The first half of 2024 has been extremely positive and encouraging for the year’s outlook, with over € 17 million in revenue and a 92% sell through rate.
In the year marking the 50th anniversary of the auction house’s foundation, these figures underscore a strong national positioning and highlight the excellent work of our departments. Our goal is not only to provide premier service but also to stand out with offerings that are both innovative and perfectly aligned with historical and collector interests.
Modern and contemporary art continues to lead the way, boasting revenue exceeding € 6.3 million and peaks of 25,000 users connected from around the world. We take pride in the prestigious results for works such as “Forze Ascensionali” by Gerardo Dottori (€81,900), pieces by foreign artists like Lynn Chadwick (€ 107,100) and William Scott (€ 100,800), and masterpieces like Tancredi’s 1959 work (€ 252,000) and Giacomo Balla’s “Gatti Futuristi” (€ 252,000).
Auction 660 - Lot 23
Tancredi, "Untitled" 1959, oil on canvas, (cm 100x80).
Sold € 252,000
The Jewelry sector is accelerating, with revenue surpassing € 4.2 million and showcasing impressive performances. Highlights include the sale of a Marina B ring with a 14.67 ct diamond (€ 302,400) and several Bulgari pieces from the 1960s, including a bracelet (€ 252,000) and two brooches (€ 220,500) adorned with diamonds and Burmese rubies.
The Antiques sector, achieving a remarkable € 2.8 million in sales, demonstrates a mature ability to keep pace despite facing a challenging and complex market for years. Noteworthy sales include the “Portrait of Bartolomeo Concini” attributed to a follower of Agnolo Bronzino (€ 69,300), the exquisite “Barbara Campanini” attributed to Rosalba Carriera (€ 50,400), a French Dieppe clock with a musical angel (€ 25,200), and fragments of an Ushak carpet from circa 1500-1600 that fetched € 27,720, all testifying to the success achievable when quality is at the forefront.
Auction 653 - Lot 140
Follower of Agnolo Bronzino, "Portrait of Bartolmeo Concini", oil on panel (121x91 cm.).
Sold € 69,300
Auction 653 - Lot 115
Dieppe manufacture, 19th century. "Angel playing drum" ivory sculpture, (cm 28x59x28).
Sold € 25,200
A youthful vitality and great potential among new generations of buyers are the hallmarks of the 20th Century Decorative Arts and Design sector (over €1.3 million), with interest particularly directed towards renowned Italian designers and rare, iconic works such as the “The Annunciation” panel by Margaret Macdonald Mackintosh, a masterpiece of the Glasgow Style (€ 176,400), an Osvaldo Borsani table decorated by Lucio Fontana (€ 75,600), and the "Centaur’s Head" by Egidio Costantini based on a design by Pablo Picasso, setting a record for the artist at € 41,580.
Auction 668 - Lot 145
Margaret Macdonald, "The Annunciation", Glasgow, 1896, (cm 24.5x114.5; frame cm 45x142.5).
Sold € 176,400
Figurative art and works by historicized masters of the 19th and 20th centuries are also on the rise. The Paintings and Sculptures department nearly reached one million in revenue for the half-year, with standout sales including "Princess Ada Troubetzkoy with her son Gigi" by Daniele Ranzoni (€ 44,100) and the older “Full Moon at the Colosseum” by Ippolito Caffi (€ 41,580).
Auction 666 - Lot 109
Daniele Ranzoni, "La principessa Ada Troubetzkoy col figlio Gigi", oil on canvas (cm 100x56).
Sold € 44,100
The Books and Manuscripts department distinguishes itself at every auction with top-tier offerings on the national and international markets. The recent presentation of the Codice Santini, a true jewel of the Renaissance from Urbino, received extensive media coverage, demonstrating the profound synergy between market and culture.
The common thread in this review of the past six months of auctions is the reliability with which Il Ponte Casa d’Aste presents itself to the market. Our goal and desire are to be recognized as authoritative and professional. In an era where hyperbole and the sensational are often pursued, the company confidently relies on tradition and innovation under the banner of reliability, aiming for sustainable and transparent performance where economy and knowledge are in constant dialogue.
We anticipate further significant achievements in the coming half-year and hope that the coming months will bring additional affirmations for our sector, with every player in the Italian art system working together towards revitalizing and enhancing our market, ultimately allowing it to compete on an equal footing with the global market.
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