Giacometti Masterpiece Could Exceed $70 Million at Sotheby’s Auction
Giacometti’s rare 1955 bronze bust honoring his brother could fetch over $70M at Sotheby’s, leading the spring modern art sale in New York.
A rare 1955 bronze sculpture by Alberto Giacometti, Grande tête mince (Grande tête de Diego), is expected to lead Sotheby’s modern art evening sale in New York on May 13.
Estimated at over $70 million, the work is a deeply personal tribute to the artist’s brother, Diego, Giacometti’s muse and studio assistant.
This 25-inch-tall bust, featuring a uniquely hand-painted surface, is the only known version of its kind. It comes from the estate of real estate magnate Sheldon Solow, now managed by the Soloviev Foundation.
The sculpture was exhibited at the 1956 Venice Biennale and later at the Fondation Maeght before Solow acquired it in 1980.
Simon Shaw, a senior adviser at Sotheby’s, describes it as one of Giacometti’s most radical and emotionally powerful creations.
Market precedent supports the high estimate, with similar casts achieving $50 million to $53 million at auction. Giacometti’s market strength remains evident, highlighted by major sales like Pointing Man at $141.3 million.
Grande tête mince will be on public view at Sotheby’s New York galleries from May 2 until the sale. It headlines a season where few major works have surfaced, reflecting a cautious but closely watched market.
