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Christie's Spring Marquee Week Hits $1.35 Billion with Back-to-Back Evening Sales

market-auction · 2026-05-22

On May 20, Christie's Spring Marquee Week featured two prominent evening auctions, showcasing the collections of Henry S. McNeil, Jr. and Marian's Richters. These events collectively generated an impressive $162.7 million in sales, with 98% of the lots being sold. Notably, the 21st Century Evening Sale alone accounted for $136.8 million, marking a remarkable 42% increase compared to the previous year and achieving the highest total for this category at Christie's New York in five years. Overall, the week’s sales reached $1.35 billion, almost doubling the previous year's earnings for the same period.

Key facts

  • Two evening sales on May 20 achieved $162,698,350 total.
  • 98% of lots sold across both sales.
  • 21st Century Evening Sale total was $136,808,450.
  • That total was 42% higher than last May's sale.
  • It was the highest 21st Century Evening Sale total at Christie's New York in five years.
  • Week's running total stands at $1,346,800,656.
  • That is nearly double last May Marquee Week's total.
  • Sales included Defined Space: The Collection of Henry S. McNeil, Jr. and Marian's Richters & the 21st Century Evening Sale.

Entities

Artists

  • Henry S. McNeil, Jr.
  • Marian Richters

Institutions

  • Christie's

Locations

  • New York
  • United States

Sources