Colorful reproductions of Marilyn Monroe’s photo portrait are among the most recognizable works of Andy Warhol. He began creating them in 1962, shortly after Monroe’s death using a technique called silkscreen painting.
According to Christie, he developed a “More refined and time-intensive” new process in 1964. This process was antithetical to his famous mass production. That year he used it to create a rare group of works to which “Shot Sage Blue Marilyn” belongs.
The Most Expensive Piece From The 20th Century
“Shot Sage Blue Marilyn” by Andy Warhol went under the hammer for a record $195 million. The auction took place at Christie’s auction house in New York, on Monday evening. Before the sale, Christie had described this art as “one of the rarest images in existence.” The auction house had initially said it was expecting bids “in the region of” $200 million.
The art portrays Monroe in a vibrant close up having yellow hair, blue eyeshadow, and red lips on a rich blue background. According to Christie, an unnamed buyer purchased it on Monday night. This Andy Warhol sale unseated the previous record-holder Jean-Michel Basquiat, whose 1982 painting “Untitled” earned a record $110.5 million.
Christie’s Opinion On The Masterpiece By Andy Warhol
“It’s an amazing price,” said Alex Rotter, chairman of Christie’s 20th and 21st-century art department. “Let it sink in, it’s quite something.” It was also described as “the most significant 20th-century painting to come to auction in a generation”.
“This is where we wanted to be, clearly,” said Guillaume Cerutti, CEO of Christie’s. “It proves we are in a very resilient art market.”
A succession of high-profile gallerists and collectors owned “Shot Sage Blue Marilyn” before the late Thomas Ammann purchased it. Thomas and Doris Ammann offered the portrait under the name of their Foundation Zurich. According to a press release the proceeds will be used to fund health and education programs for children worldwide.
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