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Celebrating Sotheby S legacy andmarking the opening of its new
global headquarters at the iconic Brewer Building on
Madison Ave. A2 part exhibition spanning Abu
Dhabi and New York. A/B U Dhabi 2 to 6 December New
York 13 to 21 December. This December, Sotheby S will
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present Icons Back to Madison, afirst of its kind exhibition
bringing together some of the most iconic works ever sold
under our banner. Just one month after opening its
new worldwide headquarters at the historic Brewer Building.
From 13 to 21 December, New Yorkwill welcome a remarkable
gathering of masterpieces from both private and museum
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collections, many of which will be on public view for the first
time in decades. Prior to its New York debut,
Icons will be presented from 2:00 to 6:00 December as part of
the inaugural Collectors Week inAbu Dhabi, A dynamic new program
of exhibitions, auctions and events celebrating the city S
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emergence as a global hub for art and culture.
The Abu Dhabi presentation will feature a carefully curated
selection of highlights in dialogue with the New York
exhibition. Some works will be showcased in
both cities, while others will be exhibited exclusively in one
location, offering visitors unique perspectives on this
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extraordinary assemblage of works.
Presented by Etihad Airways, theexhibition is a landmark Back to
Madison moment honoring Sotheby SUS legacy.
After acquiring the American auction house Park Burnett in
1964, Sotheby S routes in New York were firmly established
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just up the street from the Brewer at 980 Madison.
This milestone is celebrated with the retrospective of
extraordinary objects sold over decades, highlighting Sotheby's
role in shaping collecting history.
Icahn spans more than six decades of landmark sales
encompassing African and Oceanicjewelry, European modernism,
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post war American art, and contemporary breakthroughs.
From record setting canvases to pivotal works by John Singer
Sargent, Joan Mitchell, Helen Frankenthaler, David Hockney,
Barkley L Hendricks and others, the exhibition showcases
paintings and objects that transformed artists careers,
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defined auction history, and shaped collecting for
generations. Highlights include Jean Michel
Bosquiat S explosive untitled 1982, which set a record as the
most expensive work by an American artist.
Andy Warhol S legendary shot orange Maryland immortalized by
the dramatic act of violence that took place in his factory
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and its landmark 1998 sale Jasper Johns false start a
groundbreaking canvas that redefined the relationship
between language and perception,and Willem de Kooning S
interchange an indisputable masterpiece from his pivotal
transitional period when he fractured composition and
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achieved his mature style of abstraction.
All four of which are made possible by Kenneth C Griffin.
Further highlights include Banksy S self shredding Girl
without balloon the only artworkever created in an auction room,
the Guena Lioness a roughly 5 comma 000 year old Mesopotamian
sculpture that remains the most valuable antiquity ever sold.
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The Lake Centenes sculpture of afemale ancestor sold from the
legendary collection of Helena Rubenstein in 1966.
Clifford Still S 1949 canvas whose sail helped establish the
Clifford Still Museum in Denver and Francis Bacon S3 Studies 4
portrait of Lucian Freud a quintessential and intimate
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portrayal of one of the most significant friendships in 20th
century art. This painting, among other loans
made possible by Yegio Foundation Collection, Taiwan.
Also on view is Louis Comfort Tiffany S Medusa pendant
necklace C19-O four among the first jewelry pieces he ever
created and one of only a few tobear his signature, which
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achieved 3.65 million at SothebyS in 2021.
And Jane Birkin S original Hermes Birkin, which sold this
summer for over 10 million. Among other exceptional artworks
and objects. Full details of these and
additional highlights appear below.
In total, the exhibition comprises more than 25 works
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across both locations, with an estimated value approaching 2
billion, offering a once in a generation opportunity to see
these masterpieces together. The exhibition is drawn from
Sotheby's forthcoming book with Faden, Icons 100 Extraordinary
Objects from Sotheby S History, which traces the stories behind
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100 of the most celebrated objects to have passed through
Sotheby S. From Sioux the 67 dash million
year old Tyrannosaurus Rex to Maurizio Catalogas infamous
banana, the book illuminates howobjects achieve iconic status,
whether through exceptional quality, rarity, provenance, or
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remarkable stories like a 1933 double eagle coin recovered
after 60 years on the Most Wanted list, or a Jacamo Hermann
Roman Baroque cabinet rediscovered in a pizza parlor.
Icons 100 Extraordinary Objects from Sotheby's History is
available for pre-order now and goes on sale globally January
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7th, 2026. More information here.
Many of the works in the book will be featured in the
exhibition, offering an unparalleled opportunity to
experience these historic objects first hand.
In bringing these works together, Sotheby S transforms
the Brewer into more than an auction house.
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It becomes a living testament tothe enduring power of art,
collectors and culture, and a celebration of what it truly
means to be iconic. Beyond the exhibition, the
experience does tea and at the galleries inspired by icons back
to Madison and the world of art and auction.
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Artist Angelica Hicks has created a series of
illustrations for an exclusive range of merchandise available
only at the Sotheby S shop. The British illustrator is
celebrated for her witty, fashion infused artwork that
fuses pop culture with sharp humor.
Adding another layer of discovery, the Karma Bookstore
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will host a pop up within the shop, presenting a selection of
rare collectible books and ephemera.
With a reputation as a haven forbook lovers, art enthusiasts and
curious minds alike, their curation of reference treasures
to visually stunning volumes deepens and enriches exploration
of the icons on view. About Sotheby S Established in
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1744, Sotheby S promotes access and ownership of exceptional art
and luxury objects through auctions, private sales and
retail. Our deep expertise across 70
selling categories is supported by a leading technology platform
and a global network of specialists spanning 40
countries. Selling categories include
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contemporary art, modern and Impressionist art, old masters,
Chinese works of art, jewelry, watches, wine and spirits and
design, as well as collectible cars and real estate Through RM
Sotheby S and Concierge. Sotheby S Financial Services is
a leading art lender and provides capital solutions for
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collectors around the world. Having originated more than 12
billion in loans since its inception, Sotheby S new global
headquarters is now open at the iconic Brewer Building at 945
Madison Ave. in New York City. About Etihot Airways Etihot
Airways, the national airline ofthe UAE, was formed in 2003 and
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quickly went on to become one ofthe world S leading airlines.
From its home in Abu Dhabi, Etihad flies to passenger and
cargo destinations in the MiddleEast, Africa, Europe, Asia,
Australia and North America. Together with Etihad S code
share partners, Etihad S networkoffers access to hundreds of
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international destinations. In recent years, Etihad has
received numerous awards for itssuperior service and products,
cargo offering, loyalty program and more.
To learn more, visit Etihad com.