Established in 1744, Sotheby’s Auction House is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Sotheby’s promotes access to and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions and buy-now channels including private sales, e-commerce, and retail. The holiday gift guide is filled with inspiration for the perfect gift for everyone on your list. And this year, the auction house had several significant lots, resulting in worldwide press, and discussion about a certain banana. Join us as we celebrate the end of the year with Sotheby’s highlights for 2024.
Whether you’re searching for a new pair of earrings or a stunning necklace for someone special, Sotheby’s has the right gift for you. Surprised and delight with a silk Hermès scarf, classic luxury handbag, or a deluxe copy of William Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream.
For him, check out the curated selection of watches and sports collectibles. Pick up a Rolex, Patek, or Vacheron Constantin for a stylish wrist accessory. A selection of Nike Air Jordan’s, or Jayson Tatum’s Boston Celtics 2021-2022 game-worn Nike basketball jersey, or a pair of Louis Vuitton trainers would make the day of any man in your life.
For the pop culture lover, a selection of vintage movie posters, including Jaws, The Wizard of Oz, and Peter Pan might be the perfect gift. A music lover may appreciate the Bono’s handwritten lyrics to U2’s Your Song Saved My Life, or George Harrison’s handwritten lyrics to The Beatles All of Me. Also available is a complete set of Saville Theatre Concert Programs including one for Jimi Hendrix.
For the wine afficionado, there’s a limited offer from Champagne Savart which includes L’Ouverture, stunning Premier Cru Pinot Noir Champagne, equal parts a blend of three successive vintages. Those who love Veuve Clicquot may enjoy the La Grande Dame Yayoi Kusama 2012.
Auction House Highlights
Real Madrid’s first team locker room from the legendary Santiago Bernabéu. In use from the 2001-2002 season through 2021-2022, and offered to the public after an extensive renovation of the stadium, the auction featured artifacts from the locker room including 24 lockers that were used by football icons such as Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham, Roberto Carlos, Sergio Ramos, and many more. During this period, 544 home games were played at the stadium and some 20 trophies held aloft by the team – from six UEFA Champions League victories to seven La Liga wins.
This lot successfully closed on November 26, 2024.
Maurizio Cattelan’s ‘Comedian’
Sotheby’s recently made headlines with the auction of Maurizio Cattelan’s ‘Comedian,’ the famous banana and duct tape. The artwork is described by Cattelan as “a sincere commentary and a reflection on what we value.” The piece debuted at Art Basel Miami Beach in 2019 and quickly started a conversation.
Comprised of a banana fastened with duct tape to a wall, it quickly erupted into a viral global sensation. On November 20, 2024 the contemporary art piece sold for a whopping $6.2 million to the shock of the world.
A Legacy of Beauty: The Collection of Sydell Miller Evening Auction
Known to many as the “queen of the beauty industry,” Miller was guided in every aspect of her life by her family’s mantra: “Think, Believe, Dream, Dare.” From her very first forays into fashion and the beauty business, to her innumerable philanthropic endeavors, and the collection of fine art and design that she surrounded herself with, Miller lived a life of beauty, both inside and out.
Her collection included 100 art works including Pablo Picasso’s La Statuaire, Claude Monet’s Nymphéas, The Grande Arabesque, Troisieme Temps sculpture by Edgar Degas, and Jeune Fille en Robe Rose by Henri Matisse. The lot successfully closed on November 18, 2024 in New York.
This holiday season, Sotheby’s can help you find the perfect gift that combines luxury, exclusivity, and timeless beauty. As evidence by the auction highlights for 2024, art, opulent jewelry, and sports memorabilia are in high demand. Help us celebrate a wonderful year and look ahead to 2025 for more surprises!