For the art world, November in New York is the main event. The city’s most important and prestigious auctions take place this month, setting the tone for the entire global art market. For collectors, investors, and enthusiasts, the evening sales at Christie’s and Sotheby’s are must-watch events.
As a private lender that frequently works with fine art as collateral, we watch these auctions closely to keep our finger on the pulse of the market. Here’s a preview of what to watch in November 2025.
Sotheby’s New York: A Blockbuster Week
Sotheby’s is holding its marquee auction series in mid-November, and the buzz is palpable.
- The Now & Contemporary Evening Auction (November 18): This sale is a key barometer for the “ultra-contemporary” market. Expect to see record-setting prices for artists who have risen to fame in the last decade. We’ll be watching to see if the market for young, in-demand figurative painters remains as strong as it has been.
- Modern Evening Auction (November 20): This is where the titans of 20th-century art shine. This year’s sale is expected to be led by major works from modern masters. These auctions provide a crucial health check on the “blue-chip” market—assets that are considered stable stores of value.
Christie’s New York: The 20th & 21st Century Sales
Christie’s is responding with a powerful lineup of its own, highlighting masterpieces from the 20th and 21st centuries.
- 20th Century Evening Sale (November 17): This sale will feature exceptional works of Impressionist, Modern, and Post-War art. We are particularly interested in the performance of artists like Picasso, whose “Picasso Ceramics” online sale (Nov 7-21) is already generating significant interest.
- 21st Century Evening Sale (November 19): This is Christie’s answer to the “ultra-contemporary” craze. The sale will focus on works created in the last 25 years, featuring artists who are defining the current moment in art.
- Post-War & Contemporary Art Day Sale (November 20): While evening sales get the headlines, the day sales are where savvy collectors find value. The results here often indicate emerging trends and highlight which artists are poised to graduate to the evening sales.
For collectors, these November auctions are more than just a spectacle; they are a real-time valuation of their own collections. The prices realized this month will directly influence the value of art for insurance, resale, and collateral loan purposes for months to come.