A portrait by Gustav Klimt โฃsold forโ $236 million at a Sotheby’s โauction in New York on Thursday, establishing a โnew record for theโ most expensive โฃartwork sold atโ auction, according to the auction house. The painting, โ”Dame mit Fรคcher” (Lady with a Fan), depicts a woman in a lavishly decorated kimono and wasโ completed in 1917-1918.
Theโค sale underscores the enduring appeal โof Klimt’s โคwork and the continued strength of the high-end art market, evenโ amid globalโ economic uncertainty. The acquisition by an anonymous collector marks aโ significant moment for the art world, potentially โฃsignaling aโค shift in ownership within the ultra-wealthy and influencing future โคvaluations of similar pieces. Sotheby’s anticipates continued interest inโ Klimt’s oeuvre following thisโค landmarkโ sale.
The painting wasโข previously owned by an unnamed collector for decades and โhad not beenโ publicly โdisplayed sinceโ 1934. โขSotheby’s described the portrait as a โค”masterpiece of early โค20th-century portraiture,” highlighting its vibrant colors and intricate details. โ
klimt, a prominent figure in the Viennaโ Secession movement, is celebrated for his Symbolist paintings, often featuring gold leaf โand ornate patterns. His works frequently explore themes of femininity and sensuality. Another of his works,”Water Serpents II,” sold for $170.4 million in 2013, โขbut this latest sale surpasses โฃthat figure by a substantial margin.
