Christie's has announced its 2014 sales figures, recording the highest total for any art company in the history of the market. 

A strong year for post-war and contemporary art propelled Christie's to record results

The firm made an impressive $8.4bn, up 17% on 2013's figure and reflecting the continued health of the art market. 

The strong results are underpinned by a record year for Christie's post-war and contemporary art department, which saw its best year ever recorded at $2.8bn, up 33% on 2013's figures. 

Auctions, private sales and online-only sales all saw an increase on 2013 totals, with Christie's growing focus on online platforms resulting in a 60% increase in online sales on 2013 at $35.1m. 

"We continue to lead the art market by offering the broadest opportunity to collectors globally. The top end of the market grew during the year as evidenced by the 48% increase in works sold above $10 million," said Patricia Barbizer, Christie's CEO. 

"Our strategy to develop in new markets such as China and India and in new channels such as Private Sales and eCommerce, has further propelled the global growth of our business. Our focus remains on serving our clients whenever and however they choose to connect with art, through auctions, exhibitions or online."

Luxury goods were among Christie's other success stories, with jewellery sales totalling a record $754.7m, up 7% on 2013's figure. Impressionist and modern art came in with a 19% increase at $1.2bn. 

Christie's is now focusing on 2015, with a series of old master sales at the end of January to be led by a portrait by Caravaggio, as well as the largest private collection of Asian art to ever appear at auction, the Ellsworth Collection, set for March. 

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