Global Art Market Rebounds in 2025 with Record Sales and Notable Auction Highlights

The international art market demonstrated resilience in 2025, achieving growth despite economic and geopolitical challenges. According to the Art Basel and UBS Global Art Market Report for 2026, total sales increased by four percent to approximately $59.6 billion. Dealer revenues rose by two percent to $34.8 billion, while public auctions saw a nine percent increase to $20.7 billion. The report, considered a definitive analysis, noted a market turnaround after years of decline and modest expansion. Dealers remained robust, with 42 percent reporting higher sales and new galleries accounting for 42 percent of activity, despite rising operational costs. The share of artworks by female artists grew to 37 percent of sales, up from 28 percent in 2018. Online sales declined by 11 percent to $9.2 billion, the lowest since 2019. The United States remained the largest market with 44 percent share, followed by the United Kingdom at 18 percent and China at 14 percent. France increased its portion to eight percent, maintaining its position as the leading EU market, while Germany experienced a ten percent drop in sales and Italy saw a two percent decrease. In auction news, a recently rediscovered still life by 17th-century French painter Lubin Baugin, 'Nature morte aux financiers,' sold for €440,000 at Vichy Enchères on August 16, 2025, setting a new record for the artist. The Friends of the Pinakothek der Moderne celebrated their 60th anniversary with a benefit auction on November 15, featuring contemporary works including Peter Halley's 'Dada Ji,' expected to fetch at least €140,000. Additionally, a rare 1941 Hasselblad HK 7 aerial camera sold for €32,000 at Cologne's Breker auction house on September 13, far exceeding its starting price of €900.