Auction art sales in Paris improved by 6 per cent in 1999 compared with 1998 totalling 3,12 billion FF (US $ 487,5 million) against 3 billion FF. Sales held at Drouot-Montaigne and Drouot-Richelieu improved by 11 per cent totalling 2,4 billion FF (US $ 343,75 million) against 2,2 billion in 1998. 170 works of art were sold beyond the 1 million FF (US $ 156,250) mark during 1999, representing a 20 per cent improvement over 1998. The highest bid recorded last year in Paris was for 17th Century Dutch painter Gerrit Berckheyde's view of the Saint Bavon church, which fetched 26 million FF (inclusive of buyer premium) (US $ 4,06 million). In addition, several world record prices were recorded for the 17th Century Flemish artist Osias Beert, French 18th Century painter J.B Oudry and for Art deco furniture makers Pierre Legrain and E. J Ruhlmann.
Home
