Editor’s Note
This week marks a transitional period in the auction calendar, bridging major international events with a diverse array of specialized sales across Italy and beyond. From design and books to frames and curated collections, the offerings reflect a rich variety for collectors and enthusiasts.
The week of January 15-21, 2026, serves as a transitional phase between major international auctions and the Italian calendar. Multiple auctions focusing on design, books, frames, and collections will be held in Italian and international cities.
The historic Libreria Antiquaria Gonnelli in Florence kicks off the domestic auction scene. Starting Thursday, January 15, this Tuscan auction house will open the season with its 66th Auction of Books, Autographs, and Manuscripts, running exclusively online until Tuesday, January 20. It offers a curated selection of printed books and historical documents, a classic choice for scholars and antique paper collectors who can bid from the comfort of a remote location.
Cambi Casa d’Aste is also in the spotlight, with its Antiques auction running until January 22.
Chronologically, we must note the conclusion of the Fabiani Arte auction. This Tuscan house will hold its first Modern and Contemporary Art Timed Auction of 2026 on Tuesday, January 20.
The Italian art week culminates on Wednesday, January 21, with the return of in-person auctions. Il Ponte Casa d’Aste will hold the first session of its Furniture, Paintings, Objects, Books, and Oriental Art auction at Via Pitteri in Milan. This major event, starting on the 21st and lasting three days, traditionally attracts a large audience due to the vast quantity and variety of lots, ranging from classic antiques to eclectic collections.
In New York, Christie’s remains active with a series of online sales. From December 19 to January 27, Christie’s is hosting the Collectors/Collectors: The Max N. Berry Collection of American Art Online and the Collectors/Collectors: The Max N. Berry Collection of Monotypes by Maurice Brazil Prendergast Online. Two other auctions, “American Collectors: Including Property from Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd, Part III” and “A Curated Selection from the Collection of President and Mrs. Jimmy Carter”, along with “Rare Wine & Spirits, Including the Library Collection of Screaming Eagle: The New York Edition Online”, began on January 13 and conclude on January 27.
Sotheby’s plays a leading role on three fronts: In New York, the “The Gem Drop: January” jewelry and gemstones online auction ends Thursday, January 15, a perfect way to acquire a sparkling treasure at the start of the new year. From January 15-19 (also in New York), the “NBA Weekly: 2026 NBA Cup” auction takes place, an unmissable curiosity for NBA fans. A day later, on Friday, January 16, Dorotheum’s London office launches the “Contemporary Discoveries” auction, a week-long online sale featuring works by emerging and established artists.
On January 15, Dorotheum in Vienna held its Jugendstil and 20th Century Applied Art auction and launched its second Fine Jewelry catalog.
Bonhams is also very active, with a series of thematic auctions across several European locations. Notable among these is the “Layered Living: Textiles, Carpets & Objects” sale ending Thursday, January 15, by its Swedish arm (Bukowskis), followed immediately on Friday, January 16, by “Statement Pieces – Lighting”, dedicated to designer lamps.
Between January 18 and 21, Bonhams hosts a rich series of Nordic auctions with diverse styles and categories. On January 18, Denmark sees a Coins auction, Sweden hosts “Japanese Paintings and Artworks – Winter Edition”, and Finland holds a Nordic Design sale featuring a dedicated section for Paavo Tynell. On January 19, Denmark offers Paintings, Furniture and Various Objects, while Swedish collection enthusiasts can look forward to “The Collector’s World – Part I”. For Scandinavian design and modern art lovers, Tuesday, January 20, is marked by the house’s Modern Art and Design auction in Denmark (Bruun Rasmussen), with catalog highlights including iconic pieces of Nordic design.
In London, Phillips is also active, confirming its vocation for contemporary art and multiples. Indeed, on Tuesday, January 20, the Contemporary Editions online auction will be held, an unmissable appointment for those collecting fine art prints and multiples, a segment still growing steadily due to its ability to bring new buyers closer to art masters.
The week concludes on Wednesday, January 21, with events in Paris and Brussels under the Drouot group. In the French capital, Ader will host a niche but fascinating auction at the Hôtel Drouot: Ancient and Modern Frames. Meanwhile, in Brussels, Piasa holds a sale of Belgian Modern and Contemporary artworks, celebrating the development of local art and confirming the vitality of Belgian art on the European scene. On the same day, Piasa also hosts a Design auction in Brussels and runs the “11th Paris Lifestyle” sale online from January 16 to 26.
Image: 20th-century unknown work, “Venice Punta della Dogana” (oil on canvas, 60 x 70 cm). Credit: © Il Ponte Casa d’Aste
