We’ve spent loads of time writing about the auction world this year—including a number of intriguing auctions from Sotheby’s. There were priceless paintings, diamonds, and pretty much everything else you could imagine being stockpiled in the basement of a serious collector (or a Bond villain).
Nearing the end of the year, Sotheby’s raked in many millions at the auction block—and RealClearLife has the 10 items that brought in the highest hammer prices. Sorry, automobiles, books, and guitars—this is an art and gemstone–only list.
1. Pablo Picasso, ‘Femme Assise,’ 1909 – Sold for $63,631,391
![Sotheby's Top 10 Priciest Sales of 2016](https://www.insidehook.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Sothebys-Top-10-4_1200-e1482355412607-1.jpg?resize=840%2C1056)
2. Amedeo Modigliani, ‘Jeanne Hébuterne (Au Foulard),’ 1919 – Sold $56,631,335
![Sotheby's Top 10 Priciest Auctions in 2016](https://www.insidehook.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Sothebys-Top-10-5_1200-1.jpg?resize=840%2C1440)
3. Edvard Munch, ‘Pikene på broen (Girls on the Bridge),’ 1902 – Sold for $54,487,500
![Sotheby's Priciest Auction Items of 2016](https://www.insidehook.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Sothebys-Top-10-9_1200-1.jpg?resize=840%2C813)
4. Cy Twombly, ‘Untitled (New York City),’ 1968 – Sold for $36,650,000
![Sotheby's Priciest Auction Items of 2016](https://www.insidehook.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Sothebys-Top-10-8_1200-1.jpg?resize=840%2C743)
5. Francis Bacon, ‘Two Studies For A Self-Portrait,’ 1970 – Sold for $34,970,000
![Sotheby's Priciest Auction Items of 2016](https://www.insidehook.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Sothebys-Top-10-7_1200-1.jpg?resize=840%2C468)
6. Zhang Daqian, ‘Peach Blossom Spring,’ 1982 – Sold for $34,702,564
![Sotheby's Top 10 Priciest Auction Items of 2016](https://www.insidehook.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Sothebys-Top-10-2_1200-1.jpg?resize=840%2C1903)
7. Gerhard Richter, ‘A.B., Still,’ 1986 – Sold for $33,987,500
![Sotheby's Top 10 Priciest Auction Items of 2016](https://www.insidehook.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Sothebys-Top-10-10_1200-1.jpg?resize=840%2C948)
8. De Beers Millennium Jewel 4 – Sold for $32,013,223
![Sotheby's Top 10 Priciest Auction Items of 2016](https://www.insidehook.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Sothebys-Top-10-3_1200-1.jpg?resize=840%2C538)
9. ‘The Unique Pink’ Superb Fancy Vivid Pink Diamond Ring – Sold for $31,561,200
![Sotheby's Top 10 Priciest Auction Items of 2016](https://www.insidehook.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Sothebys-Top-10-1_1200-1.jpg?resize=840%2C1091)
10. Orazio Gentileschi, ‘Danaë,’ 1621 – Sold for $30,490,000
![Sotheby's Top 10 Priciest Auction Items of 2016](https://www.insidehook.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Sothebys-Top-10-6_1200-1.jpg?resize=840%2C602)
For more on Sotheby’s list, click here.
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