Two artworks sell for over $100 million each
A Jackson Pollock painting and a Constantin Brancusi sculpture sold for $181 million and $108 million. The sales indicate renewed strength at the top of the art market.
SemaforTwo artworks from the estate of former Condé Nast publisher S.I. Newhouse Jr. sold for more than $100 million each. The transactions point to renewed activity at the upper end of the market after several years of decline. A UBS report showed global art sales rose 4 percent in 2025, ending a two-year contraction.
The sales build on earlier signs of recovery in international art trading. Officials tracking the sector noted the increase followed a period of reduced transaction volume.
Some analysts have expressed concern that ongoing conflict in the Middle East could affect future sales. The region has become one of the larger markets for high-value art purchases.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
3 events- 2025
Global art sales increased 4 percent according to UBS report.
1 sourceSemafor - May 19, 2026
Jackson Pollock painting sold for $181 million.
1 sourceSemafor - May 19, 2026
Constantin Brancusi sculpture sold for $108 million.
1 sourceSemafor
Potential Impact
- 01
Higher prices at the top of the market may encourage additional consignments from major estates.
- 02
Continued conflict in the Middle East could reduce participation from buyers in that region.
Transparency Panel
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