Yesterday, October 19, in Moscow opened an exhibition of the top lots of autumn auction Sotheby's, which went Babulin Constantine, AI

Yesterday, October 19, in Moscow opened an exhibition of the top lots of autumn auction Sotheby's.

press conference, as usual, began with a general assessment of the current situation. First appeared Mikhail Kamensky, head of the Russian mission. noted that this time the exhibition is held at the Russian Academy of Arts (Prechistenka, 19), and this is symbolic and at the same time great responsibility. I recall that previous shows were held at Sotheby's Historical Museum on Red Square - the place as is customary to say pathetic, but quite uncomfortable: traffic jams, parking - all difficult. At first I thought that changing room there was to facilitate access to the exhibition, it was not: now comes Guimet exhibition and replacement occurred, most likely so.

But back to the press the conference.

Kamensky, as usual, exuded optimism: turnovers leading auction houses, Sotheby's and especially, beat all records, the Hong Kong turnover approaching one billion, Russian auction in London for the current period this year have already collected $ 73 million. His conclusion: everything is good .

Poltimore told in detail. Noted that interesting period right now (he is so beautifully said, is whether the impending second, whether the ongoing first crisis), but with the auction business more than good, and talking about it the following facts: Sotheby's turnover in 2010 amounted to 4 8 billion dollars, ie, increased by 74 percent compared to 2009 mu. This year, turnover had reached $ 3.4 billion, and it is encouraging .

At this point, I would still argue, but rather, said that of these wonderful figures do not imply that the situation is so good at all the art market. According to our charts of price indices (ARTIMX-RUS) and consumer activity (ARTIMXba-RUS) for 2011, the picture is not as life-affirming. Purchasing activity in the world is stagnating: not growing and not falling, but in Russia, unfortunately, falls.

So huge growth figures Sotheby's - this is their achievement. And going against the general trend of the market, which certainly speaks to the high authority of the auction houses Sotheby's and the professionalism of its employees.

Rather, knowing the general situation in the art market, after winning numbers Poltimore growth of Sotheby's as if suddenly said that not be underestimated Russia's role in this celebration of life . He said that the Russian market is alive and is a significant sector of the global art market, this year marks the 35%rise in turnover on the Russian trading in New York and London, so Sotheby's to come and will come to Russia. The increase in revolutions, in the opinion of Poltimore, is due to the emergence of new players on the art market - investors and banks .

According to Mr. Kaminsky, noted a trend Out of rich Russian to live in London and other similar places, this has not led to a change of purchases. Our fellow citizens and overseas keep buying Russian art .

At this point, again, have to disagree. Just the same leads to a change in priorities, and that is why the auction of Impressionist our countrymen began to press the Chinese art lovers.

was the question: why in the crisis, when all sides be heard only on cuts and collapses, on the art market is a growth? The answer, Mr. Kaminsky: because now a serious and structure just wealthy people do not think about the super-profits, and how to save their belongings. Therefore, the options of investing in stocks and securities, and when the money invested can be turned into dust, for many have become too risky. Buying the same masterpieces of painting, even expensive, under any dips will not result in losses. Necessarily a period of recession will increase, and investment into masterpieces - it is always win, because experience shows that higher prices for masterpieces always happens in times .

What brought on exhibition and it is particularly interesting for the Russian buyer, according to Sotheby's:

«Doomed City" by Nicholas Roerich with a unique provenance: the picture from the collection of Gorky, who chose the canvas in the artist before the First World the war. In it, according to Gorky, symbolically reflects the difficult situation in the world and the anticipation of war.

Nicholas Roerich Doomed City Photo Babulina K., AI

Two large pictures of Petr Konchalovsky best period of his work.

Pyotr Konchalovsky Tatar still life. 1916 Photo Babulina K., AI

Pyotr Konchalovsky Photo Babulina K., AI

What I said: Tamara Lempicka picture, estimate 5-7 million dollars - very good. Photographs and computer screen, do not send anything important without which painting Lempicka seem empty and in a bad way glamorous. In fact, this is how Typically, the center of attraction of attention; forecast: sales will be a good estimate excess.

Tamara de Lempicka Photo Babulina K., AI

« Caryatids "Delvaux inferior Lempicka - not a good picture, lacking his usual mystic: Forecast: leave within the estimate.

PAUL Delvaux Caryatids. Babulina Photo K., AI

"Images of the generation" Lentulov, according to Sotheby's, a successful pattern reflects a change - and so for her to fight. I do not agree with this, because although the picture and reflects the changes, but this is a change in the work Lentulov and for the worse when he had already adapt to the party line. Prediction: will not be sold.

Aristarkh Lentulov «Images of generation» Photo Babulina K., AI