Gustav Klimt's masterpiece, "Lady with a Fan," (Dame mit Fächer) breaks auction records in Europe, selling for £85.3mn at Sotheby's on June 27. After nearly three decades since its last market appearance, the late Austrian painter's final artwork exceeded expectations and set a new record for the artist. Following an intense 10-minute bidding battle, the painting was acquired by Patti Wong, founder of Patti Wong & Associates, bidding on behalf of a collector from Hong Kong. The remarkable sale price of £85.3mn surpasses the previous record held by Alberto Giacometti's sculpture, "The Walking Man I," sold at Sotheby's London in 2010.
Helena Newman, the chair of Sotheby's Europe and the global leader in impressionist and modern art, said that “ "Dame mit Fächer" holds significant value as the final portrait crafted by Gustav Klimt before his premature passing. During this period, Klimt was at the peak of his artistic prowess, creating exceptional and innovative works. While many of his renowned pieces were commissioned, this particular artwork stands apart as a unique achievement, showcasing Klimt's technical expertise and fearless exploration, while also serving as a sincere homage to the concept of absolute beauty.”
During the height of his artistic career, Gustav Klimt tragically passed away at the age of 55 in 1918. At the time of his untimely death, the painting "Dame mit Fächer," depicting an unidentified woman, remained untouched on an easel in Klimt's studio.
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