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Sotheby's Returns to Live Auctions in Milan with Gnoli, Schifano, Burri, and Hirst

market-auction · 2026-04-27

On April 13, 2022, Sotheby's is set to conduct its first live auction in Milan since the onset of the pandemic, taking place at Palazzo Serbelloni, with a preview scheduled for April 7. The Contemporary Auction will showcase 52 lots, with 90% being auction newcomers, featuring pieces from prominent collections. Notable works include "Mise en plis n.1" by Domenico Gnoli (1964, estimated at €800,000–1,200,000) and "Milano" by Mario Schifano (1962, estimated at €800,000–1,000,000). Additionally, two still lifes by Giorgio Morandi will make their debut: one from 1948 (€800,000–1,200,000) and another from 1960 (€600,000–800,000). Online bidding opens on April 7 and concludes on April 13 at 6 PM, featuring artists like Stanley Whitney, John Chamberlain, Damien Hirst, and George Condo.

Key facts

  • Sotheby's holds first live auction in Milan since pandemic on April 13, 2022 at Palazzo Serbelloni.
  • 52 lots, 90% never auctioned before, from 20th and 21st centuries.
  • Domenico Gnoli's 'Mise en plis n.1' (1964) estimated €800,000–1,200,000.
  • Mario Schifano's 'Milano' (1962) estimated €800,000–1,000,000, unseen for 48 years.
  • Two Giorgio Morandi still lifes debut: 1948 (€800,000–1,200,000) and 1960 (€600,000–800,000).
  • International artists include Stanley Whitney, John Chamberlain, Damien Hirst, George Condo.
  • Online bidding from April 7; evening sale April 13 at 6 PM.
  • Raphaelle Blanga and Marta Giani commented on collector enthusiasm and market trends.

Entities

Artists

  • Domenico Gnoli
  • Mario Schifano
  • Giorgio Morandi
  • Alberto Burri
  • Lucio Fontana
  • George Condo
  • Damien Hirst
  • Cy Twombly
  • Piero Manzoni
  • Stanley Whitney
  • John Chamberlain

Institutions

  • Sotheby's
  • Fondazione Prada
  • Sotheby's London
  • NABA, Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti

Locations

  • Milan
  • Italy
  • Palazzo Serbelloni
  • London
  • United Kingdom

Sources