“These past six months have been historic by all standards” said Bill Ruprecht, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sotheby’s. “In this six month period we earned more than in any full year in our history. We believe that these results validate our strategy, demonstrate the significant operating leverage in our business model and highlight our ability to execute in a strong art market. They reaffirm our commitment to our clients, our employees and our shareholders. And, very importantly, they reaffirm our commitment to profitability." Six Months income of $131.7 million up 92% and surpass previous record full year. Record revenues of $486.9 million for the six month period, up 41%. Second Quarter income best ever at $107.3 million, up 48%. Second Quarter revenues highest ever at $339.5 million, up 37%. Sotheby’s sold the highest price at auction for the first six months –Mark Rothko's White Center , owned by David Rockefeller -- for $72.8 million Sotheby’s sold four of the five top lots of the season: Rothko’s White Center ($72.8 million); Bacon’s Study after Pope Innocent X ($52.7 million); Bacon’s Self-Portrait ($43 million) and Monet’s Nympheas ($36.7 million). Record for Contemporary Art set at Sotheby's -- Rothko's White Center. Record for any sculpture set at Sotheby's -- Artemis with Stag sold for $28.6 million. Best six months sales ever of $2.9 billion, up 44%. Sales totals approximate those of competitor, despite 50% less lot volume at Sotheby’s, a strategic decision. Private sales of $334 million were up 43%. Consolidated sales were $3.24 billion, up 45%, our highest ever. Sotheby's sold 391 $1 million dollar lots. Contemporary Art up 96% to $712.6 million. Impressionist and Modern Art up 28% to $791.3 million. Launch of Sotheby's World Elite Mastercard, which offers unique art-world benefits. First auction house to open office in Moscow . Opened office in Beijing .