CHRISTIE’S NEW YORK
THE PAUL G. ALLEN COLLECTION AT CHRISTIE'S TOTALS $1.62 BILLION
MOST VALUABLE COLLECTION OF ALL TIME
WITH 5 WORKS SELLING FOR MORE THAN $100 MILLION
A LANDMARK PHILANTHROPIC EVENT
WITH GLOBAL BIDDING FROM 32 COUNTRIES
New York – On Thursday, November 10, 2022, Christie’s concluded Visionary: The Paul G. Allen Collection, a landmark philanthropic event. Visionary comprised 155 masterpiece objects spanning 500 years of art history. It was sold over a two-day series of auctions. In total, the collection realized $1,622,249,500, well in excess of the total high estimate. It was 100% sold. The regional breakdown by value was 33% Americas, 28% APAC, and 39% EMEA. There was great strength and depth in bidding across the collection, with an average of 5.6 bidders competing for each lot. Of all the registrants for the sales, nearly 15% were new to Christie’s.
Jody Allen, Executor of the Paul G. Allen Estate, commented, “To Paul, art was both analytical and emotional. He believed that art expressed a unique view of reality – combining the artist’s inner state and inner eye – in a way that can inspire us all. His collection reflects the diversity of his interests, with their own mystique and beauty. These works mean so much to so many, and I know that Christie’s will ensure their respectful dispersal to generate tremendous value for philanthropic pursuits in accordance with Paul’s wishes.”
A visionary and innovator, Paul G. Allen collected art of the finest caliber, acquiring superb pieces by the world’s most iconic artists. The collection reflects the pioneering work of artistic visionaries through their expression of paint, light, portraiture, and place.
Guillaume Cerutti, CEO, Christie’s, said, “The Paul G. Allen collection attracted tens of thousands of visitors to Christie’s galleries around the world, and has now made history, setting the record for the most valuable auction sale ever. This resounding success can be attributed to the unique combination of the intrinsic quality of the art works, the inspiring and visionary figure of Paul G. Allen, and the philanthropic endeavors underpinning the sale. Christie’s is deeply honored to have been entrusted with the sale of this collection.”
