$315.9 Million Adds Up to Sotheby’s Best-Ever Sale

Francis Bacon
"Second Version of Study for Bullfight No. 1"
$45,961,000
Estimate upon request (in excess of $35 million)

Bacon's market has been hot lately, and anticipation for this painting had grown palpable in the salesroom by the time it came up. After all, Bacon's 1969 "Self Portrait," consigned by the same European seller, had been hammered down several lots beforehand for $33 million. “Bullfight” didn't disappoint, achieving the highest price of the entire two weeks of sales so far. This large, dramatic painting is one of only three Bacon did with a bullfight motif. Last night's buyer was art adviser Philippe Segalot, who endured a long battle with a telephone bidder.

Courtesy Sotheby's