Probably the most expensive Asian artwork "Slave and Lion" by Xu Beihong

 Xu Beihong's 1924 painting "Slave and Lion" is a significant work in his early career. It reflects his interest in social realism and humanitarian themes. The painting depicts a slave removing a thorn from a lion's paw, emphasizing compassion and gratitude between humans and animals. The symbolism of the lion as power and the slave as vulnerability suggests that kindness can transcend social barriers. Xu Beihong's style blends Western realism with Chinese ink painting techniques, reflecting his commitment to modernizing Chinese art while preserving its cultural roots. "Slave and Lion" exemplifies Xu Beihong's dedication to using art for social commentary and promoting humanitarian values.

For more information: please click to visit Christie's website

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The most valuable artworks by Yayoi Kusama

 Yayoi Kusama's most valuable artworks are typically from her "Infinity Nets" and "Pumpkin" series.

'I love pumpkins because of their humorous form, warm feeling, and a human-like quality.' —Yayoi Kusama

• Infinity Nets: These are large-scale canvases covered in meticulously painted nets or dots, representing Kusama's lifelong exploration of infinity and repetition.

• Pumpkins: The pumpkin motif holds personal significance for Kusama and has become an iconic symbol of her work. Sculptures and paintings featuring pumpkins often command high prices at auction.

Specific titles of highly valued works:

• Infinity Nets paintings from the early 1960s are particularly sought after.

• Pumpkin sculptures, especially large-scale ones in vibrant colors, are also highly valued.

It's important to note: The art market is dynamic, and prices can fluctuate. However, works from these series consistently rank among Kusama's most valuable pieces.

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Water Lilies, Claude Monet

• Artist: Claude Monet

• Year: 1914–1917

• Medium: Oil on canvas

• Dimensions: 200 cm × 200 cm (79 in × 79 in)

• Location: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City

Description:

Water Lilies is a series of approximately 250 oil paintings by French Impressionist painter Claude Monet. The paintings depict Monet's garden at Giverny, France, and are considered to be among his most famous works.

The paintings are characterized by their soft, dreamlike quality and their use of light and color. Monet often painted the same scene multiple times at different times of day or under different weather conditions, capturing the changing effects of light and atmosphere.

Water Lilies has been praised for its beauty and its innovative use of light and color. It is considered to be a masterpiece of Impressionism and one of the most important works of art of the late 19th century.

Estimated value:

The value of Water Lilies is difficult to estimate, as it has never been sold at auction. However, experts believe that it could fetch upwards of $100 million if it were to be put up for sale.

Photo ref: By Claude Monet - Metropolitan Museum of Art, CC BY-SA 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8947762

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Melting Pot: A Masterpiece by Madsaki

Melting Pot, 2017
Madsaki
Acrylic paint, aerosol on canvas
100 x 100 cm
Courtesy Perrotin

Madsaki's "Melting Pot" is a powerful and evocative artwork that explores themes of cultural identity, globalization, and the human condition. Created in 2017, the piece is a striking visual representation of the melting pot that is contemporary society.

The artwork features a melting face, rendered in a bold and expressive style. The face is composed of different colors and textures, symbolizing the diversity of cultures and identities that make up the global community. The melting effect conveys a sense of fluidity and impermanence, suggesting that identities are not fixed but rather constantly evolving and merging.

The title of the piece, "Melting Pot," is a reference to the metaphor often used to describe the United States as a nation of immigrants from many different backgrounds. However, Madsaki's artwork challenges the idea of the melting pot as a harmonious blend of cultures. Instead, it suggests that the process of assimilation can be messy, painful, and incomplete.

The melting face in "Melting Pot" is not a singular entity, but rather a composite of many different faces. This suggests that individual identities are not simply absorbed into a larger whole, but rather that they retain their own unique characteristics even as they interact and merge with others.

The artwork also raises questions about the impact of globalization on cultural identity. In a world where cultures are increasingly interconnected and interdependent, it can be difficult to maintain a sense of individual identity. "Melting Pot" suggests that the process of globalization can lead to a loss of cultural distinctiveness and a homogenization of identities.

Madsaki's "Melting Pot" is a complex and thought-provoking artwork that offers a nuanced perspective on the challenges and opportunities of living in a globalized world. It is a powerful reminder that identity is a fluid and evolving concept, and that the process of assimilation is never complete.

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Salvator Mundi by Leonardo da Vinci

Salvator Mundi
c. 1499-1510
Oil on walnut panel
45.7 x 65.7 cm

The "Salvator Mundi" is an enigmatic and controversial painting traditionally attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, although this attribution remains debated. The work depicts a half-length figure of Jesus Christ as the savior of the world, holding a transparent orb in his left hand and raising his right hand in a gesture of benediction.

The "Salvator Mundi" is believed to have been commissioned by King Louis XII of France in the early 16th century. It was subsequently owned by several prominent collectors before being rediscovered and restored in the 20th century. The painting gained international fame in 2017 when it sold at auction for a record-breaking $450.3 million, making it the most expensive painting ever sold (at the time of writing this blog).

The "Salvator Mundi" has been praised for its technical mastery, realism, and emotional intensity. However, its attribution to Leonardo da Vinci has been questioned by some art historians, who have raised concerns about its condition and possible overpainting. Regardless of the controversy, the "Salvator Mundi" remains one of the most iconic and valuable paintings in the world.

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Photo: By Leonardo da Vinci - Getty Images, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=64103353

Cafe Terrace at Night by Vincent van Gogh

Cafe Terrace at Night

• Artist: Vincent van Gogh

• Year: 1888

• Medium: Oil on canvas

• Dimensions: 81.4 cm × 65.5 cm (32.0 in × 25.8 in)

• Location: Kröller-Müller Museum, Otterlo, Netherlands

Description:

Cafe Terrace at Night is a painting by Vincent van Gogh, completed in September 1888 in Arles, France. It depicts a bustling cafe terrace on the Place du Forum in Arles, with a gas lantern in the foreground illuminating the scene. The painting is notable for its vibrant colors and bold brushstrokes, which convey the energy and excitement of the night life in Arles.

The painting is considered to be one of van Gogh's most famous works, and it has been reproduced and reinterpreted in numerous ways. It has been the subject of several films and television shows, and it has been used in advertising campaigns for products such as coffee and perfume.

Analysis:

Cafe Terrace at Night is a complex and multi-layered painting that can be interpreted in many ways. Some critics believe that the painting is a celebration of the beauty of the night and the energy of the city. Others believe that the painting is a commentary on the social and economic conditions of the working class in Arles.

The painting is also notable for its use of color and light. The vibrant colors and bold brushstrokes convey the energy and excitement of the night life in Arles. The gas lantern in the foreground illuminates the scene, creating a sense of depth and drama.

Cafe Terrace at Night is a powerful and evocative painting that has captivated audiences for over a century. It is a testament to van Gogh's genius and his ability to create art that is both beautiful and meaningful.

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Photo:

By Vincent van Gogh - picture taken and uploaded by Paul Hermans, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=54925778

The Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh

Vincent van Gogh, 1889
Oil on canvas
73.7 x 92.1 cm
Museum of Modern Art, New York

"The Starry Night" by Vincent van Gogh, painted in 1889, is a captivating artwork depicting a small village under a celestial spectacle. Van Gogh's unique style brings the night sky to life, creating a sense of harmony and wonder. The cypress tree serves as a visual bridge between the earthly and the divine. "The Starry Night" invites viewers to contemplate the vastness of the universe and the beauty of nature, reminding us of the power of art to transcend time and inspire generations.

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Photo: By Vincent van Gogh - bgEuwDxel93-Pg — Google Arts & Culture, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=25498286

The Scream by Edvard Munch in 1893

Edvard Munch, 1893,
The Scream,
oil, tempera and pastel on cardboard,
91 x 73 cm,
National Gallery of Norway

Edvard Munch's "The Scream" is a renowned painting symbolizing existential angst and despair. Created in 1893, it depicts a solitary, genderless figure with an agonized expression on a bridge beneath a blood-red sky. The painting reflects Munch's personal anxieties and encapsulates feelings of isolation, vulnerability, and life's challenges. "The Scream" evokes universal emotions of fear, anxiety, and despair, transcending cultural and linguistic boundaries.

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Photo: By Edvard Munch - National Gallery of Norway 8 January 2019 (upload date) by Coldcreation, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=69541493

Damien Hirst's Mickey (Blue Glitter) + Minnie (Pink Glitter) Set of 2 (Framed)

Damien Hirst's Mickey (Blue Glitter) + Minnie (Pink Glitter) Set of 2 (Framed) is a unique combination of two of the most iconic characters in American pop culture. The set features two framed prints, each depicting one of the beloved Disney characters. Mickey Mouse is rendered in blue glitter, while Minnie Mouse is depicted in pink glitter. The prints are framed in black and white, respectively, creating a striking contrast that draws the viewer's eye.

Artist: Damien Hirst 

Title: Damien Hirst - Mickey (Blue Glitter) + Minnie (Pink Glitter) Set of 2 (Framed)

Year: 2016

Edition: 250, numbered and signed on the left bottom corner of print

Size: 87.5 × 70 cm

Medium: Silkscreen print with glitter

The Mickey and Minnie prints are part of Hirst's larger body of work that explores the themes of childhood, innocence, and nostalgia. Hirst is known for his use of everyday objects and materials in his art, and the Mickey and Minnie prints are no exception. The use of glitter adds a playful and whimsical touch to the prints.

Mickey and Minnie are two of the most recognizable characters in the world, and Hirst's prints capture their enduring appeal. The prints are a celebration of childhood, innocence, and the power of pop culture. They are also a reminder of the importance of play and imagination in our lives.

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Girl before a Mirror by Pablo Picasso: A Masterpiece of Cubism

Pablo Picasso's "Girl before a Mirror" is a groundbreaking work of art that revolutionized the art world with its innovative use of Cubism. Created in 1932, this painting depicts a young woman seated in front of a mirror, her reflection fragmented and distorted into multiple planes and angles.

Pablo Picasso
1932
Oil on canvas
162.3 x 130.2 cm
Location: Museum of Modern Art, New York

The painting is a masterful exploration of identity, self-awareness, and the complex relationship between the inner and outer self. Picasso deconstructs the traditional representation of the human form, presenting the woman's face and body from multiple perspectives simultaneously. This fragmentation challenges the viewer's perception of reality and invites a deeper contemplation of the nature of existence.

The use of Cubism in "Girl before a Mirror" is not merely a technical exercise but a profound reflection on the fragmented and multifaceted nature of human consciousness. Picasso breaks down the woman's figure into geometric shapes and planes, creating a sense of disorientation and psychological tension. The mirror, a symbol of self-reflection, becomes a portal into the woman's inner world, revealing her complex emotions and thoughts.

Through the fragmented and distorted depiction of the woman's face, Picasso explores the concept of multiple identities and the fluidity of the self. The woman's reflection in the mirror is not a straightforward representation but rather a fragmented and distorted version of her true self. This suggests that our perception of ourselves and others is often fragmented and incomplete, influenced by our subjective experiences and biases.

"Girl before a Mirror" stands as a testament to Picasso's artistic genius and his profound understanding of the human condition. It is a masterpiece that continues to inspire and challenge viewers, inviting them to confront their own identities and explore the complex relationship between the inner and outer self.

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The $12 Million Stuffed Shark: An Icon of Contemporary Art

 The $12 Million Stuffed Shark: An Icon of Contemporary Art

In 1991, British artist Damien Hirst created a controversial artwork titled "The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living." The piece, which consists of a 14-foot tiger shark preserved in formaldehyde and suspended in a glass tank, sold for a record-breaking $12 million at a Sotheby's auction in 2004.

The shark, which Hirst purchased for just £6,000, has become one of the most iconic and recognizable works of contemporary art. It has been exhibited in museums and galleries around the world, and has been the subject of much debate and controversy.

Some critics have praised the work as a powerful and thought-provoking statement about the fragility of life and the inevitability of death. Others have condemned it as a tasteless and exploitative spectacle.

Regardless of one's personal opinion of the work, there is no doubt that it has had a profound impact on the art world. It has helped to redefine what is considered to be art, and it has challenged traditional notions of beauty and value.

The $12 million stuffed shark is a reminder that art can be many things: beautiful, ugly, shocking, thought-provoking, and even controversial. It is a testament to the power of art to provoke emotions and to spark dialogue.

Here are some interesting facts about the $12 million stuffed shark:

• The shark was caught off the coast of Australia in 1991.

• It took Hirst and his team of assistants two weeks to preserve the shark in formaldehyde.

• The glass tank that holds the shark contains 10,000 liters of formaldehyde.

• The work has been exhibited in museums and galleries around the world, including the Tate Modern in London, the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao.

• The work has been the subject of much debate and controversy, with some critics praising it as a powerful and thought-provoking statement about the fragility of life and the inevitability of death, while others have condemned it as a tasteless and exploitative spectacle.

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Red Pumpkin by Yayoi Kusama

Red Pumpkin
Naoshima, 2019
Painted cast resin sculpture
3 1/2 × 5 1/2 × 5 1/2 in | 8.9 × 14 × 14 cm

In the picturesque realm of Yayoi Kusama's artistic universe, where imagination and reality converge, stands a mesmerizing masterpiece—Red Pumpkin Naoshima. Created in 2019, this captivating sculpture embodies Kusama's signature style, blending vibrant colors, organic forms, and immersive installations. As we delve into the essence of Red Pumpkin Naoshima, we embark on a journey that transcends the boundaries of art and invites us to explore the depths of our own perceptions.

At first glance, Red Pumpkin Naoshima appears as a colossal sphere, its surface adorned with a vibrant crimson hue that commands attention. The pumpkin form, a recurring motif in Kusama's work, symbolizes growth, abundance, and the mysteries of nature. Its immense size, towering over the surrounding landscape, evokes a sense of awe and wonder, drawing the viewer into a surreal and dreamlike realm.

The color red, a powerful and emotive shade, holds a significant place in Kusama's artistic vocabulary. It represents life, passion, and the intensity of human emotions. In Red Pumpkin Naoshima, the radiant red hue envelops the entire sculpture, creating a captivating visual experience. The polished surface of the pumpkin reflects the surrounding light, casting a warm glow that transforms the artwork into a mesmerizing beacon.

Beyond its striking visual presence, Red Pumpkin Naoshima invites viewers to engage with the artwork on a deeper level. Kusama's sculptures often explore themes of infinity, self-obliteration, and the interconnectedness of all things. The spherical form of the pumpkin, with its smooth and seamless surface, suggests a sense of completeness and unity. It invites us to contemplate the cyclical nature of life and the universe, where endings and beginnings are inextricably intertwined.

The installation of Red Pumpkin Naoshima on the picturesque island of Naoshima further enhances its impact. Situated on a grassy knoll overlooking the serene Seto Inland Sea, the sculpture harmonizes with the natural surroundings. The contrast between the vibrant red of the pumpkin and the tranquil blue of the sea creates a striking juxtaposition, inviting viewers to reflect on the relationship between humanity and nature.

Red Pumpkin Naoshima is not merely an object to be observed from a distance. Kusama encourages viewers to interact with her artwork, to touch, climb, and immerse themselves in the experience. By doing so, we become co-creators, actively participating in the artistic process. Kusama's installations challenge traditional notions of spectatorship, blurring the boundaries between art and life.

As we contemplate Red Pumpkin Naoshima, we are reminded of the boundless power of imagination and the transformative nature of art. Yayoi Kusama's masterpiece transcends cultural and linguistic barriers, inviting viewers from all walks of life to embark on a journey of self-discovery and wonder. Red Pumpkin Naoshima stands as a testament to Kusama's artistic genius, a testament to the enduring allure of her vision.

The Naoshima Red Pumpkin (Painted case resin) is available for purchase on many channels, including Sotheby's and Artsy.

The fun part of art - Edward Kienholz For $132, The Museum of Modern Art, New York

I do not believe any buyer is immune from feeling pleased to find out that what he or she bought for what seemed a lot at the time is later worth multiples of their purchase price. For a true collector, however, that should be a bonus on top of the excitement and joy of looking for, looking at, and owning art, not the raison d'être.

In the 1960 more than a few artists made fun of the burgeoning art-investment fever, Where are they now that we really need them? California sculptor Edward Kienholz made watercolor drawings with the price prominently stamped across their face. These were signed and dated but also certified by him with a visible fingerprint. The first buyers paid the face amount. Other drawings spelled out commodities (One Dozen Eggs), and the first owners paid the artist, directly, with that commodity for that drawing.

Edward Kienholz
For $132, 1969
Watercolor and stamped ink on paper in metal frame
12 1/4 x 16 1/4 x 1/2 in.
(31.1 x 41.3 x 1.3 cm)
The Museum of Modern Art, New York.  The Judith Rothchild Foundation Contemporary Drawings Collection Gift (purchase, and gift, in part, of The Eileen and Michael Cohen Collection)

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Ref: The Value of Art, Michael Findlay

Damien Hirst's work of art, the Beautiful Mickey, at Phillips Auctions

 Damien Hirst, Beautiful Mickey

Damien Hirst
Beautiful Mickey
2015
Screenprint in colors, on wove paper, with full margins.
diameter I. 49 1/4 in. (124.5 cm)
S. 53 1/2 x 53 3/8 in. (135.9 x 135.6 cm)
Signed and numbered 17/50 in pencil (there were also 5 artist's proofs), published by Other Criteria,
London (with their blindstamp), framed.
Photo: Courtesy of Phillips Auctions

There is no other contemporary artist as maverick to the art market as Damien Hirst. Foremost among the Young British Artists (YBAs), a group of provocative artists who graduated from Goldsmiths, University of London in the late 1980s, Hirst ascended to stardom by making objects that shocked and appalled, and that possessed conceptual depth in both profound and prankish ways.

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China Guardian Hong Kong August Auction - To Youth: Asian 20th Century and Contemporary Art

Yayaoi Kusama's works of art, including Infinity Net, Pumpkin with polka dots appeared in China Guardian Hong Kong Auction 2020 “To Youth: Asian 20th Century and Contemporary Art”.  The auction was completed with outstanding results following the success of the auction house's July Auction, comprising of 79 works amassing a sale total of HK$ 7.75 million, doubling pre-sale estimates, with 94% sold by lot, 100% sold by value and 54% lots sold exceeding estimates. 

草間彌生 作品包括兩件重點拍品《無限網》及《無題》於中國嘉德香港八月拍 「青春有你:亞洲二十世紀及當代藝術」專場亮相。是次拍賣中， 79 件拍品總成交 775 萬,超越拍前估價 2 倍,繼七月瓷器專拍後再創佳績。整 體成交率出眾,件數及金額成交率分別為 94 %及 100%,當中更有 54%拍品逾高估價成交。 

Yayoi Kusama Infinity Nets

Painted in 1993 Acrylic on canvas 

15.8 x 22.7 cm

HK$ 1,888,000 / US$ 242,051

*World Auction Record for a Same-size Infinity Nets Series* 

Courtesy of China Guardian

Six works by Yayoi Kusama all sold; two important works of Yayoi Kusama Infinity Nets and Untitled, sold for HK$1,888,000 / US$ 242,051 and HK$ 885,000 / US$ 113,462 respectively; the former setting a world auction record as the most expensive same-sized Infinity Nets series by the artist.

草間彌生 6 件作品, 悉數成交; 當中兩件重點拍品《無題》及《無限網》表現強勁, 分別以 88.5 萬港元及 188.8 萬港元成交, 其中《無限網》創藝術家同系列、同尺幅之 世界拍賣紀錄。

Yayoi Kusama

Untitled

Executed in 1985 Mixed media sculpture

11.5 x 10.3 x 10.3 cm. HK$ 885,000 / US$ 113,462 

Courtesy of China Guardian

Yayoi Kusama

Shanghai Pumpkin

Executed in 2010

53.5 x 45 cm. (Image); 76 x 56 cm. (Sheet); Edition: 156/200

HK$ 413,000 / US$ 52,949

Courtesy of China Guardian

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Pablo Picasso's Head of a Woman 1921 pastels have a story to tell - 'freshness' in the market can determine the value of art

Pablo Picasso
Head of a Woman, 1921
Pastel on gray paper
65 x 50 cm
Private Collection
Fig. 1

In 1921, at Fontainebleau,  Picasso made five very similar portraits of a woman's head,  probably inspired by his then-wife Olga.  Each is a pastel on paper, measures 25 by 20 inches, and is predominantly blue in colour.  

In  April 1989 Christie's auctioned the first of two of Picasso's Olga pastels (Fig 1 and Fig 2. colour deviated from the originals).  Equal in quality, provenance, and condition, each came to auction for different reasons.  The price paid for the first was £3.52 million ($5,985,380).  

The next one appeared just seven months later in November. It was one of the stars of the much-publicized sale of a diverse, high-quality collection belonging to the legendary film director Billy Wilder.  Wilder's Head of a Woman (1921) sold for a million dollars less, $4.8 million.  Almost exactly five years later, in 1994, the buyer put Wilder's pastel back into auction, this time at Christie's in London, and it sold for only $3,266,950.  

Pablo Picasso 
Head of a Woman, 1921
Pastel on paper
(64.8 x 50.5 cm)
Private Collection
Fig.2

The differential between the second and the third price for Wilder's Picasso is easily understood because the market dropped precipitously in 1991.  By 1994 it was still in very early recovery; and coming back to auction after five years, Wilder's Picasso was not considered as fresh to the market as it had been after spending decades in the movie director's home. 

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Yayoi Kusama's Obliteration Room - a visually memorable participatory art

Yayoi Kusama's Obliteration Room

 

A must-see participatory art space, Artist Yayoi Kusama's interactive Obliteration Room begins as an entirely white space, furnished as a monochrome living room, which people are then invited to 'obliterate' with multi-coloured stickers.  

藝術家草間彌生（Yayoi Kusama）的互動式藝術間，名為 Obliteration Room (中譯：散室） 起初是一個完全單白色的客廳空間，然後邀請參觀人士可用大小不同的顏色圓形貼紙，自由貼在客廳空間任何一個角落。

At the start of the exhibtion, this room was completely white – white ceiling, white floor, white walls, white furniture. People come in, they are given a sheet of coloured stickers in different sizes, which have been produced specially for the project and in accordance with the artist’s specifications; her choice of colour, her choice of finish, and her choice of size. And then everybody is invited to place the stickers anywhere they like in the room, according to any pattern, any idea they have, anything they like they can do with the stickers.

展覽開始時，這個房間是完全白色的-白色天花板，白色地板，白色牆壁，白色家具。人們進來時，會得到一張不同大小的彩色貼紙，這些貼紙是專門為該項目製作的，並且符合藝術家的規格，如她對顏色的選擇，對貼紙表面處理的選擇，以及對尺寸的選擇。然後邀請所有參觀者按照他們任何的想法和喜歡在房間中的任何位置，將貼紙貼上。

The photos below depicting the process of evolution of the Obliteration Room at The Queensland Art Gallery of Modern Art, from a whitewashed interior transformed into a visually memorable den with traces of vibrant coloured polka dots in sizes freely displayed all over:-

下面的照片描繪了昆士蘭現代藝術畫廊展出的 Obliteration Room（散室）演變過程，從白色的斗室演變成了一所視覺上令人難忘的書房，滿活佈活力的彩色圓點：-

Here is a time-lapse video showing one of the Yayoi Kusama's Obliteration Rooms exhibited at the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art and the visitors' genuine participation in the making of the communal work of art.

以下是一段延時錄像，記錄了在丹麥 Louisiana Museum of Modern Art (路易斯安那現代藝術博物館展) 展出草間彌生彌的其中一所 Obilteration Room (散室)，參觀者親身參與製作這項共創藝術空間。

Please click here, if your browser cannot view the video.  如你的觀看不到這短片，請按這觀看。

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Pablo Picasso's Family of Saltimbanques, 1905

Pablo Picasso's Family of Saltimbanques

Pablo Picasso
Family of Saltimbanques, 1905
Oil on Canvas
212.8 cm × 229.6 cm (​83 ³⁄₄ in × ​90 ³⁄₈ in)
Chestor Dale Collection, National Gallery of Washington D.C.

巴勃羅·畢加索（Pablo Picasso）在1904年至1906年初之間探索馬戲團主題時，畫了《Family of Saltimbanque》(譯：迴演馬戲團表演家庭）。當時，他經常到蒙馬特（Montmatre）的馬戲團（Cirque Medrano）。這件藝術品描繪了在塃野中的六個巡迴演出的馬戲團表演者。 《Family of Saltimbanque》(譯：迴演馬戲團表演家庭）被視為畢加索玫瑰時期或馬戲團時期的傑作。 該組合將六位迴演表演者組合在一起。但是，由於彼此不看對方，他們似乎斷開了聯繫。一些評論家認為，《Family of Saltimbanque》(譯：迴演馬戲團表演家庭）是畢加索及其圈子的集體肖像，象徵著貧窮，獨立和孤立。 

在1904年，一位年輕法國金融家 Andre Level 成立了藝術品投資公司。他故意諷刺地以 La Fontaine 的寓言來命名為 La Peau de l'Ours（在該寓言中，獵人出售一隻大熊的毛皮，但大熊從沒有被捉拿到 - 這正正是一個投機的警告。該投資購買了不為公眾所熟悉的高更 （Gaugiun）和莫奈 （Monet）等藝術家，以及一些完全未有人認識的畫家包括畢加索的作品，總共150幅畫作。十年後於1914年，這巨形大的畫作 《Family of Saltimbanque》(譯：迴演馬戲團表演家庭）成為拍賣焦點之一。現在，它在華盛頓特區的國家藝術博物館展出。

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Family of Saltimbanques was painted by Pablo Picasso between Year 1904 to early 1906, when he explored the circus theme. He often attended Cirque Medrano in Montmatre. This work of art depicts six saltimbanques, who are itinerant circus performers, in wilderness. Family of Saltimbanques is considered the master piece in Picasso's Rose Period or called the Circus Period.

The composition groups the saltimbanques together. However, they seem disconnected as they do not look at one another. Critics have suggested Family of Saltimbanques is a covert group portrait of Picasso and his circle, symbolized poor, independent and isolated.

In 1904, a young French financier, Andre Level, form an art investment fun.  He named, with intentional irony, La Peau de l'Ours, after a fable by La Fontaine in which hunters sell the skin of a great bear but were unable to catch it - a warning about speculation.  The group bought works by artists such as Gaugiun and Monet, who were still unfamiliar to many members of the public, as well as complete unknowns like Picasso, a total of 150 paintings.  Ten years later, in 1914, the huge painting Family of Saltimbanques was one of the focuses at an auction.  Now it is at the National Museum of Art in Washington, D.C.

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Irises, 1889 by Vincent van Gogh at Getty Museum

Irises, 1889 - Vincent van Gogh

A work of art sometimes not only can be a visual delight to its viewers, but it can also be a treasure chest filled with intriguing stories of fluctuating emotional highs and lows and return on investment.

Irises, 1889, by Vincent van Gogh was one of the Iris series of paintings van Gogh made within the first week of his entering the Saint Paul-de-Mausole asylum in Saint Remy de Provence, France, in the last year before his death in 1890.

Irises was probably influenced by Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock prints. The cropped composition, divided into broad areas of vivid colour with the flower overflowing the canvas borders. van Gogh carefully studied the movements and shapes of the irises in the garden of the asylum to create variety of curved silhouettes. The strong outlines and unusual angles involving close up views and flattish local colour, that clearly not modelled according to the fall of light, make the Irises a painting full of softness and lightness. It is full of life, but with tragedy.

Vincent van Gogh (Dutch, 1853 - 1890)
Irises, 1889,
Oil on canvas
71 x 93 cm

Irises was first bought by Julien Tanguy who is a paint grinder and art dealer. In 1892, Tanguy sold Irises to Octave Mirbeau, who was art critic and anarchist, for 300 frances. Some auction houses are enthusiastic about offering guarantees for top-quality works, especially in the two major sale categories of "Impressionist and Modern Art" and "Contemporary Art", in a strong market. In 1987, one of the internationally renowned auction houses went into an agreement with the Australian collector Allan Bond, which provided that the auction house would lend Bond the money to bid successfully for "Irises by Vincent van Gogh". Bond's successful bid was US$53.9 million. At the point in time, "Irises by Vincent van Gogh" became the most ever sold painting, a record that last for two and a half years. However, Bond was unable to pay for it and so never took possession of the work, which subsequently was sold to the J Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles for an undisclosed price in 1990.


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