Zhang Daqian: Record-setting Artist

Beating Picasso by 31 million, Zhang Daqian (1899-1983) toppled the Malaga master from his pedestal and mounted the top step of the international auction podium, according to the Artprice ranking. He had already reached the top in 2011, thanks to an even more glittering turnover ($554 M!). Since then, he has ridden high in the top ten until finally reclaiming the crown last year. And under the hammer of Sotheby’s Hong Kong, "Peach Blossom Spring" even landed a world record for the artist when it was sold for $34.7 M to the eccentric Liu Yiqian. This taxi driver-turned-businessman is a speaking symbol. Founder of the Long Museum in Shanghai, he is one of the nouveau riche whose financial power has propelled China to the top of the art market. "There's nothing like a painting by Zhang Daqian," as he announced on social media after carrying off…