Canaletto Leads Old Master Sales in 2025 with $43.8M at Christie's
A Canaletto painting of Venice sold for $43.8 million at Christie's last summer, becoming the top Old Master auction result of 2025. The work, depicting Ascension Day in Venice, tripled the next-highest price in the category. Experts attributed its success to its prized subject, large size, and pristine condition, attracting ultra-wealthy buyers beyond typical Old Master collectors. A triptych of Jesus performing miracles by an unknown 15th-century artist also sold for $7.55 million, noted by dealer Robert Simon as a rare intact work of great quality. The data comes from the Artnet Intelligence Report: Year Ahead 2026.
Key facts
- Canaletto's Venice view sold for $43.8 million at Christie's in summer 2025.
- The price was three times the next-highest Old Master auction result of 2025.
- The painting depicts Ascension Day in Venice and was noted for its size and condition.
- Jeff Bezos was jokingly rumored as the buyer for a wedding gift.
- A 15th-century triptych by an unknown artist sold for $7.55 million.
- Dealer Robert Simon commented on the triptych's quality and condition.
- The article is part of the Artnet Intelligence Report: Year Ahead 2026.
- The report analyzes the past year's art market performance.
Entities
Artists
- Canaletto
- Robert Simon
Institutions
- Christie's
- Artnet News
Locations
- Venice
- Italy