A Gustav Klimt painting recently set a record as the second priciest artwork ever sold at auction. The piece, depicting the heiress Adele Bloch-Bauer I, fetched an astonishing amount, exceeding expectations and highlighting Klimt’s enduring appeal in the art market.
Historic Sale at Auction
On Tuesday, the painting was auctioned at Sotheby’s, where it was expected to sell for around $150 million. However, the final bid surpassed all estimates. This sale positioned the artwork as the second highest auction price for a Klimt piece, only behind the Lady with a Fan, which sold for $108.8 million in 2023.
Background of the Artwork
The painting showcases Adele Bloch-Bauer I, dressed in a white robe against a backdrop of a blue Asian motif tapestry. This artwork has a rich history tied to its former owner, whose family faced persecution during the Nazi annexation of Austria in 1938.
- Original Owner: Adele Bloch-Bauer, a prominent heiress and Klimt’s patron.
- Previous Sales: Sold in 1983 and acquired by Estée Lauder heir Leonard A. Lauder in 1985.
- Display: Featured in Lauder’s Fifth Avenue home in New York.
Notable Auction Highlights
Beyond the Klimt painting, other significant sales occurred during the auction. Two additional Klimt works, Flowering Meadow and Forest Slope at Unterach am Attersee, each sold for between $60 million and $80 million. In a surprising turn, a gold toilet sculpture by Maurizio Cattelan drew considerable interest, selling for $12.1 million after receiving just one bid.
Art Market Context
This monumental sale illustrates the vibrant state of the art market. The most expensive artwork ever sold remains Salvator Mundi, attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, which reached $450.3 million in 2017. Klimt’s latest auction affirms the artist’s lasting legacy and allure among collectors.
