The Easel

Brett’s Bet: What Gorvy’s Sudden Exit from Christie’s May Mean for the Art Market

Christie’s edge over arch-rival Sothebys is frequently credited to contemporary art specialist Brett Gorvy. Hence his sudden – and apparently amicable – departure is generating speculation. Perhaps after years of high growth, the gloss is coming off art auctions: “He didn’t need a weatherman to see which way the wind was blowing … air has been seeping out of the inflated, high-pressure auction and art-fair markets.”