When it comes to the world of art auction houses, two names dominate the conversation: Christie’s and Sotheby’s. These renowned auction houses have established themselves as leaders in the industry, but the question remains – who is bigger?
Christie’s
Founded in 1766 in London, Christie’s has a long and storied history. With auctions held across the globe, Christie’s has become synonymous with the auctioning of fine art, decorative objects, and luxury goods. The company has offices in 46 countries and offers a wide range of services to buyers and sellers of art. Christie’s prides itself on its knowledgeable staff, exceptional customer service, and exquisite collections.
Christie’s has consistently achieved record-breaking sales over the years. Noteworthy events include the auction of Leonardo da Vinci’s “Salvator Mundi” in 2017, which fetched a staggering $450 million, making it the most expensive artwork ever sold at auction. Christie’s global presence and collaborations with renowned artists, collectors, and institutions have solidified its position as a leader in the art market.
Sotheby’s
Established a few decades later in 1744, Sotheby’s has also made significant contributions to the art world. With headquarters in New York City and offices in 40 countries, Sotheby’s offers a variety of auction services. The company specializes in selling fine art, jewelry, watches, and luxury goods.
Sotheby’s has witnessed phenomenal auctions throughout its history. One notable sale was the auction of Pablo Picasso’s painting “Les femmes d’Alger” in 2015, which fetched a staggering $179.4 million, making it the most expensive painting ever sold at auction at the time. Sotheby’s strategic partnerships, global brand recognition, and extensive client network have contributed to its prominence in the art market.
Who is bigger?
When comparing the size of Christie’s and Sotheby’s, several factors come into play. While both auction houses are leaders in the industry and have a global presence, Christie’s has a slightly larger market share. According to recent reports, Christie’s achieved higher auction sales worldwide compared to Sotheby’s.
However, it is important to note that the art market is ever-changing, and each auction house has its unique strengths. Sotheby’s has a strong presence in Asia, especially in Hong Kong, where it holds regular auctions of Asian art, jewelry, and fine wines.
Both Christie’s and Sotheby’s are giants in the world of art auctions, with a rich history and an extensive list of accomplishments. While Christie’s may have a slight edge in terms of overall auction sales, both auction houses continue to attract collectors, art enthusiasts, and industry professionals from around the world.
Ultimately, the question of “Who is bigger?” may be subjective, as each auction house possesses unique qualities that set them apart. Regardless of their size, both Christie’s and Sotheby’s offer incredible opportunities for art buyers and sellers and play integral roles in shaping the art market.
