Christie’s correctly predicted that the sale would be the “largest and most exceptional art auction.”
The property of Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen has become the most valuable private collection of all time at $1.62 billion.
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In a single evening, the Paul Allen collection sold 60 works for a total of $1.5 billion. These include five paintings that achieved prices above $100 million.
Featured works sold 100 percent by lot with 65 percent going on to exceed their already high estimates.
In line with Allen’s wishes, Christie’s will dedicate all proceeds to philanthropy.
“The room tonight was extremely special, and we were joined by colleagues from around the world. Demonstrating the global demand of this once-in-a-lifetime collection,” 20th and 21st century art vice chairman Johanna Flaum said.
Allen was an American investor and philanthropist best known for co-founding Microsoft Corporation with Bill Gates. He passed away in October 2018 at the age of 65.
Banner Photo by Christie’s via Twitter.
