Auctioneer Christie's announced on Wednesday worldwide sales of $2.57 billion for the first six months of 2010, up 46% from last year for the same period (figures include buyer’s premium).

Results reflected the top end of the art market with Christie's handling 75% of the works sold for over $50 million in this period, including Nude, Green Leaves and Bust by Pablo Picasso which garnered $106.5 million / £70.2 million, the highest price ever paid at auction for any work of art.

Christie’s global auction sales achieved 51% market share against its main competitor.

Overall, 169 works of art sold for more than £1 million, compared to 201 sold during the same period last year.  Sales totals include private sales of £182.7 million/$274.1 million, up 37% by £ on the same period last year.  Strong results and sold percentages were also achieved across the regional markets and in the companion day sales that traditionally follow Christie’s evening sales.

Kelly Crow writes in the Wall Street Journal, "It looks like the art market's Blue Period is over."