A Sign of the Times

2009's ten most expensive artworks:

1. Raphael: Head of a Muse, 1510. $47,941,095.
2. Matisse, Les Couscous, Tapis Bleu et Rose, 1911. $46,282,022.
3. Warhol, One Hundred Dollar Bills, 1962. $43,762,500.
4. Brancusi, Madame LR, 1914-1917. $37,623,104.
5. Rembrandt: Man with Arms Akimbo, 1658. $32,210,855.
6. Mondrian, Composition: Blue, Red, Yellow & Black, 1922. $27,805,131.
7. Degas, Petite Danseuse de Quatorze Ans, 1879-81. $21,938,097.
8. Giacometti, L'homme qui Chavire, 1951. $19,346,500.
9. Mondrian, Composition avec Grille 2, 1915. $18,564,685.
10. Monet, Dans la Prairie, 1876. $16,164,918.

No sales over $50,000,000 as would have been the case in nearly every year prior. However, a Raphael at the top, and two old masters in the top 10 is certainly a remarkable feat in itself.