Culture

Christie’s: A Legacy in the Art World

Christie’s, the renowned British auction house, has been a key player in the global art market since it was founded by James Christie in 1766. And now it is stepping up to the plate with an auction of AI-generated artwork.

Por: Rubén Carrillo
Christie's has solidified its reputation as one of the world's most prestigious auction houses / Photo Christie's
Christie's has solidified its reputation as one of the world's most prestigious auction houses / Photo Christie's

Over the years, Christie’s has solidified its reputation as one of the world’s most prestigious auction houses, renowned for its expertise in fine art sales.

 

With a rich history spanning centuries, has consistently demonstrated its ability to evolve and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of the art world.

 

This adaptability is a testament to its commitment to innovation, ensuring it remains at the forefront of the industry.

 

As a leader in the auction market, continues to attract collectors, investors, and art enthusiasts from around the globe, offering unparalleled access to rare and exceptional pieces.

 

From February 20 to March 5,  is set to make history with its groundbreaking Augmented Intelligence auction, a first-of-its-kind event exclusively showcasing AI-generated artwork.

 

This innovative sale highlights the dedication to embracing cutting-edge technology and exploring the intersection of art and artificial intelligence.

Christie's continues to attract collectors, investors, and art enthusiasts from around the globe, offering unparalleled access to rare and exceptional pieces / Photo Christie's
Christie's continues to attract collectors, investors, and art enthusiasts from around the globe / Photo Christie's

A Journey Through Art, History, and High Society

From the very beginning, in 1766, James Christie cultivated relationships with some of the most celebrated artists and craftsmen of his time, including Thomas Gainsborough, Sir Joshua Reynolds, and Thomas Chippendale. 

 

His auction house quickly became a hub for collectors, dealers, and the social elite. Christie’s deep knowledge of valuable art was evident in the sales he managed—most notably in 1778, when he was entrusted with selling the collection of Sir Robert Walpole. 

 

The buyer was none other than Catherine the Great, Empress of Russia.

 

Following James Christie’s passing in 1803, his son, James Christie the Younger, took over the business. 

He developed expertise in ancient Greek and Italian sculptures and vases, further solidifying the firm’s reputation. 

 

By 1823, Christie’s had relocated to 8 King’s Street, St. James’s Square, where it remained for most of the 20th and 21st centuries. 

 

Under the leadership of James Stirling Christie and George Henry Christie, alongside their business partners William and Edward Manson, the firm evolved into Christie, Manson & Woods in 1859. 

 

Later, in 1940, it was reorganized as a private limited company. To compete with its main rival, Sotheby’s, Christie’s expanded internationally, opening offices in Rome (1958), Geneva (1968), and Tokyo (1969). By 1973, the auction house became a public company, and in 1998, it was acquired by French businessman François Pinault. 

 

The company’s first auction in Paris took place in 2001, following changes in French regulations regarding auctioneering.

Christie’s has a long history of hosting landmark auctions. Notable sales include Sir Joshua Reynolds’s studio collection / Photo Christies
Christie's has a long history of landmark auctions such as the Sir Joshua Reynolds Studio Collection and the jewelry of Madame du Barry / Photo Christie's

Historic Sales and Record-Breaking Auctions

Christie’s has a long history of hosting landmark auctions. Notable sales include Sir Joshua Reynolds’s studio collection (1794), Madame du Barry’s jewelry (1795), the Stowe House collection belonging to the Duke of Buckingham and Chandos (1848), and the Hamilton Palace art collection (1882). 

 

More recently, in 1980, the firm handled the prestigious Ford Collection of Impressionist paintings. 

 

In 2017, Christie’s made history by selling Salvator Mundi, a painting attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, for a staggering $450.3 million—the highest price ever recorded for a piece of art at the time.

 

Beyond auctions, the company publishes Christie’s Magazine, offering insights into collecting and previews of upcoming sales. 

 

It also provides valuation and appraisal services, art storage, fine and decorative arts educational programs, and real estate services.

 

Christie’s has managed seven of the ten most significant single-owner collections ever sold, holds the record for the highest auction price for an artwork, and has pioneered the first fully blockchain-based auction platform dedicated to NFT art. 

 

Additionally, it oversees an investment fund that supports emerging startups in the art industry.

Christie's made history by selling Salvator Mundi, a painting attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, for a staggering $450.3 million / Photo Christie's
Christie's made history by selling Salvator Mundi, a painting attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, for a staggering $450.3 million / Photo Christie's

The First AI-Focused Auction at a Leading Auction House

Christie’s is set to break new ground with Augmented Intelligence, an auction exclusively featuring AI-generated artwork. 

 

Running from February 20 to March 5, 2025, this groundbreaking sale will showcase more than 20 pieces created by leading artists at the intersection of art and technology, including Refik Anadol, Harold Cohen, Pindar Van Arman, Holly Herndon & Mat Dryhurst, Alexander Reben, and Claire Silver. 

 

The collection spans various mediums, from digital and interactive installations to paintings, sculptures, and prints.

 

Additionally, works from NVIDIA’s AI Art Gallery will be included in the sale. 

 

The entire collection will be on public display at Christie’s Rockefeller Center galleries during the auction period.

 

“This auction redefines the intersection of art and technology, demonstrating human creativity in the age of artificial intelligence”, expressed, Nicole Sales Giles, Vice President and Director of Digital Art Sales at Christie’s.

The Success of Unapologetically Iris: The Collection of Iris Apfel

Christie’s recently achieved remarkable results with the online auction Unapologetically Iris: The Collection of Iris Apfel, which far exceeded expectations. 

 

Initially estimated at $150,000, the sale ultimately generated an impressive $929,880.

 

 Every single lot was sold, achieving 484% of the low estimate, with most items surpassing their highest expected values.

 

Prior to the auction, the collection was showcased in Miami, Palm Beach, and New York City, drawing crowds of fans and admirers of the beloved fashion icon. 

 

The sale attracted nearly 1,000 new bidders, with Millennials making up 43% of the buyers.

Every single lot was sold, achieving 484% of the low estimate, with most items surpassing their highest expected values / Photo Louis Vuitton
The online auction Unapologetically Iris: The Collection of Iris Apfel generated an impressive $929,880 / Photo Christie’s
  • What is Christie's? is a world-renowned auction house specializing in fine art, antiques, jewelry, and luxury goods.
  • When was founded? was founded in 1766 in London by James Christie.
  • Where are their main locations? Christie's has major auction houses in London, New York, Paris, Geneva, and Hong Kong.
  • What is the most expensive item ever sold at Christie's? Leonardo da Vinci’s Salvator Mundi sold for $450.3 million in 2017.
  • Does Christie's offer private sales? Yes, provides private sales for clients looking to buy or sell outside traditional auctions.

If you enjoyed this article about Christies, please share it. You may also be interested in this article about Atelier des Lumières . Check out the other articles in our Culture section.

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