The way even brand-new works sold surprised many dealers and collectors. Anselm Kiefer's 2005 sculpture XXI Claudia Quinta, made of lead books stacked precariously and topped with a model ship and human hair, was bought by James Cohan, the Manhattan dealer, for US$340,800, far above its high estimate of US$300,000.
After the sale, de Pury said it did not represent the end of the princess' collecting. "It is her intention," he said, "to keep buying art that is right now."



