You had to open your purse or wallet to play Montici collector in 2022.

For the second straight year, sales prices climbed steeply, often doubling, tripling, or even quadrupling estimated prices.

What’s going on?

My guess? We saw more bidders chasing fewer available pieces. The Society’s membership continues to grow, along with members’ knowledge of the history, diversity, and value of individual Montici mosaics. With knowledge comes greater interest and appreciation, leading to more active collecting.

I can’t wait to see what happens in 2023!

2022 Highlights:

Only 9 Montici artworks came to market in 2022, compared to 14 in 2021.
But the average price per Montici artwork sold soared to $7,800, up 56% compared to the previous record of $5,000 set in 2021 ( a word of caution on “average” price: 9 artworks is small sample size. Once we get 4-5 years of data, we will have a better idea of the price trend).
The total dollar volume of Montici artwork sold was $62,285.
A record sales price of $19,200 was paid for a transportation mosaic (MSID “Steamboat and Fishes”) – almost eight times its estimated sales price of $2000-$3000 The next highest price paid for a mosaic in this category was $4,000 for MSID “Steam Engine #3” back in 2014.
A record sales price of $11,600 was achieved for an animal mosaic (MSID “Two-Headed Elephant”). This was quadruple its estimated price of $2500-$3500.
Paintings: 2022 saw the first Richard Blow painting in 3 years to come up for auction. MSID “Water Pump and Farm Double Oil Painting” sold for $1,625, triple its estimated sales price of $400-$600. Over the last 20 years, we’ve recorded only 5 Blow paintings (oil or watercolor) put up for auction.
Furniture: The only Montici table brough to market in 2022 was MSID “Tiger Table #2” (LiveAuctioneers via Wright). Bidders passed on the lot. It had an estimated price of $10,000-$15,000.