The art world has witnessed significant milestones in 2024, with the emergence of artificial intelligence being a notable trend. A humanoid robot with artificial intelligence created the first work of art, titled “Ai God,” which sold for a record price of over one million euros. This portrait of British mathematician and computer science pioneer Alan Turing exceeded initial estimates of 170 thousand euros, demonstrating the growing presence of AI in the art market.
The sale of “Ai God” is not an isolated incident, as other classic works of art have also made headlines in 2024. Magritte’s “The Empire of Light,” estimated at 91 million euros, was sold in New York for 114 million euros, setting a record price for the surrealist movement. This sale was described as the “jewel of the crown” and a climax in the autumn sales of the market. Another notable work is Tiziano’s “Rest in flight to Egypt,” which was auctioned for over 20 million euros, the highest price paid for a painting by the artist.
Tiziano’s work stands out not only for its economic value but also for its fascinating history. The painting has passed through the hands of several monarchs, including Emperor Carlos VI, and has been stolen twice. The first theft was by Napoleon’s troops, and the painting reappeared in 1878 at an auction in Christie’s. The second theft occurred in 1995, and the painting was found a few years later in a bus stop near London, wrapped in a simple plastic bag. Until the 2024 auction, the painting had not been on the market in almost 150 years.
Works of the past have also returned to the spotlight, including Maurizio Cattelan’s “Comedian,” which was first presented at the Miami Art Basel in 2019. The famous banana attached to the wall was auctioned in New York for almost 6 million euros, with the buyer, Justin Sun, describing it as a “cultural phenomenon, a bridge between the worlds of art, memes, and the crypto community.” Another notable work is Gustav Klimt’s “Portrait of Miss Lieser,” which reappeared in 2024 after being known only through a black and white archive photograph. The painting was auctioned for 30 million euros, establishing a new record as the most valued piece in an Austrian auction.
Other notable sales in 2024 include the auction of “Rest in the flight to Egypt” by Tiziano, which was sold for over 20 million euros. The painting’s history is marked by its passage through the hands of several monarchs and its theft on two occasions. The sale of these works demonstrates the continued interest in classic art, as well as the growing presence of artificial intelligence and modern works in the market. As the art world continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how these trends shape the market in the years to come.
