Springtime brings big named artists to the auction block for expected record prices. Van Gogh's Portrait of Madame Ginoux, Picasso's 1941 painting of his mistress Dora Maar (pictured; expected to fetch $20 million), a Warhol soup can and Koon's vacuum cleaners in a Plexiglas box all come up for sale in two weeks of back to back auctions. 
Art auction prices are up as newly rich collectors from Russia and Asia make themselves known at auctions. Who is selling? Both seasoned collectors and well-know dealers who smell an opportunity to capitalize on the upward price trend.
The fall 2005 prices had been so high, it encouraged active sales at both Sotheby's and Christie's "so cutthroat that both houses have been doling out large guarantees" to their clients.
More info: Auctions in New York Times.
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