**A Jackson Pollock masterpiece fetching $181 million at Christie’s in May 2026 has already cleared the $150 million threshold this year, anchoring the market’s strong 85% implied probability for Yes.** Blue-chip demand remains robust, evidenced by Christie’s recent London sales totaling $289 million during Frieze Week, including a heavily guaranteed Peter Simon collection that achieved near its high estimate with exceptional sell-through rates. Precedent from the 2025 Klimt record and steady institutional and private-buyer interest in trophy modern works support expectations that the November New York marquee auctions or a late private transaction could deliver another nine-figure result before year-end. While the art market can be unpredictable at the absolute top end, the combination of an established benchmark sale and positive momentum in guaranteed, high-quality offerings gives traders clear confidence in crossing the line again by December 31.