Impressionist & Modern Art

I n October 1958, Sotheby’s transformed the modern auction landscape with the landmark Goldschmidt sale, the first evening auction dedicated to Impressionist and Post‑Impressionist art. More than six decades later, in June 2020, Sotheby’s again redefined the industry by staging the first global live‑streamed evening sale with real‑time bidding from Hong Kong, London, and New York. These historic moments are part of a long tradition of record‑breaking auctions featuring the most important paintings, sculptures, and works on paper from the 19th century through the Post‑War era.

Among Sotheby’s most celebrated achievements, the May 2012 sale of Edvard Munch’s The Scream reached $120 million, setting a world auction record at the time. In May 2019, Claude Monet’s Meules achieved $111 million, establishing the highest price ever paid for an Impressionist artwork at auction.

Sotheby’s global team includes internationally recognized specialists whose market knowledge and experience remain unmatched. Major Impressionist & Modern Art auctions take place each February and June in London, and every May and November in New York, complemented by additional sales in Hong Kong, Paris, and Milan, as well as online‑only auctions offered throughout the year to meet growing digital demand.

In advance of our sales, we are pleased to offer complimentary and confidential valuations for collectors seeking to consign works of art or explore current market opportunities.