Jussi Pylkkänen: The Greatest Art Auctioneer the World Has Ever Seen?
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Jussi Pylkkänen, born in Finland in May 1963, moved to Britain as a baby and has lived there ever since. He was educated at King’s College and earned an MBA in English Literature from Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford University. Pylkkänen joined Christie’s in 1986, starting in the Old Masters Department before becoming a specialist in the Impressionist and Modern Art Department, where he served as Director from 1995 to 2005.
Rise to Prominence
Pylkkänen’s career at Christie’s is marked by a series of strategic decisions and successful sales that propelled him to the top of the auction world. He was appointed Global President of Christie’s in 2014 after serving ten years as President of Christie’s Europe, Middle East, and Russia. His ability to blend business acumen with a genuine passion for art has set a new standard in the industry.
Record-Breaking Sales
Jussi Pylkkänen is perhaps best known for his role in some of the most significant art sales in history. He presided over the sale of Leonardo da Vinci’s “Salvator Mundi” for $450.3 million in 2017, which remains the most expensive painting ever sold at auction. He also auctioned Andy Warhol’s “Shot Sage Blue Marilyn” for $195 million in 2022, making it the most expensive 20th-century painting.
Contributions to Christie’s and the Art Market
Pylkkänen has been instrumental in expanding Christie’s global footprint, democratizing art collection, and adapting to market changes such as the rise of online auctions and the increasing importance of luxury goods. He has overseen numerous charity auctions and the sale of prestigious collections, including those of Elizabeth Taylor, Peggy and David Rockefeller, and Paul Allen.
Final Years at Christie’s
In his final years at Christie’s, Pylkkänen continued to break records and lead significant sales. In October 2023, he presided over the sale of Jean-Michel Basquiat’s “Future Sciences Versus the Man” for £10,430,000. His last auction in New York on November 9, 2023, brought in $543.4 million, setting six artist auction records. His final appearance as an auctioneer was on December 7, 2023, at Christie’s evening sale of old masters in London.
Retirement and Legacy
Jussi Pylkkänen retired from his role at Christie’s in December 2023 after nearly 40 years with the company. He plans to continue his involvement in the art world as an independent art advisor. Pylkkänen’s legacy is defined by his charismatic presence on the auction podium, his deep knowledge of the art market, and his role in facilitating some of the most important art transactions in history.
Conclusion
Jussi Pylkkänen’s career at Christie’s has been nothing short of extraordinary. From his early days in the Old Masters Department to his record-breaking sales as Global President, Pylkkänen has left an indelible mark on the art auction world. His achievements and contributions have solidified his reputation as the greatest art auctioneer the world has ever seen.
