Sotheby's and Christie's to Host Major Art Auctions
The New York auction houses plan high-value sales this November featuring works by iconic artists.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Fine Art
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Christie's and Sotheby's have scheduled major art auctions in New York for November 2026. The sales will feature significant pieces from the private collections of Jeff Koons and the late Nelly Arrieta de Blaquier.
Why it matters
Auction houses organize these high-profile single-owner sales to gauge market appetite for fine art. The industry is currently seeking evidence of growth to confirm a broader art market revival.
The 12 works from the Nelly Arrieta de Blaquier collection are expected to fetch $450 million, including the painting Châtaigniers en fleurs, which is estimated to be worth $180 million. For comparison, Jeff Koons sold his work Rabbit for $91.1 million in 2019.
The players
Christie's
This British-founded auction house is a global leader in the art market and hosts frequent high-profile sales in New York.
Sotheby's
This international corporation is one of the world's oldest brokers of fine art and continues to manage significant private estate auctions.
Jeff Koons
He is a prominent American artist known for his massive sculptures and conceptual works that command high prices at major auctions.
Nelly Arrieta de Blaquier
She was a noted collector whose estate contains rare Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces.
The details
Sotheby's auction will include 12 pieces of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art that have not been seen in public for 50 years. Christie's is simultaneously preparing a sale of art from the collection of Jeff Koons valued at $100 million.
Timeline
Nelly Arrieta de Blaquier died in 2020.
Jeff Koons sold his work Rabbit for $91.1 million in 2019.
Sotheby's and Christie's auctions occur in November 2026.
Jeff Koons plans to offer Old Masters for sale in January 2027.
Industry Dynamics
These auctions reflect a strategy by major houses to use single-owner collections to anchor the high-end art market during periods of uncertainty. The market remains sensitive to these major sales as bellwethers for global art investment trends.
Prospective buyers and enthusiasts can view these rare works during the lengthy previews organized by the auction houses before the public sale dates. These events provide a limited opportunity for the public to see pieces that have been held in private collections for decades.
The takeaway
The visibility of long-held private collections often serves as a catalyst for renewed interest in specific art movements. Potential investors should monitor these sales as they will likely influence pricing trends across the broader auction season.
What happens next
Jeff Koons is scheduled to offer a collection of Old Masters for sale in January 2027.
Further reading
For more on the current market, explore the Fine Art section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Apollo Magazine.
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