For Rare Book Hub, 2021 was a complex year by every measure. The volume of auctions and number of lots posted substantially increased. As well, the percentage of lots sold rose as the median dollar value also took a jump. Net-net, collectible paper was a very strong category as consignors lined up, auction houses adjusted, and bidders and buyers stepped in.
As to the first major report encapsulating the full year, this month’s lead story, the annual top 500 lots, tells us who the big winners were.
In February Mike Stillman will provide detailed analysis for the full year. From what I can tell, 2021 may well appear to have been a once-in-a-century experience. But given the positive trends the field has been experiencing over the past five years there’s no conclusive reason to suggest collectible paper will slow down any time soon.
To all who have shared the experience we offer congratulations and our thanks.
Sotheby's Bibliothèque Jacques Dauchez - Autour de Dubuffet
5-19 June
Sotheby’s, June 5-19: Bissière, Roger. Cantique à notre frère soleil de saint François. 1954. 1,000 - 1,500 EUR
Sotheby’s, June 5-19: Céline, Louis-Ferdinand. La vie & l’œuvre de Philippe Ignace Semmelweis. 1924. Rare édition originale, avec envoi. Joint : La Quinine en thérapeutique, 1925. 4,000 - 6,000 EUR
Sotheby’s, June 5-19: Céline, Louis-Ferdinand. Mort à crédit. 1936. Édition originale. Bel exemplaire sur Hollande. 2,500 - 3,500 EUR
Sotheby's Bibliothèque Jacques Dauchez - Autour de Dubuffet
5-19 June
Sotheby’s, June 5-19: Chillida, Eduardo ─ Emil Cioran. Face aux instants. 1985. Un des 100 exemplaires sur Arches. Eau-forte signée. 600 - 800 EUR
Sotheby’s, June 5-19: Dubuffet, Jean. Ler dla canpane. L’Art Brut, 1948. Édition originale. 3,000 - 5,000 EUR
Sotheby’s, June 5-19: Dubuffet, Jean. L'Herne Jean Dubuffet. 1973. Un des 100 exemplaires du tirage de luxe avec une sérigraphie originale en couleurs. 1,000 - 1,500 EUR
