreen painting of 200 one dollar bills: $43.8 million

4. Constantin Brancusi, "Madame L.R.": $37.1 million

5. Rembrandt, "Portrait of a Man with Arms Akimbo": $32.9 million

6. Eileen Gray (designer), Art Deco armchair: $28.1 million

7. Piet Mondrian, "Composition avec blue, rouge, jaune et noir": $27.4 million

8. Wu Bin, Ming dynasty scroll: $25 million

9. Alberto Giacometti, "L'Homme Qui Chavire": $19.4 million

10. Edgar Degas, "Petite Danseuse de Quatorze Ans": $19.2 million

[Photo courtesy of Sotheby's]

Tags: andy warhol, AndyWarhol, art auction, art auctions, art collector, art dealer, art galleries, Art Gallery, art market, ArtAuction, ArtAuctions, ArtCollector, ArtDealer, ArtGalleries, ArtGallery, ArtMarket, degas, galleries, gallery, giacometti, rembrandt

Filed under: Auctions, Art

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Shelly Ridgell Feb 20th 2010 11:00AM

I have inherited 2 sculptures from German Cueto (he created the Archway for the Olympics in Mexico City) & 3 paintings from his wife Lola Cueto (best known for puppetry). From what I understand, they helped create the Museum of Modern Art in Mexico City. If anyone knows of any buyers, please contact me at ridgells@aol.com.