Art Basel 2026 Preview: Slower Sales, Blue-Chip Works Unsold
During the 2026 preview of Art Basel, the atmosphere is notably subdued, with collectors in attendance but little urgency in purchasing. By Wednesday noon, numerous prominent galleries still have high-value pieces available. David Zwirner showcases a Francis Bacon priced at $17 million alongside a Cy Twombly. Landau features a 1960 Giacometti 'Femme assise' listed at $9.25 million. Cardi Gallery presents a 1926 De Chirico for $5 million and a Mimmo Rotella for $300,000. White Cube has yet to finalize a sale for a Michael Armitage at €3.8 million. Hauser & Wirth indicates that 75% of its booth has been refreshed, including a green Fontana at $5.5 million. Victoria Miro successfully sold Hernan Bas's 'Self Storage' for $225,000. Although the 'Unlimited' section lacks excitement, dealers remain hopeful despite the slow sales.
Key facts
- Art Basel 2026 preview in Basel, Switzerland, sees slower sales than previous years.
- Many major galleries have unsold blue-chip works by Wednesday noon.
- David Zwirner offers a Francis Bacon at $17 million and a Cy Twombly.
- Landau presents a 1960 Giacometti 'Femme assise' at $9.25 million, unsold.
- Cardi Gallery has a 1926 De Chirico at $5 million and a Mimmo Rotella at $300,000.
- Hauser & Wirth claims 75% of its booth has been replaced; a green Fontana at $5.5 million.
- Victoria Miro sold Hernan Bas's 'Self Storage' for $225,000.
- Art Basel revives 'Basel exclusive' label to encourage surprise works.
- Unlimited section curated by Ruba Katrib is less spectacular, fewer oversized works.
- Feature section includes 16 historical monographic projects with Italian artists.
Entities
Artists
- Francis Bacon
- Cy Twombly
- Alberto Giacometti
- Giorgio de Chirico
- Mimmo Rotella
- Giorgio Morandi
- Louise Bourgeois
- Michael Armitage
- Tracey Emin
- Lucio Fontana
- Nicolas Party
- Hernan Bas
- Mario Merz
- Michelangelo Pistoletto
- Mario Schifano
- Gastone Novelli
- Joaquín Torres-García
- Eduardo Arroyo
- Endre Tót
- Oskar Schlemmer
- Agostino Bonalumi
- Jannis Kounellis
- Roberto Crippa
- Vanessa Beecroft
- Monica Mays
- Eli Coplan
Institutions
- Art Basel
- David Zwirner
- Landau
- Cardi Gallery
- Karsten Greve
- White Cube
- Hauser & Wirth
- Victoria Miro
- Giorgio Persano
- Repetto
- ML Fine Art
- Vedovi
- Lia Rumma
- Blue Velvet Gallery
- A. Squire Gallery
- Collezione da Tiffany
Locations
- Basel
- Switzerland
- Messeplatz
- Paris
- Upstate New York
- Madrid
- Spain