The Shiny Bunny That Set Jeff Koons' Auction Record
3 min read · 24 Jan 2025
Rabbit. Image courtesy of Christie's
Jeff Koons' Rabbit (1986) sold for $91.08m at Christie's in New York on May 15, 2019. The stainless steel sculpture, number two from an edition of three plus one artist's proof, had been traded three times in the past.
Consigned by the family of the late magazine magnate S.I. Newhouse, other Rabbit sculptures from the edition are in major museums and institutions, including the Broad Foundation. The record breaking sculpture was reportedly bought by the hedge funder, Steve Cohen.
Ever a perfectionist, Koons created one of his most famous sculptures in stainless steel, so that the wrinkles and creases of the inflatable latex or foil original were meticulously crafted in metal.
Part of the artist's "Statuary" series, Rabbit paved the way for monumental sculptures, such as Balloon Dog, Balloon Flower and their sister works.
The record sale of Rabbit made Koons once again the world's most expensive living artist, overtaking David Hockney and his $90.3m Portrait Of An Artist (Pool With Two Figures) (1972).
Balloon Dog (Orange). Image courtesy of Christie's
The sale beat Koons' previous auction record by $32.67m, a 55% rise. His previous record was set by Balloon Dog (Orange) (1997), which sold for $58.41m at Christie's on November 12, 2013. The work had been traded once in the past.
A Brief History of Jeff Koons at Auction
Sale Date | Title | Price | Record Increase | Venue | City |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2019-05-15 | Rabbit | $91.08m | 56 % | Christie's | New York |
2013-11-12 | Balloon Dog (Orange) | $58.41m | 73 % | Christie's | New York |
2012-11-14 | Tulips | $33.68m | 31 % | Christie's | New York |
2008-06-30 | Balloon Flower (Magenta) | $25.72m | 9 % | Christie's | London |
2007-11-14 | Hanging heart magenta and gold (Magenta/Gold) | $23.56m | 100 % | Sotheby's | New York |
2007-11-13 | Diamond (Blue) | $11.8m | 131 % | Christie's | New York |
2001-05-15 | Michael Jackson and Bubbles | $5.1m | 209 % | Sotheby's | New York |
1999-11-16 | Pink Panther | $1.65m | 346 % | Christie's | New York |
1999-05-19 | Buster Keaton | $370,000 | 42 % | Christie's | New York |
1998-11-17 | String of puppies | $260,000 | 16 % | Sotheby's | New York |
1997-05-06 | Stacked | $225,000 | 7 % | Sotheby's | New York |
1994-11-02 | Louis XIV | $210,000 | 14 % | Christie's | New York |
1991-11-14 | New Shelton wet/dry triple decker | $183,900 | 206 % | Sotheby's | New York |
1991-04-30 | Travel bar | $60,000 | - | Sotheby's | New York |
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