Speaker details

Biography

Mariolina Bassetti obtained a degree in French literature at La Sapienza University in Rome. Her career at Christie's began in 1987 and in 1995 she became the Italian Head of the Modern and Contemporary Art Department. Since its launch in 1999, Mariolina has been in charge of the Italian Sale, the annual and only international auction entirely dedicated to Italian 20th Century art, historically held at Christie’s London, before its movement to Paris in 2022. In 2015, the Italian Sale achieved record sales realising £42,200.00, which made Christie's the new leader in this segment of the market. In 2011 Mariolina, in addition to her previous position as International Director of Post-War & Contemporary Art department, she became President of Christie's Italy. In December 2018 she was appointed Chairman of Continental Europe for the Post-War and Contemporary Art department, leading Continental Europe and working to develop an overall strategy that would include a plan to grow the business, acquire new clients, train and recruit new talents within the Post-War & Contemporary Art team in the region. In more than 30 year at Christie’s, Mariolina has brought to auction record works such as Modigliani's Nu couché, and curated the sale of some of Italy's greatest collections, thanks to her ability to build strong relationships with her clients, effective strategies and teamwork. Year after year, Mariolina Bassetti has been instrumental in curating and consolidating Italian art around the world.