The list of the most expensive auction lots for October reflects, to some degree, the influence of major art fairs—specifically Frieze in London and Art Basel in Paris. The majority of the works were sold at auctions timed to those events. The list includes works by contemporary art stars like David Hockney and Richard Prince as well as material by blue-chip modern figures like Jean Dubuffet and design star Francois-Xavier Lalanne. Read on to find out which works made the cut in the lead-up to the big November sales in New York.
1. David Hockney, L’Arbois, Sainte-Maxime (1968)
Estimate: $9 million to $13 million (£7 million to £10 million)
Final Price: $13 million (£17.2 million)
Where & When: Sotheby’s London, October 9, 2024
2.Lucian Freud Ria, Naked Portrait (2006-07)
Estimate: $13 million to $19.6 million (£10 million to £15 million)
Final Price: $15.4 million (£11.8 million)
Where & When: Christie’s London, October 9, 2024
3. Jeff Koons, Balloon Monkey (Blue), 2006-13
Estimate: $8.5 million to $13 million (£6.5 million to £10 million)
Final Price: $9.9 million (£7.6 million)
Where & When: Christie’s London, October 9, 2024
4.Francois Xavier Lalanne, Très Grand Centaure (2001)
Estimate: $800,000 to $1.2 million
Final Price: $7.5 million
Where & When: Christie’s New York, October 10, 2024
5. Jean Dubuffet, Visiteur au chapeau bleu (1955)
Estimate: $3.8 million to $4.9 million (€3.5 million to €4.5 million)
Final Price: $7.5 million (€6.9 million)
Where & When: Sotheby’s Paris, October 18, 2024
6. Jean Dubuffet, Francis Ponge Jubilation (1947)
Estimate: $5.4 million to $7.6 million (€5 million to €7 million)
Final Price: $6.5 million (€6 million)
Where & When: Sotheby’s Paris, October 18, 2024
7. Francois Xavier Lalanne, Très Grand Ours (2009)
Estimate: $2 million to $3 million
Final Price: $6 million
Where & When: Christie’s New York, October 10, 2024
8. David Hockney, More Woldgate Timber, October 13th, 2009 (2009)
Estimate: $4.9 million to $XX million (£3.8 million to £5 million)
Final Price: $6.5 million (£4.6 million)
Where & When: Christie’s London, October 9, 2024
9. Richard Prince, Hurricane Nurse (2004)
Estimate: $4.5 million to $7.2 million (£3.5 million to £5.5 million)
Final Price: $5.5 million (£4.2 million)
Where & When: Christie’s London, October 9, 2024
10. Zao Wou-Ki, 24.05.65 (1965)
Estimate: $4.3 million to $6.5 million (€4 million to €6 million)
Final Price: $4.7 million (€4.4 million)
Where & When: Christie’s Paris, October 18, 2024
