Raffaello Sanzio, Lorenzo de’ Medici, Duke of Urbino and ruler of Florence from 1513 to 1519 (detail), sold for $37,277,500. © Christie's Images Ltd.

LONDON/NEW YORK/ HONG KONG.-Christie’s International, the world’s leading art business, today announced 2007 art sales totals of £3.1 billion/$6.3 billion, a 25% increase in £ and 36% increase in $ over 2006 sales. The results were achieved through more than 600 sales in 14 saleroom locations worldwide and include auction premiums plus private sales of £268 million/$542 million. For the year, Christie’s sold a total of 793 works of art at auction for over $1 million.

“In 2007 Christie’s once again led the art market in terms of sales, profitability and quality of works offered”, said Edward Dolman, Chief Executive Officer of Christie’s International plc. “Our continued market share lead in the high-end auction sales of Post-War and Contemporary art, Impressionist and Modern art and in Jewellery was the result of our ability to offer the best expert advice available to our clients and market their property globally, employing the most sophisticated, innovative and compelling strategies. Our investment in new and emerging markets, including India, Dubai, Russia and China, as well as in other areas of our business such as private sales, Interiors sales, Christie’s Education and Christie’s Great Estates, has introduced an unprecedented number of collectors to Christie’s. Christie’s has the art market’s largest and most experienced team of specialists and our collective expertise will remain the foundation of our success as we move into 2008.”

Lire la suite http://www.artdaily.com/index.asp?int_sec=2&int_new=22981