On March 5, 2025, Christie’s will hold in London the 24th edition of the auction “The Art of the Surreal Evening Sale,” a major event for enthusiasts and collectors of Surrealism.
The auction will feature 24 works by 13 artists, with pre-sale estimates ranging between 31.37 million dollars (24.86 million pounds) and 47.98 million dollars (38.06 million pounds).
Christie’s: Sale estimates of Surrealism works at auction
René Magritte: “La reconnaissance infinie”
The highlight of the auction is “La reconnaissance infinie” (1933) by René Magritte, with an estimate between 6,000,000 and 9,000,000 pounds.
This work, considered one of the most iconic and mysterious of the artist, is supported by a guarantee and has a history of four previous ownership transfers.
Paul Delvaux: Three Masterpieces
The auction will include three important paintings by Paul Delvaux, coming from a prestigious private collection and offered to the market for the first time in over 30 years:
- “Les belles de nuit” (1936): Estimate between 500,000 and 1,000,000 pounds. This work boasts an illustrious provenance, having been owned by Edward James, a well-known patron of Surrealism.
- “La ville endormie” (1938): Estimate between 1,200,000 and 1,800,000 pounds. It represents a dreamlike vision of female figures immersed in a fantastic city.
- “Nuit de Noël” (1956): Estimate between 1,000,000 and 2,000,000 pounds. It depicts a serene scene in an urban railway station illuminated by the moon.
Other Significant Works at auction
Among the other noteworthy lots:
- Jean Arp: “Amphore infinie” (1929), estimate between 1,600,000 and 2,400,000 pounds.
- Max Ernst: “Coloradeau de Méduse”, estimate between 700,000 and 1,000,000 pounds.
- Francis Picabia: “Le rêve de Susanne”, estimate between 250,000 and 350,000 pounds.
Market Analysis of Surrealism Artworks
Growth and Interest
In recent years, the market for surrealist works has shown significant growth. Artists like René Magritte, Paul Delvaux, and Max Ernst have seen the valuations of their works increase, reflecting a growing interest from collectors and investors.
Factors that Influence the Value at auction
The market value of surrealist works is influenced by several factors:
- Provenienza: Works with a history of illustrious ownership tend to have higher valuations.
- Rarità: Unique lots or with few versions existing on the market are particularly sought after.
- Condition: The state of preservation significantly affects the final price.
- Market Demand: The current interest of collectors in specific artists or movements can increase valuations.
Current Trends
The recent auctions have demonstrated a growing demand for high-quality works, with collectors willing to invest considerable sums to acquire significant pieces.
This trend suggests a solid confidence in the long-term value of surrealist works.
The Christie’s auction on March 5, 2025, represents a significant event for the surrealist art market.
The works for sale, with their high estimates and illustrious provenances, highlight the importance and enduring appeal of Surrealism in the contemporary art landscape.
It will be interesting to see how the market will respond to this offer and what new records might be set.
As expert in digital marketing, Amelia began working in the fintech sector in 2014 after writing her thesis on Bitcoin technology. Previously author for several international crypto-related magazines and CMO at Eidoo. She is now the co-founder and editor-in-chief of The Cryptonomist and Econique.
She is also a marketing teacher at Digital Coach in Milan and she published a book about NFTs for the Italian publishing house Mondadori, while she is also helping artists and company to entering in the sector. As advisor, Amelia is also involved in metaverse-related project such as The Nemesis and OVER.
