Marilyn Monroe portrait of Andy Warhol reaches record value at auction

Sold at auction by Christie’s in New York to an unknown buyer, the piece’s initial estimate was $200 million and exceeded the previous record in the 20th century held by Pablo Picasso (1881-1973). Algeria (Version 0)”, which amounted to $179.4 million (€169.7 million) in 2015.

The absolute record, after the 20th century, is still at auction with “Salvator Mundi”, attributed, with some dispute, to Leonardo da Vinci, which sold for $450.3 million (426 million euros) in 2017.

Alex Rutter, head of auctioneer’s art for the 20th and 21st centuries, said in a statement that the sale, which made Warhol the most expensive American artist ever, “is testament to the strength, energy and widespread enthusiasm for auctioning.” Today’s art market.

“This sale demonstrates the strength of Andy Warhol as well as the legacy he continues to leave in the world of art, pop culture and society,” he added.

The auction included the Thomas and Doris Ammann collection of 36 lots and totaled $317.8 million (€300.8 million), starting on the 13th, with all proceeds from it for children’s medical and educational services.

In addition to Warhol, record values ​​have been achieved by artists Mike Bidlow, Ross Bleckner, Francesco Clemente, Anne Craven, Martin Dessler, and Mary Hellman.

Warhol’s 1-meter silkscreen features American actress Marilyn Monroe with her face painted pink, yellow hair, ruby ​​lips, and blue eyeshadow.

Andy Warhol, considered the father of “pop art,” produced four works after the actress’ death in 1962, which became known as “Shot Marilyns,” all of the same size and different backgrounds.

“This is the most important painting of the 20th century to be auctioned in a generation. Marilyn painted by Andy Warhol is the absolute pinnacle of American pop music and the promise of the American Dream, combining optimism, fragility, fame and iconography at the same time,” said Rutter. When the auction is announced.

In 1998, Sotheby’s auctioneer sold work with Marilyn on an orange background for $17 million (€15.4 million).