It’s Sunday. Two days before the major Evening Sale. Prime viewing time for the public and the big fish out there.
The army of Specialists in suits was in full action: Mr O, wearing his trademark designer glasses, could be seen removing the headline Picasso off the wall sans gloves, perhaps taking it to the back room for a VIP’s close scrutiny; Ms G, waltzing wealthy clients around the room with elegant composure, was recounting anecdotes of the former owner of their featured Monet going under the hammer (“I’ve sold a few things for Monsieur B…amazing story”).
One gallerist whispered to another:
“I don’t sell to the Chinese, and I don’t sell to the Russian…I only work with the primary market…Ah yes, there is more potential in San Francisco anyway…”
A group of potential bidders took on the matter quite differently: “Promise me you won’t compete against me – and I won’t compete against you!”
Meanwhile, a 6-year-old girl apparently had her eyes on a £50,000 table by Diego Giacometti (Alberto’s younger brother), precociously imitating her parents:
“I like this maman – I’m so buying it!”
Regardless of the results, one thing is for sure: the auction house has the world’s eyes peeled for yet another supposedly record-breaking sale on Tuesday. For the rest of the world with no fortune to place a bid – this is always an entertaining read on the wealth and dealings of the art market.
