Impressionist and Modern Art Overtakes Postwar as Top Market Segment in 2025

In 2025, the Impressionist and Modern segment emerged as the top-performing area of the art market, achieving $4.7 billion in sales—a 29.5 percent rise compared to 2024—driven by collectors' preference for well-known artists in a cautious environment. Notably, the $10-million-plus segment experienced remarkable growth, generating $1.5 billion, a 68.6 percent increase. The total number of lots sold reached a ten-year high of 122,213, with the average lot price climbing 22.4 percent year over year. Following closely, postwar and contemporary art totaled $4.1 billion, a modest 2.5 percent increase, although the average price fell to a decade low of $23,027. Old Masters sales hit $708.6 million, boosted by the Thomas A. Saunders III collection sold at Sotheby's for $65 million in May. Meanwhile, the ultra-contemporary sector saw a 26.5 percent decline, totaling $229.9 million, with average prices dropping to $15,629.