A large abstract painting by Gerhard Richter

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

On October 19, Christie's holds in London its sale of postwar and contemporary art, and of course works of high quality are announced.

The size of the artwork and the reputation of the artist are fundamental values of contemporary art. We shall therefore particularly note a monumental abstract painting by Gerhard Richter, 311 x 406 cm, entitled Claudius, and assumed to represent the forces of chaos. Painted in large strokes of brilliant colors (red, yellow, white) on a dark background, this oil on linen is dating from 1986.

Richter's work is remarkably varied: it ranges from abstract to contemporary figurative subjects, and very high prices are regularly recorded in all categories. In New York, two abstract paintings have already been around $ 15 million, one at Christie's on May 13 (250 x 400 cm, 1987), the other at Sotheby's the following day (200 x 180 cm, 1990).

For the painting coming on October 19, Christie's announced that the price could be in the range of £ 6 million. However the catalog, at number 22, said that the estimate is available upon request. The beautiful Fine de Dio of Fontana that remained unsold on June 30 in the same room had been presented in a similar manner. This could be a sign that the seller wants it more expensive, but that Christie's will not deter buyers by announcing a too high price.

(Another Fine di Dio is one of the highlights of the sale of 19 October, I'll include it at least in my weekly preview).

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

Despite its size and importance, the abstract painting of Richter has not been sold.

However the Fine di Dio by Fontana announced at the end of my article went to an interesting price: £ 9 million charge included.

[Marta Melniczuk]

Thanks for letting me read your article, I am great fan of Richter, I have seen his great mountain pictures at Salzburg and also abstract ones, cheers Marta

[LeeRicey]

oil painting has a long history/

Different sizes and models of oil paintings have different prices.

More oil painting showing, here pls: http://www.art-ych.com