In presenting its Post-War and Contemporary Art evening sale, Christie’s have marked a point in the art market history. With a sale summed up to $852,887,000 (£535,986,570), bidders participated from across the globe for the auction of Abstract Expressionist, Pop and Contemporary works from renowned artists such as Andy Warhol, Roy Lichenstein, Willem de Kooning and Jeff Koons. The sale was lead with Warhol’s ‘Triple Elvis [Ferus Type]‘ and ‘Four Marlons’ at $81,925,000 (£51,612,750).

Selling three works for over $50 million, twenty-three works over $10 million, and sixty-nine of the sold works gained over $1 million, the auction sale attained 11 new world auction records. While , Ed Ruscha’s ‘Smash’ gained a world auction record for the artist, as the work was sold at $30,405,000 (£43,851,150). Alongside Ruscha’s work, Willem de Kooning’s ‘Clamdigger’ also achieved a world record price for a sculpture sold at $29,285,000 (£18,449,550), as well as Cy Twombly’s ‘Untitled’ from the ‘Blackboard’ paintings series set a new world auction record for the artist as it achieved $69,605,000 (£43,851,150).

For the contemporary art selection, Martin Kippenberger held bidders in a strong demand as his work ‘Untitled’ achieved a new artist record at $22,565,000 (£14,215,950). Jeff Koons’ incredible ‘Baloon Monkey (Orange)’ sculpture was auctioned at $25,925,000 (£16,332,750), and Gerhard Richter’s ‘Abstraktes Bild (648-3)’ gained $31,525,000 (19,80,750). For photography, Cindy Sherman’s ‘Untitled Film Stills’ also achieved the highest price for the artist as the twenty-one works were sold for $6,773,000 (£4,266,990).

Brett Gorvy, Chairman and International Head of Post-War and Contemporary Art stated, “ achieved tonight is a reflection of both growing global enthusiasm and demand in this category and a virtuous cycle of confidence in the art market that brings a fresh supply of exciting, high-quality works into the market with each new season.” Christie’s Chief Executive Officer, Steven Murphy, added, “This is truly a moment in art history. Tonight’s result is a testimony to the depth of interest in art across the globe, and to the talent of the Christie’s team.”