Editor’s Note
This week marks a transitional period in the auction calendar, bridging major international sales with Italy’s own vibrant schedule. Highlights include Florence’s historic Libreria Antiquaria Gonnelli leading a series of sales across Italian and international cities, featuring design, books, and collectibles from January 15-21, 2026.
From January 15 to 21, 2026, Italian and international cities will host numerous auctions dedicated to design, books, frames, and collectibles, offering particularly interesting events.
This week represents a transitional phase between the start of major international sales and the Italian calendar. Kicking off the national scene is the historic Libreria Antiquaria Gonnelli in Florence. Starting Thursday, January 15, the Tuscan auction house will inaugurate its season with Auction of Time No. 66 dedicated to Books, Autographs, and Manuscripts. The sale, taking place exclusively online until Tuesday, January 20, offers a refined selection of printed volumes and historical documents, a classic appointment for scholars and collectors of antique paper who can bid from the comfort of a remote location. Attention also shifts to Cambi Casa d’Aste. The Genoese company continues its general Antiquities sale until January 22.
Following chronologically, we must report the closing of a sale by Fabiani Arte. The Tuscan auction house is holding its first Timed Auction of Modern and Contemporary Art for 2026, where the virtual gavel will fall on Tuesday, January 20.
The Italian week culminates on Wednesday, January 21, with the return of in-person auctions. Il Ponte Casa d’Aste opens the doors of its Via Pitteri headquarters in Milan for the first round of the auction of Furniture, Paintings, Objects, Books, and Oriental Art. This major event, spread over three days starting the 21st, traditionally attracts a huge audience thanks to the variety and quantity of lots offered, from classical antiquities to eclectic collectibles.
Across the border, the calendar is equally packed, with industry giants alternating luxury sales with discovery sessions. In New York, Christie’s remains active with a series of online auctions. From December 19 to January 27, the following are being held: COLLECTOR/CONNOISSEUR: The Max N. Berry Collections American Art Online Sale and COLLECTOR/CONNOISSEUR: The Max N. Berry Collections Monotypes by Maurice Brazil Prendergast Online Sale, both active from December 19 to January 27. Two other auctions, The American Collector: Including Property of Mr. and Mrs. John D Rockefeller 3rd and Selections From The Collection of President and Mrs. Jimmy Carter and Fine and Rare Wines & Spirits Featuring a Library Collection of Screaming Eagle: New York Edition Online, begin on January 13 and end on January 27.
Sotheby’s, for its part, plays a prominent role on three fronts: in New York, The Gem Drop: January, an online sale dedicated to jewelry and precious stones, concludes on Thursday, January 15, and is the perfect way to start the year with a brilliant purchase. From January 15 to 19 (also in New York), NBA Auctions Weekly: 2026 NBA Cup is held, a curious and unmissable appointment for NBA fans. Just one day later, on Friday, January 16, the London office of the house launches Contemporary Discoveries, a week-long online auction with works by emerging artists and established names.
On January 15, Dorotheum will be active in Vienna with auctions of Jugendstil and 20th Century Applied Art and a second catalog of High Jewelry.
Bonhams, which organizes a series of thematic auctions in various locations across Europe, is also very active. Among the most curious, Layered Living: Textiles, Rugs and Objects, organized by the Swedish office (Bukowskis), closes on Thursday, January 15, followed on Friday, January 16, by the auction Statement Pieces – Lighting, dedicated to design lighting.
Between January 18 and 21, Bonhams offers a rich round of Nordic auctions, with objects of very different styles and types. On January 18, there are sales of coins in Denmark, paintings and Japanese artworks – winter edition in Sweden, and Nordic design in Finland, including the lot dedicated to Paavo Tynell. On January 19, various paintings, furniture, and objects will be offered in Denmark, while in Sweden, collecting enthusiasts can enjoy The Collector’s World – Part One. For lovers of Scandinavian design and modern art, the key date is Tuesday, January 20, when the auction house will hold its Modern Art and Design sale (Bruun Rasmussen) in Denmark, a catalog promising iconic pieces of Nordic design.
In London, Phillips is also on the move, confirming its focus on the contemporary and the multiple. In fact, on Tuesday, January 20, it inaugurates the online auction Contemporary Editions.
