Christie's and Sotheby's Autumn Auctions: Italian Art Under the Spotlight in London

Christie's and Sotheby's are set to conduct Post War and Contemporary Art auctions in London on October 4 and 5, highlighting Italian art during Frieze week. Christie's sale, titled 'Thinking Italian,' comprises 37 lots, with Lucio Fontana's 'Concetto spaziale, La fine di Dio' (1963) leading the pack, estimated at £17 million. Additional Fontana pieces include 'Concetto spaziale' (1951, estimated £800,000–1,200,000) and 'Attese' (1964, estimated £1,800,000–2,500,000). A preview in Milan on September 13 featured works by Maria Lai and Gianfranco Baruchello. Meanwhile, Sotheby's will include Italian artists in its Contemporary Art Evening Auction on October 5, showcasing ten lots, including works by Fontana and Manzoni. The Milan preview took place on September 17, with the auctions challenging collector confidence amid stiff competition from prominent artists.