Historical records at the auctions of Old Master Paintings, 19th Century Painting, Modern Art, Silver, and Design
Frans Francken - at € 7.02 million most expensive old master painting ever sold at auction in Continental Europe

Art and antiques continue to be highly valued by collectors and investors alike, as the 2010 Dorotheum financial year amply demonstrates. With a total auction turn-over of approximately 144 million Euro (as of 15. 12. 2010), Dorotheum ranks among the world's top five auction houses and is, by a considerable margin, the largest auction house of Continental Europe. Numerous world record sales made 2010 the most successful year in Dorotheum history. Even without spectacular individual sales, such as those of the Frans Francken painting, of the world's largest gold coin, or the Leopold auction, this would have turned out to be a record-breaking year.

Dorotheum managing director Martin Böhm describes some of the reasons for this success: „In recent years, we have actively promoted Dorotheum's international reach and significantly enlarged our global customer base. This allows us to present a highly competitive selection of international art."
Expanding activity in Italy - such as the previous year's opening of a representation in Rome - as well as a greater engagement in France have likewise proved invaluable to the auction house's success. In autumn of 2010, Dorotheum was able to present its top auction lots in a splendid Paris setting.

The auctions of old master paintings and 19th century painting April 2010 and those of modern art, design, and silver in May 2010 brought in new all-time record results. 

The international response was particularly strong on the occasion of the April auction of a painting by Frans Francken II. Man Choosing between Virtue and Vice acquired a new owner for 7.02 million Euro, making it the most expensive old master painting ever sold at auction in Continental Europe and marking a new world record for this artist's work.

Apart from Francken, another old master painting also scored in the million Euro range: Il Guercino's dramatic scene after Tasso, Rinaldo and Armida sold for € 1.042.300. In addition, the autumn auction saw the sale of two newly discovered Scenes from the Life of King David by Guercino for 329.300 Euro. Modern art similarly brought a series of top results for international stars like Giorgio Morandi, Paula Modersohn-Becker, and Gino Severini, while contemporary art won over buyers with works byGünther Uecker, Anselm Kiefer, or Agostino Bonalumi. Nineteenth century painting continued going strong, e.g. with the sensational sale of a small scale seascape by Konstantin Aivazovsky for 283.300 Euro. And as far a Waldmüller paintings are concerned, Dorotheum was able to defend its position as market leader: The Bridesmaid of 1843 was knocked down at 421.300 Euro.
Other top auction results include some of the highlights of the silver and design auctions, with four candelabra of Catherine the Great and a writing desk of Diego Giacometti both passing the 200.000 Euro mark. Euro 3,27 million, were brought in by the world's largest gold coin, the Canadian Maple Leaf with a weight of 100 kg.

New categories:
In 2010, two new categories expanded the already diverse Dorotheum selection. The category of oriental rugs, textiles, and tapestries headed by resident expert Wolfgang Matschek was well received at its first auction on 14th September 2010, pride of place going to a 19th century Khotan silk rug sold for 34.460 Euro.
As of this autumn Dorotheum also accepts consignments of Non-European Art and Tribal Art (Prof. Erwin Melchardt), the first auction in this category will be held in 2011.