The current hot market for Montici mosaics shows no signs of cooling off.
That’s my main takeaway from the recently completed Myers Fine Art auction held in St. Petersburg, Florida. (see “Market Report” for full details).
The auction included six pieces representing four different Montici mosaic genres -- Abstract Geometrics, Buildings and Arches, Moon/Celestial, and Occult. All sold very well. Bidding was conducted both online and floor; it was spirited and sustained (including 39 bids for one of the works); and five of the six pieces fetched record prices for their genre.
Prices continue to climb.
The average price of a Montici mosaic in 2021 was $5,000; in 2022 it rose to $7,800 (See Michael’s Blog, 1/16/23, “2022 Montici Art Sales Recap.”). In the first four months of 2023, some 9 pieces came to market, fetching $86,900, resulting in an average price of $9,700.
Meanwhile, the six Myers pieces just sold fetched $63,900, giving them an average price of $10,650.
I was a bit surprised by the prices paid for the “Rock Sampler” mosaics. These colorful, artistically uncomplicated, easy-to-produce works have typically been quite affordable. As recently as 2018, a bidder landed rock sampler MSID “Geometric Pink” for just $500. The previous record price for a Rock Sampler was $3,250. It’s notable that both Myers rock sampler mosaics topped that record, with “Rock Sampler #5” skyrocketing to $8,500 (includes 22% buyer’s premium).
I also greatly underestimated the final price bidders would pay for MSID “Inverted Pyramids, Ball and Crescent #4.” It’s a very beautiful piece, but appeared to have some notable blemishes, flagged by the seller in a close-up photo. I thought its condition would dampen the price. It’s didn’t. I guess when you love a piece, you love it, warts and all.
I loved MSID “Dog and Arches” and guesstimated a price of $10,000 hammer. It fetched $14,000. I can understand it. Richard’s “Surreal Arches” mosaics are among the best examples of his revolutionary artistic impact on the ancient Medici-era Florentine art of pietra dura. Each piece is a dramatic reminder that Richard radically expanded the stale iconography of traditional Italian pietra dura. Any serious collector familiar with the history of Montici mosaics would love to have one.
I’m delighted Montici prices are rising. Richard Blow’s art deserves to be appreciated and celebrated.
I just hope that his art always remains affordable to the average collector.