In 2025 the global art market confirmed its resilience, recording particular trends and significant results in the main aste internationally.
From London to Hong Kong, passing through Parigi, collectors have shown consistent interest in established artists and rare works, pushing prices well beyond initial estimates. This article analyzes the most expensive works sold at auction and the emerging trends that characterize the contemporary landscape.
The record sales: from Peter Doig to Paula Rego
During the Frieze Week in October, Christie’s London achieved one of the most profitable auctions of the year. The total sold reached 106.9 million pounds, with a sell-through rate of 92% per lot. Dominating the evening was the work “Ski Jacket” (1994) by Peter Doig, sold for 14.27 million pounds, well beyond expectations.
Another noteworthy result is the auction record set by Paula Rego with “Dancing Ostriches” (1995), sold for 3.47 million pounds. This marks a significant moment for the Portuguese artist, consolidating her status in the international secondary market.
Asia between confirmations and selectivity
In Hong Kong, Phillips celebrated its tenth anniversary in the Asian market with an auction of 28 million dollars. The top lot was “Pinky” (2000) by Yoshitomo Nara, sold for 7.2 million dollars. Although below initial estimates, the result confirms the interest in the Japanese artist, already the protagonist of previous records.
Other significant lots include an abstract work by Zao Wou-Ki (27.01.86) sold for 3.83 million dollars, and an American pop classic, “Smoker #17” (1975) by Tom Wesselmann, auctioned for about 1.8 million dollars.
Despite the lower volume compared to European auctions, the Asian market remains central for international collecting, with a growing trend towards greater selectivity by buyers.
Paris rediscovers Picasso
On the calendar for October, the Paris auction of Maison Lucien promises to attract attention with an unpublished work by Pablo Picasso, created in 1943 and depicting Dora Maar. The initial estimate is around 8 million euros, but given the rarity and historical importance of the painting, a significantly higher hammer price is expected.
The presence of unpublished works by 20th-century masters like Picasso highlights the vitality of the European market and the continuous search for unique pieces by collectors.
Market trends: quality, internationality, and female records
From the analysis of recent results, some key trends emerge:
- High demand for artists with a consolidated museum profile: Doig, Rego, and Picasso are examples. Museum-quality works maintain high attractiveness and value over time.
- Growing interest in female artists: the record of Paula Rego demonstrates a progressive rebalancing of the market in favor of historically undervalued female artists.
- Global but segmented market: while London and Paris are confirmed as reference markets for top-tier sales, Hong Kong stands out for a more cautious but still significant collecting.
- Increasing selectivity: some lots with a high estimated value, like other works by Nara or young contemporary artists, did not find buyers. The market rewards quality and rarity more than novelty.
The trends of 2025 for the art market
The year 2025 ends with encouraging trends for the art market: works of great quality continue to register record figures, while demand remains high especially for established historical and contemporary artists. The observed trends highlight a system that is increasingly mature, selective, and attentive to the cultural value of the works.
In a global context marked by economic and political uncertainties, art once again confirms itself as a prestigious safe haven. But which artists will be the next to surpass the ten million threshold? And to what extent will the search for the new drive new records?
The 2026 is shaping up to be a crucial year to find out.
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.
