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The Most Expensive Artworks in the World are Often Sold Behind Closed Doors. Here's What’s Happening.
Last year, a Van Gogh painting reportedly sold for $200 million. A Rothko for $195 million. A Frida Kahlo for $150 million. None of these transactions are in auction records or any public database.
For years, top auction houses like Sotheby’s and Christie’s have been quietly running invitation-only private auctions for their wealthiest clients.
These huge transactions don't happen in a vacuum. This invisible market often influences the asking range for comparable works in the larger art market.
That said, you don't need an invite to a private auction. Masterworks lets you invest in shares of blue-chip artwork. Their track record to-date:
$1.3B deployed across 525+ artworks by 70,000 members
29 sales to date
Net annualized returns like 16.5%, 17.6%, and 17.8%, not including those unsold*
*Investing involves risk. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. See important Reg A disclosures at masterworks.com/cd.
Once again it’s Friday and thankfully I’m working from a nice Air Conditioned office from an otherwise sweltering London.
11. None of The Countries That Bordered Romania Before World War 2, Border It Today
10. Map of Europe: What if all the glaciers melted?
9. Percentage of Homes With Air Conditioning Around The World
The World Cup Has a Market for Every Match.
From the group stage to the final, trade real outcomes on Kalshi, official regional partner of the Argentine National Team. Who wins, who advances, who takes the trophy. Peer-to-peer, no house, cash out anytime. Get $10 free.
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8. Simplified History of The 4 Countries Of The British & Irish Isles
7. The Geographical Centre of Vietnam is in Laos & The Geographical Centre of Laos is in Thailand
6. Map of The Shortest Passenger Flight In The World
5. Scotland’s Watershed Is So Wild That Only 6 People Have Managed To Complete The Whole Route
4. Map of Proposed Two-Speed Europe: E6 vs The Rest: But What Is It?
3. Italy over the US & Canada
2. Number of CzechPOINTs In Every European Country
1. Where Ululation Is Practiced
Finally looking for something else to do? Then have a look at these two quizzes:
Will BTC Go Up or Down in the Next 15 Minutes?
Kalshi has crypto markets running 24/7. Pick a direction, name your price, cash out anytime. Peer-to-peer, CFTC-regulated, no house edge. Get $10 free to start.
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