Global context · 25 September 2026

Christie’s Hosts Four Major Auctions During Paris Art Week 2026

Christie’s held four auctions in Paris from October 22 to 23, 2026, featuring landmark collections with a total estimated value exceeding €100 million.

During Paris Art Week 2026, Christie’s organised four auctions in Paris on October 22 and 23, featuring works from four landmark collections: the Durand-Ruel family, Antonio Homem Sonnabend, Marlene and Spencer Hays, and the “Radiant Modernism” Collection. The combined estimated value of these auctions was over €100 million.

The auction series began on October 22 at 2:30 p.m. with the Durand-Ruel: Generations of Visions sale. This was followed at 3:30 p.m. by the 20th/21st Century: Paris Evening Sale, which included the Thinking Italian segment. On October 23, the Modern Art Sale started at 10:00 a.m., featuring works from both the Durand-Ruel and Marlene and Spencer Hays collections. The Contemporary Art Day Sale Paris concluded the series at 4:00 p.m. on the same day.

Public exhibitions of the auction highlights were held from October 16 to 22 in the immediate vicinity of the Art Basel fair at the Grand Palais. These exhibitions provided an opportunity for the public to view selected works before the auctions.

A press preview took place on October 19 at 4:00 p.m., offering media representatives an early look at the auction highlights. Later that day, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., a preview was held during the MaSH (Matignon Saint-Honoré) association’s evening event, allowing further public access to the works.

Among the featured works was Claude Monet’s "Bord des falaises à Pourville," estimated at €11–15 million. This painting had remained in the Durand-Ruel family for more than 140 years, underscoring its provenance within the collection.

Another highlight was Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s "Jeunes filles au bord de la mer," valued at €4–6 million. This painting has been lent to some of the world’s leading museums, reflecting its exhibition history.

The Antonio Homem Sonnabend Collection included a group of major Post-War and Contemporary artworks, as well as photographs, prints, multiples, and design pieces. The Modern Art Sale also featured works from the Marlene and Spencer Hays collection, contributing to the diversity of the auction offerings during Paris Art Week 2026.

Why it matters

The Paris Art Week 2026 auctions by Christie’s brought together significant collections with a high total estimated value, providing a unique opportunity for collectors and the public to engage with important artworks across multiple periods. The event’s location near Art Basel and the public exhibitions enhanced accessibility and visibility for these landmark sales.

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