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celebration of the most iconic artworks and objects to pass through our doors as an international auction house. Spanning time and mediums – from a 67-million-year-old Tyrannosaurus rex to Maurizio’s Cattelan infamous banana – the book explores their significance and journey to our salesrooms. Presenting works by titans of art history and from some of the most prestigious collections entrusted to us, enjoy behind-the-scenes insight to the pivotal moments in the art market.
Past Events
- Sotheby’s London | 27 February
- Sotheby’s Maison, Hong Kong | 20 May
- UCCA, Beijing | 22 May
- Sotheby’s Zurich | 14 June
- Chicago Arts Club | 24 June
- The National Gallery, London | 17 July
- H+ Museum, Suzhou | 17 July
- FT Weekend Festival, London | 5 September
- Micky Hoogendijk Gallery, Amsterdam | 9 September
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How Do Objects Achieve Iconic Status?The discussion examined how artworks move beyond their material form to become shared cultural symbols. Speakers considered what gives certain objects the power to endure, resonate across generations and command lasting fascination. Sir Grayson Perry, Dr Xa Sturgis and Helena Newman joined James Haldane to discuss how extraordinary objects achieve iconic status. -
Deconstructing IconsExploring what it means to be an icon, this conversation considered how icons endure, transform and take on new meanings over time. Greg Lauren and Nicolas Chow reflected on art, fashion and cultural memory, considering how imperfection, patina and human stories shape our understanding of iconic objects. Moderated by CC Xichu Wang, the discussion examined how icons are created, deconstructed and reimagined.
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What Makes an Icon?Focusing on the making of cultural icons, this discussion explored how works, images and individuals transcend their original context to become lasting symbols. Speakers examined how icons are formed, sustained and reinterpreted in an era shaped by global markets, digital platforms and evolving cultural narratives. Zhu Zhu, Jen Hua, Guo Xi, Chen Ke and Zhang Yuling joined the discussion, moderated by Hilary Shi.
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From Object to Icon: What Makes an Extraordinary Work of Art?This conversation explored why certain works of art acquire a life beyond their original moment to become enduring cultural symbols. Drawing on highlights from the Lewis Collection, Sotheby’s ICONS exhibition and the London June 2026 sales, speakers considered the qualities that give extraordinary objects their lasting significance. The discussion featured Nick Deimel and Antonia Gardner, moderated by Johan Nauckhoff.
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Sotheby’s Icons: In ConversationTaking Icons as its starting point, this conversation explored the stories behind some of the most significant objects and artworks sold through Sotheby’s. Angel Idowu and Mercedes Lámbarri Altamira examined how extraordinary works have shaped art market history and traced their journeys through the Sotheby’s salesroom. The discussion offered insight into the people, moments and histories behind iconic objects.
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Icons: Extraordinary Artworks from the National Gallery and Sotheby’sBringing together perspectives from the National Gallery and Sotheby's, Chloe Stead, Patrick Elliot and Will Gompertz explored how artworks move beyond their material form to become enduring cultural icons. The discussion examined the qualities that allow certain objects to define eras, ideas and ways of seeing, drawing on examples from the National Gallery's collection and beyond. The conversation considered the roles of rarity, beauty, provenance, myth and public imagination in shaping iconic status.
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Beyond IconsThis panel explored how the meaning of an icon extends beyond the object itself, shaped instead by the ongoing process of being seen, narrated, and reinterpreted. The discussion traced not only the origins of an icon but also its evolution and enduring resonance across generations. Featuring Tan Yuanyuan, Lin Dongfu, Jen Hua, Lv Jinzhou, and Pu Yingwei, moderated by Wang Ying.
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What Makes an Image an Icon?In this conversation, Es Devlin, Ekow Eshun and Helena Newman examined examples ranging from Munch's The Scream and Stradivari's celebrated violins to Malcolm X, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Marilyn Monroe, considering how fame, history, reproduction and public imagination contribute to iconic status. Moderated by Melanie Gerlis, the conversation explored why certain images continue to resonate across generations and shape our collective cultural memory.
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Icons: Fashion is ArtHow does fashion transcend its functional purpose to become art? Tess van Zalinge, Sebastiana Fanari and Sarah de Clercq examined how garments and objects acquire iconic status through design, craftsmanship, cultural memory, celebrity and provenance. Drawing on examples ranging from Vermeer and Mondrian to Martin Margiela, the Birkin bag, Jacqueline Kennedy's faux pearls and Tupac Shakur's crown ring, the conversation considered the evolving relationship between fashion, art and cultural artefact.
Podcast Episodes
Icons: Fashion is Art, with Tess van Zalinge
In this episode, we ask: when does fashion become art? The discussion explores how garments and objects acquire iconic status through design, craftsmanship, cultural memory, celebrity and provenance. Joining the discussion are Dutch fashion designer Tess van Zalinge and Sebastiana Fanari, Specialist in Handbags & Fashion at Sotheby’s Paris, in conversation with Sarah de Clercq, Managing Director & Senior Specialist of Sotheby’s Netherlands. From Vermeer and Mondrian to Margiela, they consider where the boundaries lie between fashion, art and cultural artefact.
Deconstructing Icons, with Greg Lauren
In this episode, we explore the question: What does it mean to be an icon, and how do icons endure or transform over time? This panel brings together fashion designer Greg Lauren and Nicolas Chow, Chairman of Sotheby’s Asia, for a conversation on art, fashion, and cultural memory, moderated by CC Xichu Wang, Maison Director of Sotheby’s Asia. From ancient sculptures and fragments to garments stitched from salvaged materials, the discussion reflects on imperfection, patina, and the human stories embedded in objects. Together, they consider how icons are created, deconstructed, and reimagined — and how they reveal new layers of meaning.
How Do Objects Achieve Iconic Status with Grayson Perry and Xa Sturgis
Taking inspiration from the book Icons: 100 Extraordinary Objects from Sotheby’s History, published by Phaidon, the discussion explores how a work of art can transform beyond its material form to become a universal cultural image – instantly recognisable, endlessly reproduced, and symbolically charged. Joining the discussion are artist Sir Grayson Perry; Xa Sturgis, Director of the Ashmolean Museum; and Helena Newman, Chairman of Sotheby’s Europe and Chairman of Impressionist & Modern Art Worldwide.