Gustav Klimt’s ‘Last Masterpiece’ To Fetch $80 Million In Auction
Gustav Klimt’s ‘last masterpiece’ to fetch $80 million in auction. Gustav Klimt, a renowned Austrian symbolist painter of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, is known for his distinctive style and masterful use of gold leaf in his paintings.
Author:Dr. Felix ChaosphereReviewer:Xander OddityJun 27, 2023661 Shares220.3K Views
Gustav Klimt’s ‘last masterpiece’ to fetch $80 million in auction. Gustav Klimt, a renowned Austrian symbolist painter of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, is known for his distinctive style and masterful use of gold leaf in his paintings.
His works, including "The Kiss" and "Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I," are highly sought after by collectors and art enthusiasts around the world.
Now, an extraordinary piece by Klimt, considered to be his "last masterpiece," is set to go under the hammer at an auction. Gustav Klimt’s ‘last masterpiece’ to fetch $80 million in auction. It has generated significant excitement within the art community.
This auction has sparked significant interest and excitement among collectors, art investors, and museums. The combination of Klimt's name, the painting's historical context, and its exceptional artistic value has generated a buzz that is sure to drive intense bidding.
The final sale price is anticipated to be substantial, further solidifying Klimt's reputation as one of the most influential and sought-after artists in history.
The Significance Of Dame Mit Fächer Painting By Gustav Klimt
"Dame mit Fächer" holds a special place in Klimt's oeuvre due to its status as his final completed work before his untimely death in 1918. The painting showcases the artist's signature style, characterized by intricate details, ethereal figures, and a fusion of symbolism and naturalism.
"Dame mit Fächer" portrays a female figure in an elegant, sumptuous gown adorned with intricate patterns and vibrant colors. The subject's body is partially obscured by an exquisite fan, which adds a sense of mystery and allure to the painting.
The woman's expressive eyes and delicate features convey a sense of introspection, while her pose exudes confidence and grace. Klimt's meticulous attention to detail is evident in the intricate patterns of the fabric and the subtle play of light and shadow.
Klimt was known for infusing his works with symbolism, and "Dame mit Fächer" is no exception. The fan, a recurring motif in his art, carries various allegorical interpretations. In this painting, it can be seen as a symbol of feminine allure, mystique, and the concealment of inner thoughts and desires.
The fan also represents a barrier between the subject and the viewer, adding an element of intimacy and distance simultaneously. Klimt's use of symbolism invites viewers to contemplate the deeper meanings and emotions within the artwork.
Klimt's masterful depiction of the female form, combined with the use of vibrant colors and textures, creates a captivating composition that exemplifies his artistic genius.
The painting was created during a tumultuous period in history. World WarI was nearing its end, and the world was undergoing significant social and cultural transformations.
Klimt's work reflects this changing atmosphere, subtly capturing the spirit of the era. "Dame mit Fächer" embodies both the timeless beauty of Klimt's subjects and the underlying tensions of the early 20th century, making it a captivating piece with historical significance.
After its creation, "Dame mit Fächer" remained in the possession of Klimt's family until it was eventually sold to a private collector. However, for decades, the painting remained hidden from public view, contributing to its mystique and allure. It was not until recently that the artwork resurfaced, rekindling the interest of art experts and collectors worldwide.
The Fascinating Journey Of Gustav Klimt's Dame Mit Facher (Lady With A Fan)
Erwin Bohler, an industrialist from Vienna, purchased the painting Dame mit Facher (Lady with a Fan) immediately after the artist's death. Both Klimt and Egon Schiele were intimate friends and patrons of the Bohler family. The family even vacationed with Klimt at a lake near Salzburg that inspired many of the artist's landscape paintings, and they were photographed there.
After Erwin's death in 1940, Heinrich's wife Mabel inherited the painting from Heinrich, a close companion of Klimt. The subsequent proprietor was the Viennese art collector and museum director Rudolf Leopold, who purchased numerous Schiele works from Mabel Bohler in 1952.
In 1994, the current owner's family purchased Dame mit Facher (Lady with a Fan) at a Sotheby's auction in New York. Sotheby's did not disclose the identity of the family or the rationale for the current sale.
Dame mit Facher (Lady with a Fan) was included in the 2021-22 exhibition "Gustav Klimt's Last Works" at the Belvedere Museum in Vienna, marking the first time it had been exhibited publicly since its purchase at Sotheby's in 1994.
Auction At Sotheby's
Sotheby's, one of the leading international auction houses, has taken the responsibility of offering this exceptional masterpiece to potential buyers. The auction house has carefully curated a prestigious event to showcase Klimt's final work, generating immense anticipation within the art market. The estimated price of $80 million reflects the exceptional quality and rarity of the painting, as well as its historical significance.
The final portrait created by Gustav Klimt is expected to fetch approximately $80 million when it is auctioned off in London later this month, the highest estimate ever placed on an artwork at a European auction.
"Dame mit Facher" (Lady with a Fan) depicts an unidentified female subject and was one of two paintings discovered in the Austrian artist's studio after his death in 1918, according to Sotheby's.
Sotheby's announced the transaction, dubbing the portrait Klimt's "last masterpiece." Thomas Boyd Bowman, the manager of evening sales for impressionist and modern art at the auction house, described it as "stunning."
In a press release, he stated:
“„The beauty and sensuality of the portrait lies in the detail: the flecks of blue and pink which enliven the sitter’s skin, the feathery lines of her eyelashes and the pursed lips that give her face character.- Thomas Boyd Bowman
"Dame mit Facher" was begun in 1917 and is rendered in Klimt's signature rich, expressive style. As with much of his output, it displays the East Asian influences that molded his work, including the fan held by the unidentified sitter and the use of phoenix and lotus flower motifs. The background's perspective recalls the Japanese woodblock designs that featured prominently in the artist's extensive collection of Asian art.
The majority of Klimt's most famous works, including "The Kiss," were created during his "Golden Phase," when he frequently used gold foil in his artwork. This period of his career concluded at the turn of the twentieth century.
Helena Newman, head of impressionist and modern art at Sotheby's, said in a statement that Klimt was in his "artistic prime and producing some of his most accomplished and experimental works" at the time of his death at age 55.
Helena Newman told that she anticipated significant Asian interest in this portrait due to Klimt's depiction of lotus blossoms, phoenixes, and dragons in the background and the motifs on the unidentified woman's robe.
She continued:
“„Klimt is in that rare category of artists, including Modigliani, Picasso, and Giacometti, whose work has achieved over $100 million at auction.- Helena Newman
Newman also noted that, unlike many of Klimt's most well-known portraits, the painting was not commissioned, indicating that it was likely created for the artist's own enjoyment.
She said:
“„This … is something completely different - a technical tour de force, full of boundary-pushing experimentation, as well as a heartfelt ode to absolute beauty.- Helena Newman
The painting was formerly possessed by Klimt's patron and friend, the Viennese industrialist Erwin Bohle. According to the Artnet database, it was subsequently acquired by art collector Rudolf Leopold, who sold it to the current owner's family at Sotheby's in 1994 for less than $12 million. The painting has not been auctioned since, though it was exhibited at The Belvedere, an Austrian museum that houses "The Kiss" and other significant Klimt works, last year.
The value of Klimt's paintings has skyrocketed over the past two decades. The Austrian is currently one of a select few artists whose works have sold for nine-figure sums. The current auction record for a Klimt is held by "Birch Forest," which was once possessed by the late Microsoft co-founder Paul G. Allen and sold for $104.5 million the year after his death.
Other works may have sold privately for even higher prices. According to court documents from an ongoing legal dispute between Russian magnate Dmitry Rybolovlev and art dealer Yves Bouvier, the oligarch reportedly purchased Klimt's "Wasserschlangen II" for $183.8 million.
In 2006, the "Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I" was reportedly acquired by the American industrialist Ronald Lauder for $135 million. Bloomberg reports that ten years later, Oprah Winfrey sold another portrait of the same subject, "Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer II," to a Chinese buyer for $150 million.
The masterpiece "Dame mit Facher" is the highlight of Sotheby's modern and contemporary art summer auction on June 27. The auction will coincide with the long-awaited reopening of London's National Portrait Gallery and will feature portraits by notable artists such as Alberto Giacometti and Edvard Munch, among others.
Following an initially buoyant recovery from Covid-19, there are concerns that the auction market is beginning to cool. According to the most recent annual market report by UBS and Art Basel, globalauction revenues declined by 1% in 2022 after increasing by 47% in 2021.
Klimt's last portait auctioned in London could set European record
Legacy And Influence
Gustav Klimt's contributions to the art world cannot be overstated. His distinct style and ability to infuse emotion and symbolism into his works have left a lasting impact on subsequent generations of artists.
Klimt's exploration of the human form, particularly the female figure, has inspired countless painters, and his use of gold leaf has become synonymous with his name. With the potential sale of "Dame mit Fächer," Klimt's legacy is poised to continue influencing the art world for years to come.
People Also Ask
Who Is Gustav Klimt?
Gustav Klimt was an Austrian symbolist painter of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He is renowned for his distinctive style and use of gold leaf in his paintings, with notable works including "The Kiss" and "Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I."
What Is The Title Of Gustav Klimt's Last Masterpiece?
The title of Gustav Klimt's last masterpiece is "Dame mit Fächer" or "Lady with Fan."
When Did Gustav Klimt Complete His Last Masterpiece?
Gustav Klimt completed his last masterpiece, "Dame mit Fächer," in 1918.
How Much Is Gustav Klimt's "Dame Mit Fächer" Expected To Sell For At Auction?
Gustav Klimt's "Dame mit Fächer" is estimated to sell for $80 million at an auction on June 27, 2023.
Where Can I Find More Information About The Auction Of Gustav Klimt's "Dame Mit Fächer"?
You can find more information about the auction of Gustav Klimt's "Dame mit Fächer" by visiting the official websites of Sotheby's auction house or referring to reputable newssources covering the event, such as CNN's Style section or other art-related websites.
Conclusion
Gustav Klimt’s ‘last masterpiece’ to fetch $80 million in auction. The final painting created by Gustav Klimt could become the most expensive painting ever sold in Europe when it goes up for auction today.
With an estimated value of $80 million, the painting represents a culmination of Klimt's artistic journey and captures the essence of his style and vision.
The auction at Sotheby's on June 27 promises to be an extraordinary opportunity for collectors to acquire a piece of art history. As the bidding commences, the anticipation and excitement surrounding this extraordinary masterpiece are sure to reach new heights.
Dr. Felix Chaosphere
Author
Dr. Felix Chaosphere, a renowned and eccentric psychiatrist, is a master of unraveling the complexities of the human mind. With his wild and untamed hair, he embodies the essence of a brilliant but unconventional thinker. As a sexologist, he fearlessly delves into the depths of human desire and intimacy, unearthing hidden truths and challenging societal norms.
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Xander Oddity
Reviewer
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