http://www.luxist.com Luxist http://www.luxist.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.luxist.com en-us Copyright 2008 Blogsmith, LLC. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.luxist.com/2008/06/27/bacon-basquiat-prince-and-warhol-star-in-sothebys-sale/http://www.luxist.com/2008/06/27/bacon-basquiat-prince-and-warhol-star-in-sothebys-sale/http://www.luxist.com/2008/06/27/bacon-basquiat-prince-and-warhol-star-in-sothebys-sale/#commentsFiled under: Auctions, Art

Not to be outdone by archrival Christie's, Sotheby's is staging its own major Contemporary Art auction in London on July 1st. With total pre-sale estimates topping $130 million, the event is being billed as "the highest value summer sale of contemporary art ever held by Sotheby's in Europe." The untitled Jean-Michel Basquiat painting belonging to Irish rockers U2 that my colleague Deidre Woollard mentioned earlier this month is a top draw in the auction, with an estimate of $8 - $12 million.

Other highlights include two important works by Francis Bacon: Figure Turning, painted 1962, est. $20 - $30 million, and Study for Head of George Dyer, painted in 1967, est. at over $16 million. Rounding out the other notable big-ticket items are Richard Prince's Overseas Nurse, 2002, est. at $8 - $12 million - more than the current Prince auction record; and Andy Warhol's 1964 Large Campbell's Soup Can (pictured right), est. $5 - $7 million. Also of interest: tennis great John McEnroe is selling his 1986 Warhol portrait with ex Tatum O'Neal, est. only $500,000 - $700,000. See the gallery for images.

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]]>Andy WarholAndyWarholContemporary artContemporaryArtFrancis BaconFrancisBaconJean-Michel BasquiatJean-michelBasquiatJohn McEnroeJohnMcenroeRichard PrinceRichardPrinceSothebysU2Jared Paul Stern2008-06-27T11:01:00 00:00http://www.luxist.com/2008/06/26/monet-painting-sells-for-over-80-million/http://www.luxist.com/2008/06/26/monet-painting-sells-for-over-80-million/http://www.luxist.com/2008/06/26/monet-painting-sells-for-over-80-million/#commentsFiled under: Auctions, Art

I'm no art critic, which is perhaps why I'm a little mystified by the astronomical sale of Le Bassin aux Nympheas by Claude Monet for £40,921,250, ($80,451,178) at a recent sale at Christie's London. This new sale obliterates the record set at Christie's New York in May by Monet's "Le Pont du chemin de fer a Argenteuil" which went for $41.181 million.

Le Bassin aux Nymphéas was fought for by three bidders, two on the telephone and one woman at the front of the room. The Guardian reports that at one point the woman bidder asked for more time but she eventually had the winning bid. The painting is one of Monet's large-scale Nymphéas which led to his Grandes décorations, the frieze now in the Musée de l'Orangerie, Paris. Dated 1919, when Monet signed the picture and sold it with three sister-works, Le bassin aux nymphéas is one of the tiny handful of pictures from this period that he sold.

As the Guardian article mentioned, quoting art expert Charles Dupplin, right now the art market is an interesting spot. Records are being smashed all over the place while the middle section of the market appears to be sagging. This mimics in some ways the state of the entire luxury market which has remained robust at the ultra high end but has shown serious weakness in the lower and middle ranges.

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]]>artauctionchristiesmonetpaintingDeidre Woollard2008-06-26T09:02:00 00:00http://www.luxist.com/2008/06/24/richard-prince-opens-first-major-uk-solo-show/http://www.luxist.com/2008/06/24/richard-prince-opens-first-major-uk-solo-show/http://www.luxist.com/2008/06/24/richard-prince-opens-first-major-uk-solo-show/#commentsFiled under: Art

Artist, bibliophile, collector and Louis Vuitton collaborator Richard Prince's first major solo show at a UK public institution opens in London at the Serpentine Gallery on Thursday. Vuitton designer Marc Jacobs threw a posh pre-opening party for the artist. Running through Sept. 7, the exhibition, called Continuation, picks up where Prince's major Guggenheim retrospective of last year left off. The Serpentine show however will "mirror the installation of Prince's work in his own buildings," especially his compound in upstate New York, complete with studio furniture. Also on display will be his sculptures in the form of muscle car hoods, flip-flops and concrete highway barriers. Last month, a painting from Prince's Nurse series similar to the one pictured here from the new show sold at Christie's for $7 million, while LVMH chairman Bernard Arnault cited the Vuitton bags Prince designed as one of the company's prime profit makers.

[via Men.Style]

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]]>Bernard Abernard arnaultBernardABernardArnaultLondonLouis VuittonLouisVuittonLVMHRichard PrinceRichardPrinceSerpentine GallerySerpentineGalleryJared Paul Stern2008-06-24T18:02:00 00:00http://www.luxist.com/2008/06/24/rare-never-exhibited-bacon-on-offer-at-christies/http://www.luxist.com/2008/06/24/rare-never-exhibited-bacon-on-offer-at-christies/http://www.luxist.com/2008/06/24/rare-never-exhibited-bacon-on-offer-at-christies/#commentsFiled under: Auctions, Art

A rare Francis Bacon triptych that has never before been seen in public and has never been offered at auction is expected to fetch over $20 million during Christie's Contemporary Art Sales in London at the end of the month. Painted in Paris in 1975, Three Studies for a Self Portrait (above) is similar in character to the Bacon triptych that sold for $28 million at Christie's last month. Also starring in the sales on June 30 through July 1: Lucian Freud's Naked Potrait with Reflection, one of the most important works by the artist ever to be offered at auction, est. $20 million - $30 million; Jeff Koons' Balloon Flower (Magenta), 1995-2000, the most important Koons work ever offered at auction in Europe, est. about $25 million; Andy Warhol's Nine Multicolored Marilyns, est. $5 million - $7 million; and Jean-Michel Basquiat's Trunk, painted in 1982, est. $2 - $3 million.

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]]>Andy WarholAndyWarholChristiesContemporary artContemporaryArtFrancis BaconFrancisBaconJean-Michel BasquiatJean-michelBasquiatJeff KoonsJeffKoonsLucian FreudLucianFreudMarilyn MonroeMarilynMonroeJared Paul Stern2008-06-24T12:02:00 00:00http://www.luxist.com/2008/06/21/pricey-origami-ready-to-rev-your-engine/http://www.luxist.com/2008/06/21/pricey-origami-ready-to-rev-your-engine/http://www.luxist.com/2008/06/21/pricey-origami-ready-to-rev-your-engine/#commentsFiled under: Art

If you are car crazy, engine excited, and art-inclined you might enjoy this amazing take-home creation of V-12 Four Stroke Engine made origami style. It took two years to design such an incredible project that you can assemble at home...of course, a lesson or two in precise folding may be a smart investment before you attempt this complex model. Including 1978 pieces, CD-ROM and paper instructions sent or printed from a PDF, the origami art structure kit can be purchased at either $64.99 or $89.99, but the completed masterpiece will cost you $35,000! If you've got the time, and don't want to spend a good portion of your child's college fund on a paper project, you may want to opt for the less expensive, DIY kit. In any case, the finished product is stunning and its moveable parts mimic that of a true engine.

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]]>four-stroke-engineorigamiv12-engine-origamiYees JObYeesJobLaura Malesich2008-06-21T15:02:00 00:00http://www.luxist.com/2008/06/20/damien-hirsts-golden-calf/http://www.luxist.com/2008/06/20/damien-hirsts-golden-calf/http://www.luxist.com/2008/06/20/damien-hirsts-golden-calf/#commentsFiled under: Auctions, Art

Compared to his diamond-covered skull, Damien Hirst's latest work for sale, a bull in formaldehyde, with a head crowned by a solid-gold disc, and hooves and horns cast in 18-karat gold is practically a deal. The Golden Calf will be auctioned off at Sotheby's in New York in September and is estimated to bring in $16 to $24 million. The calf comes in a gold-plated stainless steel and glass box. The monumental piece is part of Beautiful Inside My Head Forever, a major auction of new works by Hirst, on September 15 and 16. The auction will include formaldehyde sculptures, new paintings, new cabinets and preparatory drawings,

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]]>artdamien hirstDamienHirstmodern artModernArtsothebysDeidre Woollard2008-06-20T08:02:00 00:00http://www.luxist.com/2008/06/15/u2-to-auction-off-famous-artwork/http://www.luxist.com/2008/06/15/u2-to-auction-off-famous-artwork/http://www.luxist.com/2008/06/15/u2-to-auction-off-famous-artwork/#commentsFiled under: Auctions, Art

Celebrities often buy and sell art, (as Hugh Grant did last year when he parted with his Warhol) but it's rarer that the painting belongs to a band. The piece above, a powerful painting by Jean-Michel Basquiat belonging to rock band U2, will be auctioned July 1 at Sotheby's London. Untitled (Pecho/Oreja), completed in 1983, is estimated to sell for £4-6 million ($7.775-11.662 million) but could go higher.

U2 bassist Adam Clayton first spotted the painting, which is acrylic, oil stick and paper collage on canvas, and the band bought it way back in 1989, a year after Basqiat's untimely death. It has hung in their Dublin studio ever since. The painting, which was begun when Basquiat was just 22 features some of his popular motifs including the stylized, skull-like face, the small crown and his use of words and scrawled lines to invoke an urgent chaos. BBC News reports that the current auction record for a Basquiat work stands at $14.6 million.

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]]>artbasquiatu2Deidre Woollard2008-06-15T15:01:00 00:00http://www.luxist.com/2008/06/12/the-1984-fishbowl-by-danny-cheung/http://www.luxist.com/2008/06/12/the-1984-fishbowl-by-danny-cheung/http://www.luxist.com/2008/06/12/the-1984-fishbowl-by-danny-cheung/#commentsFiled under: Decor, Pets, Art, Children

I came across this gem while browsing pictures of unique children's rooms. Named The 1984 Fishbowl, this revamped design by Danny Cheung putts a modern twist on the age old glass fish bowl. It's quirky shape is eye catching, the windows are made of magnified glass providing a detailed look at your goldfish, while the opaque walls provide refuge. I love the retro look of this funky little fish bowl, it would make a stylish addition to any room, and I imagine kids would go nuts for it. Available online for $430.

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]]>childrens room decorChildrensRoomDecordanny cheungDannyCheungdecordecoratingdecorationdecorativegoldfishinterior designInteriorDesignpetsthe 1984 fishbowlThe1984FishbowlStar Sutherland2008-06-12T16:05:00 00:00http://www.luxist.com/2008/06/09/more-fire-glass-studio-jars/http://www.luxist.com/2008/06/09/more-fire-glass-studio-jars/http://www.luxist.com/2008/06/09/more-fire-glass-studio-jars/#commentsFiled under: Decor, Art

These hand-crafted jars come in such vivid lollipop-like colors they seem almost lickable. They are created by Elizabeth Lyons of More Fire Glass Studio and have inflated stoppers that give them the look of game pieces. Each one measures 19" x 8", they come in green, orange, or ruby and sell for $775 each.

More Fire Glass Studio is located in Rochester, New York and they also offer classes in making glass beads, jewelry and more.

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]]>artblown glassdecorglassDeidre Woollard2008-06-09T15:02:00 00:00http://www.luxist.com/2008/06/03/15-000-kenny-scharf-skateboard/http://www.luxist.com/2008/06/03/15-000-kenny-scharf-skateboard/http://www.luxist.com/2008/06/03/15-000-kenny-scharf-skateboard/#commentsFiled under: Water, Art

I have never surfed in my life but if I was rich enough I might consider buying this $15,000 surfboard because it's just so pretty! It's part of a collection that is the result of a collaboration between designer Elie Tahara and artist Kenny Scharf. I love the yellow and red color combo (the collection also comes in a scheme of seafoam green and purple) and the pattern is an interesting mix of floral, science, and space objects. The Kenny Scharf collection is available now exclusively in Elie Tahari's boutiques in Soho and East Hampton New York.

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]]>elie tahariElieTaharikenny scharfKennyScharfscharfsurfsurfboardsurfingtahariRigel Gregg2008-06-03T16:02:00 00:00http://www.luxist.com/2008/05/29/pharrells-turn-as-furniture-designer/http://www.luxist.com/2008/05/29/pharrells-turn-as-furniture-designer/http://www.luxist.com/2008/05/29/pharrells-turn-as-furniture-designer/#commentsFiled under: Decor, Art

This is the Perspective chair and it's the result of a collaboration between designer Pharrell Williams and Domeau & Pérès. Representing the love between a woman and a man, the chair is part of a collection (including another chair and a table) that will be displayed in a show in Paris at Emmanuel Perrotin Galerie starting in October and running through January 2009. The chairs will be available in different colors, with only 4 of each color being made.

Personally I think it couldn't be uglier...

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]]>perspectiveperspective chairPerspectiveChairpharrellpharrell williamsPharrellWilliamsRigel Gregg2008-05-29T18:02:00 00:00http://www.luxist.com/2008/05/26/rubber-chandelier-by-tobias-wong/http://www.luxist.com/2008/05/26/rubber-chandelier-by-tobias-wong/http://www.luxist.com/2008/05/26/rubber-chandelier-by-tobias-wong/#commentsFiled under: Decor, Art

I'm not sure if this Rubber Chandelier sets out to solve a problem (eliminating the breakability factor) or just strives to be unique and kooky. Either way, if you want a showstopping conversation piece for your home, voila! Designer Tobias Wong adds his personal flare to the age-old chandelier by encapsulating each crystal in an thick coat of industrial grade white rubber. My theory is why mess with perfection...and to me, chandeliers are pretty perfect, but I must admit this thing is kind of cool. I'm dying to know if it bounces. Rubber chandeliers don't come cheap, this quirky collectible will cost you $4,499!

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]]>chandeliersdecorlightingrubber chandelierRubberChandeliertobias wongTobiasWongStar Sutherland2008-05-26T09:02:00 00:00http://www.luxist.com/2008/05/25/the-tord-boontje-shadow-light/http://www.luxist.com/2008/05/25/the-tord-boontje-shadow-light/http://www.luxist.com/2008/05/25/the-tord-boontje-shadow-light/#commentsFiled under: Decor, Gadgets, Art, Children

Master interior designer Tord Boontje is renowned for his decorative pieces that combine the whimsical beauty of nature with the latest technology. Ornate layers and vivid colors are his trademark, his work is breathtaking and quite often his designs look like they belong in a museum. Tord tries his artful hand at kid's decor with this beautiful shadow light, the perfect addition to any baby's nursery or older child's room. It features scenes from nature that are projected in multi colored images onto surrounding walls. I imagine any child would fall in love with a nightly light show featuring animals! The Tord Boontje Shadow Light is available online for $359.

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]]>childrens room decorchildrens roomsChildrensRoomDecorChildrensRoomsdecorativeinterior decorinterior designInteriorDecorInteriorDesignlightingshadow lightShadowLightshoppingTord BoontjeTordBoontjeStar Sutherland2008-05-25T08:02:00 00:00http://www.luxist.com/2008/05/23/artek-pavilion-up-for-auction/http://www.luxist.com/2008/05/23/artek-pavilion-up-for-auction/http://www.luxist.com/2008/05/23/artek-pavilion-up-for-auction/#commentsFiled under: Auctions, Art

Typically our writing of Sotheby's covers large lots of wine, significant collections of artwork, or stunning jewels but this summer the auction house will be offering a larger scale of item -- the Artek Pavilion which is 40 meters long and 5 meters wide. Expected to go for around $80,000, the pavilion is a testament to 20th century design combined with ecological standards in sustainability and the builder's American training combined with his Japanese heritage. Already showcased in Milan, Italy, Helsinki, Finland, and Miami, Florida, the Artek Pavilion is much anticipated to arrive in NYC on June 14th, 2008. The proceeds from the sale of the pavilion will be donated to arts and culture affiliated charities.

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]]>20th-Century-DesignArtek-PavillionShigeru-BanSothebysLaura Malesich2008-05-23T09:02:00 00:00http://www.luxist.com/2008/05/22/sporting-art-auction-includes-a-sartorial-tutorial/http://www.luxist.com/2008/05/22/sporting-art-auction-includes-a-sartorial-tutorial/http://www.luxist.com/2008/05/22/sporting-art-auction-includes-a-sartorial-tutorial/#commentsFiled under: Auctions, Art, Men's Style

With an estimate of only $137,000 - $196,000, Lowes Cato Dickinson's The Birdcage at Newmarket, painted c. 1885, is far from the most expensive work on offer at Christie's London's Sporting Art sale this Friday. From a sartorial historian's point of view, however, it might be the most precious. The monumental panorama, which measures 5 ft. x 9.5 ft., portrays the Rowley Mile Course at Newmarket following the 2,000 Guineas Stakes in 1885. The winner, Mr. Broderick Cloete's Paradox, with jockey Fred Archer up, can be seen in the center of the picture (detail above), while in the throng the keen observer can spot such luminaries of the turf as the Prince of Wales and the Earl of Rosebery, attired in the height of late-1800's equestrian chic. Ralph Lauren could base an entire collection on this one work of art -- and he probably has.

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]]>ChristiesEquestrianHorseracingJockeysLondonPrince of WalesPrinceOfWalesRacehorsesRalph LaurenRalphLaurenSartorial historySartorialHistorySporting artSportingArtJared Paul Stern2008-05-22T11:02:00 00:00http://www.luxist.com/2008/05/21/iomoi-hand-made-custom-ottoman-tray/http://www.luxist.com/2008/05/21/iomoi-hand-made-custom-ottoman-tray/http://www.luxist.com/2008/05/21/iomoi-hand-made-custom-ottoman-tray/#commentsFiled under: Decor, Art

Iomoi is perhaps best known for their online social stationery, think of it as the closest thing you can get to a handwritten note via email. They also have a fabulous array of personalized items, the newest addition to the monogrammed items collection, is the stylish lucite ottoman tray. It's available in a range of designs and colors, and finished with your initials printed on the bottom corner. Ottoman trays are one of the must have chic household items, use them for stacking books, vases or serving food on, open any decorating magazine and you will see a few in every house. Iomoi's hand made custom ottoman trays retail for $650 and are available online!

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]]>iomoiiomoi.comlucite serving trayLuciteServingTraymonogrammedottoman trayOttomanTrayStar Sutherland2008-05-21T09:02:00 00:00http://www.luxist.com/2008/05/19/semigoods-illustrated-bowls/http://www.luxist.com/2008/05/19/semigoods-illustrated-bowls/http://www.luxist.com/2008/05/19/semigoods-illustrated-bowls/#commentsFiled under: Decor, Art

The simple white bowls from Semigoods would be pleasing enough for their rounded and winningly imperfect shapes but they take on new personalities in the hands of two independent artists. Mike Perry's bowl, shown on the left, appears, to me at least to be rather happy and expanded with its marker-like doodle. The bowl on the right, the second for Semigoods by artist Brandon Francis, projects a gentle and calm melancholy. Both are limited edition and sell for $200 for the small size.

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]]>bowlsbrandon francisdecordesignmike perryMikePerrysemigoodsDeidre Woollard2008-05-19T15:02:00 00:00http://www.luxist.com/2008/05/17/etchstar-creative-technology/http://www.luxist.com/2008/05/17/etchstar-creative-technology/http://www.luxist.com/2008/05/17/etchstar-creative-technology/#commentsFiled under: Gadgets, Services, Art

Tired of staring at your run of the mill gadgets everyday? Etchstar offers a stylish and fun solution. Their simple website provides customers with a vast array of designs that can be lasered onto the backs of iPods, laptops, cell phones and more! Celebs are jumping all over the trend, Nicky Hilton visited the Etchstar booth at a recent event. Popular designs include the skull and crossbones, flowers and the peace sign. You can go as elaborate as you want (the Mona Lisa looks great on a laptop!), or keep it simple. Send in your own gadget and Etchstar promises to rush it back to you with it's new look, or purchase one of theirs. Prices range...so check out their user friendly website or visit their flagship design studio at 7600 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles for details.

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]]>custom laser etchedcustom laser etched Cell Phonescustom laser etched ipodcustom laser etched laptopCustomLaserEtchedCustomLaserEtchedCellPhonesCustomLaserEtchedLaptopetchstarEtchstar Creative TechnologyEtchstarCreativeTechnologyipod accessoryipod nanoIpodAccessoryIpodNanoStar Sutherland2008-05-17T16:02:00 00:00http://www.luxist.com/2008/05/17/imari-porcelain-exhibit-at-the-manhattan-art-and-antiques-center/http://www.luxist.com/2008/05/17/imari-porcelain-exhibit-at-the-manhattan-art-and-antiques-center/http://www.luxist.com/2008/05/17/imari-porcelain-exhibit-at-the-manhattan-art-and-antiques-center/#commentsFiled under: Events, Art

Imari porcelain is one of the most striking styles of Japanese porcelain. The style originated circa 1616 in the city of Arita and the porcelain ware was distributed to Japanese locations through the northern Kyushu port of Imari. The traditional color palette for Imari porcelain is very vivid with an underglaze of cobalt blue, and overglaze of iron red and details in gold paint. Sometimes green and yellow polychrome enamel colors were also used as accents. The rich ornamental look of Imari porcelain is reminiscent of the brocading of Japanese textiles. Next month, Flying Cranes Antiques (located in galleries 55, 56 and 58 in The Manhattan Art and Antiques Center, 1050 Second Avenue at 55th St - NY, NY 10022), will feature a display of Japanese Imari porcelains. Exhibited for sale will be rare forms executed in the rich palette characteristic of the ware. The Flying Cranes Antiques Imari porcelain collection includes various forms: bottle shapes, vases, covered jars, foliate plates dating circa 1850-1880. The cost range for the exhibition is in the $800 to $15,000 with many pieces in the $1,000-2,500 range. Shown here is one of the exhibition pieces - a Japanese Imari porcelain shell-form plate (19th Century - Circa 1850-1880 which has a price of $2,200.

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]]>artimarijapanmanhattan art and antiquesManhattanArtAndAntiquesnew yorkNewYorkporcelainDeidre Woollard2008-05-17T08:02:00 00:00http://www.luxist.com/2008/05/15/86-million-worth-of-bacon-sells-at-sothebys/http://www.luxist.com/2008/05/15/86-million-worth-of-bacon-sells-at-sothebys/http://www.luxist.com/2008/05/15/86-million-worth-of-bacon-sells-at-sothebys/#commentsFiled under: Auctions, Art

The big wow from Sotheby's contemporary art sale on Wednesday, was the record price set for a Francis Bacon. His "Triptych, 1976" sold for $86.281 million setting a record for postwar art and topping the estimate of around $70 million. Sotheby's had their best night in their nearly 300-year history bringing in a total of $362 million, which bested the $348.2 million haul from Christie's just the night before. While at the Christie's sale a Mark Rothko painting went for over $50 million, at this sale a similar painting went unsold. Seventeen other artists also set record including Robert Rauschenberg, who died this week. His "Overdrive" sold for $14.6 million. Takashi Murakami's amusing sculpture "My Lonesome Cowboy" went for $15.16 million which is rather amazing considering his previous record for $2.7 million. At the sale 87 percent of the 83 lots were sold and the sale exceeded the high presale estimate of $357 million. Fine art spending is alive and well, if there's a fall coming, well, inevitably there will be one, it seems it won't be for a while yet.

[Thanks, Rob!]

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]]>artfrancis baconrobert rauschenbergsothebysDeidre Woollard2008-05-15T16:02:00 00:00