NEW YORK, NY.- Christie’s, the world’s leading art business, announced today worldwide sales of £1.71 billion ($2.57 billion) for the first six months of 2010, up 46% by £ on last year’s figure of £1.2 billion ($1.8 billion) for the same period (Figures include buyer’s premium). Christie’s continued to lead at the highest levels of the art market selling 75% of the works sold for over $50 million in this period, including Nude, Green Leaves and Bust by Pablo Picasso which sold for $106.5 million / £70.2 million, the highest price ever paid at auction for any work of art. Christie’s global auction sales achieved 51% market share against its main competitor. 169 works of art sold for more than £1 million, compared to 201 sold during the same period last year. Sales totals include private sales of £182.7 million/$274.1 million, up 37% by £ on the same period last year. Strong results and sold percent
