A $59 Million Klimt Tops a Landmark Sothebys Auction in London.

[elleng]

'An exuberant Gustav Klimt garden scene sold at Sotheby’s on Wednesday night for 48 million pounds (about $59.3 million), with fees, bringing the third-highest price for any artwork sold at auction in Europe.

The painting, with an estimate of at least £35 million, was contested by four telephone bidders, reflecting newly energized demand for works by the great names of 20th-century art.

“This was a momentous night for the art market,” said the auctioneer, Helena Newman, chairwoman of Sotheby’s Europe, after her evening sale of Impressionist, modern and Surrealist art, which brought a total of £194.8 million. It was the highest total for any auction staged in London, not accounting for inflation.'>>>

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/01/arts/design/a-59-million-klimt-tops-a-landmark-sothebys-auction-in-london.html?

[Docreed2003]

1. Perhaps this shows my naivete

But I often wonder what happens to these pieces after epic auctions like this one? These influential works should be on display for the world to see and experience, not in some private collection. In truth, I react the same way to pop culture memorabilia sold at auction. It chaps my ass that the owner of the Colts has Ringo's iconic "Beatles" drum kit in his collection, amongst other extremely rare rock memorabilia. I suppose it strokes the owners ego, but if I had money to spend on such things I can't imagine hording them for my own benefit. I suppose that's why I'm a liberal!

[elleng]

3. Yes, Liberal, Doc.

Recall (and see it if you haven't) the Woman in Gold, which IS not on public display in the U.S.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woman_in_Gold_(film)

[Docreed2003]

4. I do remember the movie...

But I believe the painting is currently housed at Neue Galerie in NYC. I've never seen it but would love to.

[elleng]

5. Yes, it's on display there.

[littlemissmartypants]

2. Beautiful. Thank you, elleng. ♡