Sotheby's recent million-dollar sales in Sydney brought the auction house's tally for the year so far to $21.7 million, a commanding lead over rival Deutscher and Hackett which has total sales of $16.2 million.

At Sotheby's sale last week, Fred Williams' dark-hued Snowy Mountains scene more than fulfilled its million-dollar hopes, helping Sotheby’s Australia raise an impressive $12.2 million including premium for the night. At Deutscher and Hackett the following night, Williams' more conventional arid landscapes stood out and contributed to the $7.2 million in total at the Sydney sale.