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19 juni 2006
Klimt Sells for 104 Million: Condi Rice Portrait Acquired by MOMA
A Klimt stolen by the Nazis during the war and returned to its owner only after a years-long court battle recently sold for an alleged 104 million. Klimt drew inspiration for this painting, and I imagine all the other goldy swirly dreamy ones, from a visit to the murals at Ravenna, Italy. The work is said to be the most valuable painting ever sold.
Or is it? The MOMA recently acquired this lovely portrait, for reasons unknown. This work does nothing for me. And isn't it really crude and amateurish-looking? What's with the bizarre cropping? Bleah.
The Belgian artist, Luc Tuymans, is said to be perhaps the most influential one in his generation. Clearly I'm missing something, as usual.
Posted by ypsidixit at 19 juni 2006 16:29
Comments
Some works by luc tuymans may be viewed (and clicked on to enlarge) here.
I dunno. There's a sort of vague menace in some of the paintings, but beyond that, I don't see yet why he should be so influential.
Y. is ignorant and needs some kind art people to clue her in here, please.
Posted by: Laura at 19 juni 2006 16:51
Meh, the wikipedia entry is laconic and does not explain his supposed influentiality.
Posted by: Laura at 19 juni 2006 16:54
More Tuymans works.
Posted by: Laura at 19 juni 2006 16:56
review of a tuymans show at the tate, concluding that the guy's "great".
Posted by: Laura at 19 juni 2006 17:00
Interesting article on the backstory of the Klimt here.
Posted by: tom at 21 juni 2006 10:58
For some reason my anchor tag is screwed up.
Klimt story:
http://www.slate.com/id/2144092/
Posted by: tom at 21 juni 2006 11:15