Auction in Munich: Lost Paintings Sold for 15 Million Euros
In a stunning turn of events, a long-lost oil painting by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, titled „Dance in the Vaudeville,“ was auctioned off for nearly 7 million euros at the Ketterer auction house in Munich, Germany. This painting, thought to be lost for decades, was sold for a record-breaking price, although it was not the most expensive piece at the auction.
The painting, created in 1911, was originally estimated to sell for between two to three million euros but ended up fetching an impressive 6,958,000 euros. This sale marks a significant moment in the art world as the whereabouts of the painting had remained a mystery for over 80 years. It was revealed that the painting had been held in a private collection in Baden-Württemberg all this time.
Another highlight of the auction was a painting by Alexej von Jawlensky, a member of the „Blue Rider“ group, titled „The Spanish Dancer,“ which sold for over 8.3 million euros. This masterpiece, considered a key work by the artist, had been in private ownership for more than 90 years. The estimated price before the auction ranged from seven to 10 million euros.
The painting is said to depict Jawlensky’s lover and future wife, Helene, when she worked as a nanny for him and his then-partner, the painter Marianne von Werefkin. Their complex relationship was reflected in the artwork, adding another layer of intrigue to this valuable piece.
In conclusion, the recent auction in Munich has brought to light the rediscovery of long-lost masterpieces, shedding new light on the works of renowned artists such as Ernst Ludwig Kirchner and Alexej von Jawlensky. The record-breaking prices achieved for these paintings underscore the enduring allure and value of fine art in today’s market.
