Record-Breaking £99.58m Auction of Pauline Karpidas Collection at Sotheby's

In a landmark event for the art world, Sotheby's London has successfully auctioned the private collection of esteemed art patron Pauline Karpidas, amassing a total of £99.58 million ($136 million) over three days in September 2025. This sale not only surpassed the pre-sale high estimate but also set a new record for a single-owner auction in Europe.

The auction, titled "Pauline Karpidas: The London Collection," was held from September 17 to 19, 2025, and featured approximately 250 artworks and design pieces from Karpidas's eclectic collection. Highlights included René Magritte's La Statue volante, which sold for £13.7 million, and bespoke design pieces by Claude and François-Xavier Lalanne. The event underscored the enduring appeal of Surrealist art and bespoke design in the contemporary market.

Background on Pauline Karpidas

Born in Manchester, England, Pauline Karpidas is a distinguished art collector and patron renowned for her eclectic taste and significant contributions to the art world. Her journey into art collection began in the 1970s after marrying Greek shipping magnate Constantinos Karpidas. A pivotal moment in her collecting career was her encounter with art dealer Alexander Iolas in 1974, who became her mentor and guided her towards Surrealist art. Over the decades, Karpidas amassed a diverse collection featuring works by artists such as Max Ernst, Salvador Dalí, René Magritte, Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, and Jeff Koons. She is also known for supporting contemporary artists like Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin.

Details of the Sotheby's Auction

The auction was conducted over three days:

• Evening Auction: September 17, 2025
• Day Auction: September 18, 2025
• Online Auction: September 19, 2025

The collection was estimated to exceed £60 million, marking the highest estimate for a single-owner sale in Sotheby's European history.

Highlights from the Collection

The auction showcased significant works by renowned artists, including:

• René Magritte's La Statue volante: Sold for £13.7 million, within its estimated range of £9–12 million.
• Andy Warhol's The Scream (After Munch): A notable work reflecting Warhol's engagement with iconic imagery.
• Salvador Dalí's Portrait of Gala: A personal depiction of Dalí's muse and wife.

Additionally, the sale included bespoke design pieces by Claude and François-Xavier Lalanne, such as a unique Végétale Mirror and Wall Light that sold for £2.9 million, significantly surpassing its high estimate.

Auction Results

The auctions achieved remarkable success:

• Evening Auction: Totaled £73.19 million ($99.58 million), exceeding the pre-sale high estimate.
• Sell-Through Rate: The Evening Auction achieved a 100% sell-through rate, indicating strong demand for Karpidas's curated collection.

Public Exhibition

Prior to the auctions, a public exhibition of the collection was held at Sotheby's Bond Street galleries from September 8 to 16, 2025, allowing the public to view the eclectic array of masterpieces and bespoke furnishings.

Market Implications

The success of this auction underscores the enduring appeal and value of Surrealist art and bespoke design pieces in the contemporary art market. It also highlights the significant role of female collectors like Pauline Karpidas in shaping art collections that garner international acclaim. The strong performance of Surrealist works, particularly those by female artists, reflects a growing appreciation and market demand for this genre.

The success of the Pauline Karpidas auction at Sotheby's London highlights the lasting value and interest in meticulously curated art collections, setting a new benchmark for future single-owner sales.