Sotheby's Announces Lineup for First-Ever Saudi Arabia Auction
From Magritte to Michael Jordan, 100 rare lots will go under the hammer for the inaugural, two-evening event on February 8.
Sotheby’s has announced the lineup for the first-ever international auction in Saudi Arabia on February 8. Entitled “Origins,” the auction will be held at Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Riyadh, coinciding with the opening of the house’s new branch in the Norman Foster-designed Al Faisaliah Tower.
The auction promises an eclectic mix of gems by Western and Arab artists, alongside luxury items and sports memorabilia. Following the momentum of Surrealism’s 100th anniversary last year, headlining the event will be René Magritte’s “L’État de veille” (1958) and Fernando Botero’s Man on Horse sculpture, each fetching $1 – 1.5 million USD.
Additional standouts include George Condo’s “On the Lookout” and Elizabeth of Andy Warhol’s Reigning Queens series, whose botched robbery made headlines last year, alongside digital works, like an AI landscape painting by Refik Anadol and a mesmerizing light installation by James Turrell.
Pioneering Arab artists will also be taking the stage, with standout pieces such as Louay Kayyali’s “Then What??” (1965) and “Blue Trap in a Railroad Station” (1977) by Samia Halaby, whose work was awarded a special mention at the Venice Biennale.
In addition to the impressive art offering, sports fans will find their share of iconic memorabilia, including Michael Jordan’s 1998 NBA Playoffs jersey and Cristiano Ronaldo’s jersey worn at the 2024 UEFA European Championships.
Ahead of the landmark two-day auction, the 100 lots will be shown in a free public exhibition in the Bujairi Terrace from February 1st to 8th. Head to Sotheby’s website for more information about the sale.
