Polish Auction House Sells Over 7,000 Artworks Successfully

A recent auction at the Polish auction house DESA Unicum has achieved remarkable results, with over 7,000 artworks sold effectively. The total auction turnover reached nearly 218 million PLN, showing a 3% increase compared to the previous year. This growth coincided with a 6% rise in the number of sold items, hitting 7,078 artworks.

Highlights from the Auction

The auction house observed a significant resurgence in the segment of ancient art. The turnover in this category spiked by 46% year-on-year, reaching close to 101 million PLN. This increase is attributed not just to isolated transactions, but to a broader trend of collectors seeking works with confirmed artistic and historical value.

Key Insights from DESA Unicum

Juliusz Windorbski, the chair of the supervisory board at DESA Unicum, commented on the stability and maturity of the Polish art market. He emphasized that collectors are increasingly making informed decisions based on quality and reliability, rather than impulsive or speculative motives.

Record Sales and Notable Artworks

• The artwork “Rzeczywistość” by Jacek Malczewski set a record, selling for 22.2 million PLN in June last year.
• Thirty pieces sold for over 1 million PLN included three works by Tadeusz Kantor, highlighting his strong presence in contemporary Polish art.

Empowering Women Artists

In a progressive move, DESA Unicum has engaged in a platform called “Sztuka kobiet,” dedicated to elevating women’s contributions to art. Plans for 2025 include two unprecedented auctions focused solely on female artists, featuring works from 50 creators.

Agata Szkup, president of DESA Unicum, stated that this initiative aims to establish a lasting influence on the market, rather than a fleeting trend.

Innovative Auction Formats

The auction house is also working on new auction formats designed to lower barriers for entry while maintaining high standards of quality. This initiative aims to create a space where a broader audience can access works by renowned artists, like Magdalena Abakanowicz, and gradually develop their collecting skills in a trustworthy market environment.

Global Positioning of Warsaw’s Art Market

According to Artprice analyses, Warsaw has become one of the fastest-growing centers for contemporary art globally in the past decade, ranking alongside cities like Paris, London, and Tokyo. DESA Unicum currently holds the sixth position among the largest auction houses in the European Union, further establishing its prominence in the art world.