Henry Moore sculpture sets auction record at London March 2026 sales

A bronze sculpture by Henry Moore titled King and Queen (1952–53) achieved £26.3 million ($35.2 million) at Christie's 20/21 evening sale in London during March 2026. This result establishes a new auction high for the artist and represents the most valuable lot across major auction houses in London that week. The piece, the final privately held cast of this double portrait, had been owned by the same family since its acquisition from Moore in 1954. The bidding lasted eight minutes among six collectors, surpassing its low estimate. The sculpture's inspiration is partly drawn from an Egyptian artwork depicting Pharaoh Horemheb and his wife, housed in the British Museum.