VP Market Notes · 02
The autumn test: quality before momentum
The global art market entered 2026 after a moderate recovery, but improvement remained uneven and concentrated on high-quality works with strong provenance.
Market context
Sales rose 4% in 2025 to $59.6 billion, while public auctions increased 9%. The recovery remained selective rather than uniform.
London signals
London’s June auctions reinforced the premium attached to rare, well-documented works. Exceptional results should not be applied automatically to smaller works or editions by the same artist.
VP view
Potential opportunities may emerge in documented works, quality editions and coherent emerging careers, provided price, condition, authenticity and comparable sales are carefully verified.
Art may contribute to long-term wealth diversification, but it remains illiquid, costly to transact and without guaranteed returns.
This editorial note is for cultural and informational purposes. It is not personalised financial advice and does not promise returns.