Sotheby’s 2024 New York Auctions: Record-Breaking Sales and Bold Moments
Sotheby’s recent auctions in New York have captured global attention, showcasing an extraordinary range of art and artifacts. From groundbreaking contemporary works to prehistoric relics, the sales not only set records but also stirred conversations about the evolving boundaries of art, history, and commerce.
Modern Evening Auction
​
Held from November 8 to November 18, this prestigious event brought modern masterpieces to the forefront. Claude Monet’s "Nymphéas" and Pablo Picasso’s "Baigneurs" were among the highlights, reflecting the enduring appeal of these iconic artists. The auction achieved a total of $92.9 million, marking a strong performance in the modern art market.
​
The Now and Contemporary Evening Auction
​
Between November 11 and November 20, Sotheby’s presented cutting-edge works from the contemporary art scene. Notable pieces like "Pause" and "Anemones and Mimosas" captured the evolving trends and dynamic shifts within modern creativity.
​
Maurizio Cattelan’s “Comedian” Makes Waves
​
In a moment that sparked both acclaim and debate, Maurizio Cattelan’s provocative artwork "Comedian"—a banana duct-taped to a wall—was sold for an astounding $6.2 million. Cryptocurrency entrepreneur Justin Sun acquired the piece, reigniting discussions about the value and interpretation of contemporary art.
​
Record-Breaking Sale: “Apex” Stegosaurus Fossil
​
In July, Sotheby’s auctioned a 150-million-year-old Stegosaurus fossil named "Apex", discovered in Colorado in 2022. Hedge-fund billionaire Ken Griffin purchased the fossil for $44.6 million, making it the most expensive dinosaur ever sold. Griffin has since loaned the fossil to the American Museum of Natural History in New York, where it will be on public display starting December 8.
​
Controversy Over Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s Clothing
​
Sotheby’s faced criticism for auctioning garments once owned by Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, the late wife of John F. Kennedy Jr. Items such as black wool coats and a faux leopard print coat were met with public backlash, with bids starting at $15,000. Carolyn’s nephew, Jack Schlossberg, labeled the auction as “super creepy,” questioning the ethics of profiting from a deceased family member’s belongings.
​
Upcoming Auctions
​
The excitement continues as Sotheby’s prepares for the Modern Day Auction, running from November 6 to November 19. Featured works include Monet’s "La Roseraie du jardin Monet à Giverny", promising another round of impressive sales.
​
Reflections on the Auctions
​
Sotheby’s 2024 auctions have demonstrated the evolving definitions of value in the art world, from the sale of traditional masterpieces to unconventional pieces like "Comedian". The record-breaking sale of "Apex" highlights the intersection of natural history and commerce, while the controversy surrounding Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s belongings raises important ethical questions.
As Sotheby’s continues to shape the art market, its auctions remain a mirror of cultural shifts and the ever-changing landscape of artistic appreciation.
​​
​
​
References
-
The Wall Street Journal: Ken Griffin’s $44.6 Million Dinosaur Has a New Home
-
The Art Newspaper: Maurizio Cattelan's Banana Sells for $6.2M at Sotheby’s
-
People: Jack Schlossberg Criticizes Auction of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s Clothes
-
Sotheby’s Official Website: Modern Day Auction Details