“French billionaire Francois Pinault attended his company Christie’s International’s New York auction of impressionist and modern art last night, and watched from a sky box as almost half the lots failed to sell. Buyers passed on 44 percent of the 82 pieces offered. Sales tallied $146.7 million, against the low estimate of $240.7 million. It’s the week’s third evening auction that missed estimates and a sign the global financial crisis continues to undermine demand for the most-expensive art.”