Artemundi’s 2018 Recap

Over the last 12 months, the art market has demonstrated a level of maturity perfectly commensurate in view of the state of the global economy. Political instability and financial uncertainty have brought us big surprises such as Gilbert Stuart’s George Washington sale for 8 ½ times its high estimate, and disappointments such as the BI of Clyfford Still’s PH-916 (1946-No.1) estimated between $20 M and $30 M. Still, wonderful museums opened their doors worldwide with architectonic masterpieces such as the much-anticipated The Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Glenstone Museum.

This publication also features the Top 10 Lots and Top 10 Artists By Total Sales and Volume. In addition, we have included a brief summary of the Ups and Downs in the art market for this year and some trends that we have identified for the next year.

Top Lots of 2018

Amedeo Modigliani Nu Couché — Amedeo Modigliani, Nu Couché $157,159,000 Sotheby’s, New York

Pablo Picasso, Fillette à la Corbeille Fleurie — Pablo Picasso Fillette à la Corbeille Fleurie $115,000,000 Christie’s, New York

Edward Hopper, Chop Suey $91,875,000 Christie’s, New York

David Hockney, Portrait of an Artist $90,312,500 Christie’s, New York

Kazimir Malevich, Suprematist Composition $85,812,500 Christie’s, New York

Claude Monet, Nymphéas en Fleur $84,687,500 Christie’s, New York

Henri Matisse, Odalisque Couchée aux Magnolias $80,750,000 Christie’s, New York

Willem de Kooning, Woman as Landscape $68,937,500 Christie’s, New York

Pablo Picasso, Femme Au Béret et á la Robe Quadrillée $68,710,000 Sotheby’s, New York

Zao Wou-Ki, Juin-octobre 1985 $65,200,000 Sotheby’s, Hong Kong

Ups & Downs

Top Artists by Total Sales and Volume of 2018 (Paintings Category)

What will 2019 hold for the Art Market?

Top New Art Museums of 2018

The Louvre Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art, South Africa

Institute for Contemporary Art Virginia Commonwealth University, USA

The Menil Collection Drawing Institute, USA

Museum of African Contemporary Art Al Maaden, Morocco